Flaxseed contains estrogenlike compounds, making it a candidate for hot flash relief. But so far, the data are mixed, reports Anahad O’Connor in today’s “Really?” column.
In one study at the Mayo Clinic, researchers looked at the effectiveness of flaxseed by recruiting a group of 30 women who had been having more than a dozen hot flashes per week and were not taking estrogen. For the first week, the women were simply told to keep diaries detailing their hot flashes and quality of life. Then, they were given ground flaxseed and told to mix two tablespoons into juice, yogurt or fruit twice a day for six weeks.
At the end of the study, the women reported a drop in the frequency and intensity of their hot flashes. But many experienced bloating and other gastrointestinal side effects.
But other research has not been as promising, and the verdict on flaxseed is still out. Read the full report, “The Claim: Eating Flaxseed Can Help Relieve Hot Flashes,” and then please join the discussion below.
0 comments:
Post a Comment