Flax Linseed

Avoid Flax

Recent clinical trials results show flaxseed (linseed) does not help hot flashes. From our own experiences living in bodies with cystic organs many of us have discovered flax increases liver cyst growth. From the CRISP study, over 98% of participants imaged with PKD had liver cysts. Researchers said that this number is likely closer to 100%. Near to 100% of individuals with PKD have liver cysts. These may not develop into the severe form of PLD, but why take the chance with flax supplements when there are so many other supplements out there for increasing omega 3's and essential fatty acids? A few are: chia seed oil capsules, hemp seed oil capsules, and the leafy green called purslane.

Flax was not meant to be eaten. Non-food farming methods allow the use of numerous chemicals beyond what is used on food crops. Many of these chemicals impregnated flaxseed perhaps allowing it to become what is known as a super-xenoestrogen or a food that in combination with other things mutates and becomes a really strong estrogen disruptor, much stronger than either component alone, creating a super false hormone that then the body takes in and utilizes as if it was real hormone. It was used for cloth, for paper and more. As farmers growing flax they were allowed to spray on flax all kinds of harmful sprays, chemicals, herbicides, pesticides. Farmers are limited to the chemicals allowed on food plants. As a result flax has become what is known as a super endocrine disruptor, that is through the years it has chemically changed incorporating the chemicals into its DNA.

Commercial farms are allowed to use many more pesticides and herbicides on non-food crops. Pesticides and herbicides have leached into flaxseed joining together with flax creating a super xenoestrogen. Contrary to what animal research may have shown, recent clinical trials reveal that post menopausal women when given phytoestrogens such as soy, flax, black cohosh, they had an increase in their menopausal symptoms rather than the expected decrease in hot flashes.

Liver cysts have hormone receptors attached to their cell wall. In this way hormones , false hormones, endocrine disruptors all can contribute to liver cyst to grow.

I have tried flax in all its forms. I was told it would be really good for my PLD; I experienced a deep liver ache and growth. Flax or linseed is not a food product. It is used to make flax, a cloth. Linseed has been used as a chemical in paint binders, mixed with putty, a wood filler, and in linoleum.

Flax Increases Vascularity

"Breast cancer is on the rise, seen in younger and younger age groups due to the rise in environmental estrogens found in our food, water, air and household products. Soy, flax and bio-identical products contain Phytoestrogens.When estrogen becomes dominate in the system, it creates a hormonal imbalance, often seen as PMS and symptoms of menopause, along with an increased risk for breast cancer. Estrogens, as well as Phytoestrogens, cause breast cells to grow rapidly, so if there is a cancer cell present, it has the possibility of being stimulated as well."

"We recently conducted a pilot study to prove that flax, which contains Phytoestrogens, would increase breast cell stimulation, or vascularity, thus putting the breast at risk. It was challenging to find a subject who was relatively balanced to proceed with the study. The study was to last for six months. Due to the fact that we added an exogenous (outside the body) estrogen, flax, to a relatively hormonally stable system, the subject had such adverse side effects she refused to continue. Her side effects are similar to those caused by the synthetic estrogens found in birth control pills: severe mood swings, breast tenderness, weight gain around the abdomen and severe cramps. As seen in the accompanying images, six weeks was enough time to prove that flax, which contains Phytoestrogens, increases vascularity in the breasts, thus increasing risk."

Essential Fatty Acids

Hempseed oil capsules, purslane, and chia seeds all contain essential fatty acids and have similar benefits to flax without increasing PLD liver size or causing liver aches.

Hempseed

Hemp is a better alternative. Organic capsules are available from Manitoba Harvest.