Flax Seed ?

yorkie -- It seems the jury is still out about flax for E+ people.  Flax contains phytoestrogens, which some nutrition scientists say do not behave the same way as the estrogens our body produces.  I doubt if your onc will know what advice to give (oh yes, s/he probably goes by the maxim "When in doubt, leave it out", when they don't know the answer).

Some folks recommend chia seeds instead.

My advice would be to do an internet search for reputable sources, and then make the decision for yourself.  Check out "phytoestrogens", "flax seed", "lignans", "chia seeds", and stay away from internet sites that have a .com in their name.  They'll likely want to sell you something, so they are not un-biased.

Full disclosure:  After chemo, I started taking a tablespoon of ground flaxseed in my morning smoothie.  The reason?  Helped keep me regular!  I stopped about a year ago, and substituted with stewed prunes! 

An interesting and well-researched book about nutrition and food components is "An Apple a Day" by Joe Schwarcz, PhD, an acknowledged expert on food science and chemistry.   Another great book is "Anti cancer, A New Way of Life" by the late David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD.  He did a lot of work with Dr. Richard Beliveau at McGill University in Montreal (another expert researcher in food chemistry).

Just some ideas for you! 

yorkiemom, I remember there have been other discussions on flax seed and flax seed oil. I think it sometimes comes up in various threads so you might find other info/opinions using the Search function. FWIW, I was taking flax seed since some books say it could help prevent BC. But after reading various opinions on this board I've decided that "the jury is out" so I've stopped taking it.

http://www.naturalnews.com/024361_flax_lignans_estrogen.html

Interesting article on the benefit of flax seed.

yea I am not so sure now after reading some conflicting data. My onc said it was ok but I just don't know. I eat eggs once a week at breakfast and not sure if I eat soy.  have been sticking to salad and fruit lately.  guess I need to get some more info on flaxseed. I thought the lignan in flaxseed binds to the estrogen and blocks.  I also read it enhances the effect of the tamoxofin?

Confusing????

The flax seed issue is very confusing. My personal experience is having used flax seed daily for years. I enjoyed the benefits, great bowels, no menopausal night sweats ( I'm 53) . I feel it benefitted my hair and skin too.



Last summer I read about a possible issue with flax and thyroid, I have elevated thyroid antibodies, so decided to give flax a break and try chia seeds which don't have estrogenic effects, but are a good source of omegas.



Within 2 weeks I experienced hormonal changes, which I thank God for.



My breasts swelled and thesis when I saw my nipple on the left breast drawing in and felt a small lump. I also got my period after one year.



I went for an MRI which did not pick up the two lumps in my breast but subsequent US did.

( I had already had my annual mammo and US in Feb of last year, neither had picked it up then, just my numerous cysts) .



So is flax friend or foe to those of us with ER+?



Not sure and my docs don't seem terribly interested.

My integrative oncologist at UCLA recommended that I consume 2 tablespoons ground flax daily.  She also said soy not a problem (all things in moderation though, obviously).  She says phytoestrogens don't behave the same way as estrogen and that they actually enhance Tamoxifen efficacy.

Jenn333, I agree with your oncologist.  I have read about phytoestrogens extensively and have found that they are not problematic at all and actually can work synergystically with Tamoxifen.  I have 1.5 Tbsp of ground flax and 1Tbsp of ground chia seed in my morning smoothie.