What Are the Side Effects of Drinking Flaxseed Water Everyday?

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

While celebrated for its benefits, consuming flaxseed water daily can cause unwanted side effects due to its high fiber content. Before making it a daily habit, understand what are the side effects of drinking flaxseed water everyday, including digestive issues, hormonal effects, and potential medication interactions.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential negative consequences of consuming flaxseed water daily, including digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and significant medication interactions.

Key Points

Digestive Discomfort: Common side effects include bloating, gas, stomach pain, and altered bowel movements, particularly when intake is high or hydration is low.
Medication Interactions: Flaxseed water can interfere with the absorption of medications and should be taken at a different time than blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, and diabetes medication.
Hormonal Effects: The phytoestrogens in flaxseed can mimic estrogen, posing risks for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions like certain cancers, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Increased Bleeding Risk: Due to its blood-thinning properties, daily flaxseed water consumption might increase the risk of bleeding, especially for those on related medications.
Adequate Hydration is Crucial: To avoid severe issues like bowel obstruction, consume flaxseed water with plenty of fluids.
Start Slowly and Use Ground Seeds: Begin with a small, gradual increase in dosage and always use ground flaxseed for better nutrient absorption and to minimize digestive upset.

Understanding the Risks of Daily Flaxseed Water

Flaxseed has gained popularity as a nutritional powerhouse, rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans. Many people incorporate it into their diet by drinking flaxseed water, a simple infusion made by soaking the seeds. However, the high concentration of certain compounds and the high fiber load can cause adverse effects if consumed daily, especially in high doses or without adequate hydration. It's crucial to understand these risks to ensure safe consumption.

Digestive System Complications

The most commonly reported side effects of daily flaxseed consumption are related to the digestive system. These issues typically arise when the body is not accustomed to such high fiber intake, or when the flaxseed is consumed without sufficient fluids.

Bloating and Gas: The soluble fiber in flaxseed forms a gel when mixed with water. While this helps with digestion, a sudden increase can lead to excess gas and a bloated feeling as gut bacteria ferment the fiber.
Diarrhea or Constipation: Depending on the individual's sensitivity and hydration levels, flaxseed can have a dual effect. For some, its laxative properties can cause diarrhea, while for others, especially those who don't drink enough water, the expanding fiber can lead to constipation and even a bowel obstruction.
Stomach Ache and Cramping: Accompanying bloating and gas, abdominal pain and cramping are common discomforts associated with high flaxseed intake.

Potential Hormonal Effects

Flaxseed contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. While this can offer benefits for some, it poses a risk for certain individuals.

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: People with conditions like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometriosis should be cautious. The estrogen-like effects of lignans in flaxseed could potentially worsen these hormone-sensitive conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to the hormonal effects, flaxseed is possibly unsafe to consume in large quantities during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, though research is not conclusive. Consulting a doctor is essential for women in these categories.

Medication and Absorption Interactions

Flaxseed water's high fiber content can interfere with the absorption of medications and other nutrients. This is a critical consideration for individuals on long-term medication.

Delayed Drug Absorption: The gel-like mucilage formed by flaxseed fiber can block the absorption of certain medicines in the digestive tract. It is generally recommended to take medications one to two hours before or after consuming flaxseed.
Blood-Thinning Medication: Flaxseed may slow blood clotting. This effect can be a concern for individuals taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, as it could increase the risk of bleeding.
Blood Pressure and Diabetes Drugs: Flaxseed can lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. For those already on medication for these conditions, combining it with daily flaxseed water could cause blood pressure or blood sugar to drop too low.

Comparison of Flaxseed Forms


Aspect	Whole Flaxseed	Ground Flaxseed	Flaxseed Water	Flaxseed Oil
Digestion	Passes through undigested, less nutrient absorption.	Easily digested, all nutrients absorbed.	Nutrients released into water, fiber consumed.	High omega-3s, no fiber or lignans.
Fiber Content	High; both soluble and insoluble.	High; both soluble and insoluble.	High fiber, especially the gel-forming soluble fiber.	No fiber.
Omega-3s	Low absorption unless chewed extensively.	High absorption.	Good absorption from released nutrients.	Excellent source of ALA.
Lignans	High content, but low bioavailability.	High bioavailability.	Good absorption of phytoestrogens.	No lignans.
Associated Risks	Low, due to poor digestion.	Higher risk of digestive issues, hormone effects with high doses.	Higher risk of digestive issues, especially without enough water.	No digestive fiber risks, but hormonal effects are still possible.

Other Potential Side Effects

Beyond digestive issues and medication interactions, other less common but significant side effects are worth noting.

Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to flaxseed, which can manifest as itching, swelling, or hives.
Risk of Cyanide Exposure: Consuming raw or unripe flaxseed is unsafe and can be poisonous. These seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can form thiocyanates in the body and potentially impair thyroid function.

Safe Consumption Guidelines

To mitigate these risks, follow these safety tips:

Start Small: Begin with a small amount, like one teaspoon of ground flaxseed in water, and gradually increase to one to two tablespoons daily as your body adjusts.
Stay Hydrated: Always consume flaxseed with plenty of water to prevent digestive issues like constipation and bowel obstruction.
Grind the Seeds: Use ground flaxseed instead of whole seeds, as the body cannot properly digest whole seeds, meaning you won't absorb the nutrients and may experience more GI issues.
Timing is Key: Space out your flaxseed water consumption from your medication by at least one to two hours to prevent absorption interference.
Consult a Professional: If you have any pre-existing health conditions, especially those related to hormones, digestion, or blood clotting, speak with your doctor before adding flaxseed water to your routine. This is also crucial for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Conclusion

While flaxseed water offers numerous health benefits, daily consumption is not without its risks. The most common side effects involve digestive distress, such as bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements. Furthermore, the phytoestrogens and blood-thinning properties can lead to hormonal imbalances and dangerous interactions with medications. By starting with a small dose, ensuring adequate hydration, and consulting with a healthcare provider, individuals can enjoy the benefits of flaxseed while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Learn more about the use and safety of supplements on the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking flaxseed water everyday can be problematic, especially in large amounts, as it can cause digestive issues like bloating and gas, and may interfere with medications or have hormonal effects due to its high fiber and phytoestrogen content.

Consuming too much flaxseed water can lead to increased bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and either constipation (without enough water) or diarrhea. High doses can also pose risks for those with hormone-sensitive conditions or on certain medications.

Yes, flaxseed water can interact with several medications, including blood thinners, drugs for high blood pressure, and diabetes medications, potentially making them less effective or causing adverse effects. It is recommended to take medications at least one to two hours apart from flaxseed.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious with flaxseed due to its estrogen-like properties. While evidence is mixed, many sources advise consulting a doctor before consumption to stay on the safe side.

Flaxseed contains lignans, a type of phytoestrogen, which can have mild hormonal effects. This is particularly relevant for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or those undergoing hormone therapy, who should consult a doctor.

To avoid constipation, always consume flaxseed water with plenty of extra fluids throughout the day. It is also advised to start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake to allow your body to adjust to the extra fiber.

It is better to use ground flaxseed in water, as the body cannot properly digest whole seeds. Grinding the seeds allows for better absorption of nutrients, including omega-3s, and helps prevent them from passing through the digestive system completely undigested.