Flaxseed soup may not sound particularly appetizing, but it is actually a delicious way to ease constipation. Its gut soothing properties stabilize the digestive environment and ease stress on the digestive system. This effect, among others, makes flax seed a notable food that is highly useful in the adrenal fatigue recovery process.
Note: This recipe may help digestive issues such as acid reflux.
Make the soup early in the day and divide into three portions. Store in the refrigerator and eat before meals or in the evening. Omit whey powder if you have trouble with digestion.
Flax was one of the first crops to be domestically cultivated, as far back as 10,000 B.C. by some estimates. From the early days of its cultivation, people recognized its value both in household use and as a dietary staple.
Flax is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Even more interesting, however, is that it is exceptionally high in a specific type of soluble fiber known as mucilage. Mucilage is a type of fiber that gels in water. It regulates the rate at which food is emptied into the small intestine, maximizing nutrient absorption. Mucilage is especially soothing for the digestive tract. Reduction of digestive stress and improving nutrient absorption are two strong effects which make the road to adrenal fatigue recovery smoother and easier.
Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha linoleic acid (ALA). You probably know that oily fish is one of the best sources of these compounds, but in the world of plant-based foods, you’re not going to find a better source than flaxseed. This makes flaxseed an excellent alternative for those who are allergic or sensitive to seafood. ALA helps protect the lining of the digestive tract and can reduce gut inflammation. This is especially salient to the adrenal fatigue diet since adrenal fatigue often worsens or triggers hidden allergies and sensitivities, including shellfish and seafood.
Flaxseed also contains B vitamins which, combined with the ALA, can promote healthy skin and hair by reducing dryness and flaking. This can help reduce symptoms of some skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and rosacea.
One of the most important aspects of flaxseed in recovering from adrenal fatigue is that it is gluten-free. Even in those who do not suffer from celiac disease, an autoimmune problem where gluten damages the lining of the small intestine, gluten-rich foods tend to trigger an immune response and increase inflammation in the body. This is particularly pronounced in those with adrenal fatigue as the inflammatory stress reaction is already dysregulated and on a hair trigger. Flaxseed does not cause inflammation, and the ALA actually reduces inflammation throughout the body. Flaxseed can also be used as an alternative to grains in cooking and can be used with coconut flour in baking.
Flax seeds are also high in lignans, fiber-related polyphenol antioxidants. Polyphenols promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and can also reduce yeast. Lignans have been shown to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help you fight illness. The lignans in flaxseed also have estrogenic properties. This can help lower the risk of osteoporosis and regulate hormones.
