Question About Fiber/Flaxseed

Okay, I have been reading a lot of discussion about fiber and constipation, and different products to try.  Let me give quick summary.  Was bulemic years ago (laxative abuser), then suffered with IBS and was put on med. for a while.  I was always told to use Metamucil(for extra fiber) and colace.  Long story short, got tired of taking both, so didn't take anything for a while.  IBS seemed to get better until recently.  Now constipation/diarhea seem to be symptom I am dealing with regularly due to this cyst.  My mom told me to take flaxseed daily which I have been doing.  I add it to my cereal each morning.  However, I read something negative about flaxseed recently (can't remember what...)in regards to ovca.  Does anyone have any feedback on this subject?

[Raynbow]

Did a search and found this on a Massachusetts General Hospital website called healthgate.partners.org in the Learning Library on menopause treatments (of all places!).....Here is what I copied:
Flaxseed
Similar to soy, flaxseed contains phytoestrogens and other compounds that can help relieve symptoms of menopause and reduce risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. Flaxseed also contains substances called lignins, which may protect against cancer. Flaxseed can be purchased at a health food or natural food store and must be refrigerated and ground before eating (use a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle.) Once ground, flaxseed is good for 24 hours. Try sprinkling ground flaxseed on cereal or salad, mixing it with yogurt, or blending it with a soy shake.

That's all I know, hope it helps.
Take Care,
(((Raynbow

[Gatsby]

You are supposed to grind it?  Great, now I won't have to pick the flaxseed out of my teeth.  btw, what happens if you don't grind it (the flaxseed)?!?
~Tascha

[Gatsby]

Oh great, what a waste!!(ha ha, bad joke)  Well, I have only just started with the flaxseed and I do have a coffee grinder.  Thanks for the heads up!
~Tascha

[cip]

Hi  I have also read that flaxseed is contraindicated for estrogen based cancers. I have a friend who is a breast cancer survivor and a health food nut and she will NOT use flax seed.I would consult with a doc who is conversant in natural medicine, if I wanted to be certain.....

[Raynbow]

Well, I've read that if it's not ground, then you just pass it through your body...heehee.. Kinda' like corn, I reckon!
Here is a site with alot of info: http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/flaxseed.htm

c-ya,
(((Raynbow

[Cookingwoman]

You also have to be careful of too much soy intake, which is also contraindicated for estrogen-based cancers. Go easy on the tofu and the Silk.