Great sharing everyone! Josie, Health Educator

Wow Misty Thanks for all the great info. I haven't done any research into it yet so this is a tremendous help. Have a wonderful day! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]11/12/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 62 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 930 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $775.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 8 [B]Mins:[/B] 21 [B]Seconds:[/B] 46

Well, i've spent the majority of my morning reading at the worlds healthiest food site, so I went ahead and looked up flax. From the sounds of it, it's not quite as benneficial to me because i'm diabetic, but it's still a very good thing: "Flaxseeds are rich in alpha linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat that is a precursor to the form of omega-3 found in fish oils called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. Since the fats are found in their isolated form in flaxseed oil, it is a more concentrated source of ALA than the seeds themselves (although it doesn't have the other nutrients that the seeds do). ALA, in addition to providing several beneficial effects of its own, can be converted in the body to EPA, thus providing EPA's beneficial effects. For this conversion to readily take place, however, depends on the presence and activity of an enzyme called delta-6-destaurase, which, in some individuals, is less available or less active than in others. In addition, delta-6-desaturase function is inhibited in diabetes and by the consumption of saturated fat and alcohol. For these reasons, higher amounts of ALA-rich flaxseeds or its oil must be consumed to provide the same benefits as the omega-3 fats found in the oil of cold-water fish. " "Alpha linolenic acid, the omega-3 fat found in flaxseed and walnuts, promotes bone health by helping to prevent excessive bone turnover-when consumption of foods rich in this omega-3 fat results in a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the diet.(Griel AE, Kris-Etherton PM, et al. Nutrition Journal) " "Omega-3 fats are used to produce substances that reduce the formation of blood clots, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease. Omega-3 fats are also needed to produce flexible cell membranes. Cell membranes are the cell's gatekeepers, allowing in needed nutrients while promoting the elimination of wastes. While important for everyone, flexible cell membranes are critical for persons with diabetes since flexible cell membranes are much better able to respond to insulin and to absorb glucose than the stiff membranes that result when the diet is high in saturated and/or hydrogenated (trans-) fats. In the colon, omega-3 fats help protect colon cells from cancer-causing toxins and free radicals, leading to a reduced risk for colon cancer. " "In a study involving 40 patients with high cholesterol (greater than 240 mg/dL), daily consumption of 20 grams of ground flaxseed was compared to taking a statin drug. After 60 days, significant reductions were seen in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol-in both groups. Those receiving flaxseed did just as well as those given statin drugs!" There's much more there, including prostate health, post menopausal health, and even dry eyes! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/17/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 544 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 40,800 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $10,200.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 48 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 32 [B]Seconds:[/B] 52

Thanks for the input Misty it has encouraged me to start using it again. Nice to hear that you incorporate it into what you give your dog, nothing like a healthy pet to love. Thanks for letting me know that it is mainly used for cholesterol but I'm sure it probably has other health benefits. Have a super day! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]11/12/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 60 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 900 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $750.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 55 [B]Seconds:[/B] 6

Hey Freedom - I use it as well - for cholesterol. A man I knew from Utah used to swear by it and my hceck up last week was BAAAD! My choleserol and triglicerides are in the red zone and I had to ask for another 3 months to see if I could get it going in the right direction before being put on more meds. :( Anyhow, I really like the flavor of Flax. It's kind of nutty, and I enjoy whole grains, nuts, and seeds anyhow. I grind whole seads in my coffee grinder fresh each morning and try to get 2-3 tablespoons in each day. I put it on my cereal, or sprinkle it on my toast mostly. As a side note, i've been giving it to my elderly dog as well. Just sprinkling it on her food and mixing it in with her egg. The natural canned dog foods i've seen all have flax in them, and I have never given her canned foods, but am doing this instead. I don't know what health bennefits it has for dogs other than making their coat shiney, but I figure a dog with a nice healthy coat can't be in too bad of health, eh? [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/17/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 543 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 40,725 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $10,181.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 48 [B]Hrs:[/B] 10 [B]Mins:[/B] 19 [B]Seconds:[/B] 32

Hi Moss, How do you use it or in what way. I would be interested in finding a good way to incorporate it into my daily routine. Thanks in advance for your input. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]11/12/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 59 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 885 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $737.50 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 2 [B]Seconds:[/B] 1

Hey Freedom, Mostly for general health but I'm using it for cholesterol as well. Some people with high cholesterol swear by it. I have lowered mine to an acceptable number without using any prescription drugs, only natural products so far. And I am told by the doc that stopping smoking should help improve the good cholesterol and triglycerides. I will see on my next check-up. Glad you are doing well. Talk to you soon. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]11/19/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 52 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 780 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $175.50 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 8 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 41 [B]Seconds:[/B] 26

Hi Moss--just wondering what you use it for? I was using it for severe acid reflux and heartburn but have found that I haven't needed it the last few months, even after quitting. I think I might start crushing it up and putting it in my yogurt each day just for general health. Glad you found the link. Hope all else is good for you, and have a wonderful day. Hi Goofy--It really should only take another day or two to notice a decline in your heartburn. I find crushing it up into a fine powder almost seems to work the fastest. I have never tried doing anything with the whole seed. Keep me posted on your results as this was a natural remedy that my mom made me try and it worked amazing but I don't want to be giving advice or preach something that maybe isn't working. At least i can tell people to try it and see if it works, but not swear by the fact that it works. It's too bad your heartburn has gotten worse since quitting but your body is going through the change and it won't last forever, it does feel nice to have your body healing. Does the beer effect the heartburn or would that just be hard alcohol? Make sure you identify with your doctor exactly what is causing it and see what you can cut out of your diet to make it better. (hope you don't love spicy food as that can be hard to give up! Have a wonderful day! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]11/12/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 59 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 885 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $737.50 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 29 [B]Seconds:[/B] 47

She said I might try the flaxseeds for heartburn. Since I quit I've had a lot more heartburn then ever before. I have started using it, but I think its too soon to feel the full benefit. Also, after reading the bag I found that I shouldn't drink. I drink a lot of beer, but I always have. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]10/28/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 74 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,960 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $466.20 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 13 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 6 [B]Seconds:[/B] 37

Nevermind, I just found it using the search option. Later Gater [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]11/19/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 52 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 780 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $175.50 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 8 [B]Hrs:[/B] 10 [B]Mins:[/B] 28 [B]Seconds:[/B] 44