Flax oil and Hemp Oil Beneficial or Harmful

by Marie
(Denver, Pa)

Is flax oil and/or hemp oil beneficial or harmful if you have wet AMD. I am finding contrary information on the net. Thank you.

REPLY

Hi Marie,

That is a good question. Even though many natural foods and oils, such as flax oil do provide some benefits, that are also precautions that need to be taken.

Interactions with prescription and over the counter medications is one of the concerns with even natural oils and supplements.

For instance, flax oil can enhance the effects of blood thinners.

This question would best be answered by your physician who is aware of all and any other medications that you may be taking.

This is why it is important to always disclose to your doctor any natural supplements that you are taking along with any over the counter medications and prescription drugs.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Flax Oil and Macular Degeneration

by Randee
(United States)

I just read that Alpha-linolenic Acid from foods like Flax seeds and walnuts can increase your chances of getting Macular Degeneration. Is this information true?

I do eat a lot of chia seeds that is higher in ALA than Flax seeds. I do love them and I Know they are good for other things like they are high in calcium.

Even if it does not help your eyes like fish and fish oils, could it make your risk of getting MD higher?

Any information that you could give me would be greatly appreciated.



REPLY

Hi Randee,

A similar question was asked by another reader. Here is the response from Michael Edson, MS,L.Ac.


Flax Oil and Macular Degeneration


Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Nightshade Vegetables and Macular Degeneration

by Frances
(United States)

I have dry macular degeneration.

Recently I read you cannot eat eggplant and tomatoes and some other veggies, but since my strokes I cannot remember anything.

What I am asking is, is this true.

REPLY

Hi Frances,

Jessica K. Black, N.D. writes in her book The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book: Protect Yourself and Your Family from Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Allergies - and More a list of foods to avoid if one wants to practice an anti-inflammatory diet - and tomatoes are on the list.

Although she doesn't list eggplant, she does write, "Many of these foods can contribute directly to inflammation. For example tomatoes which...which are part of the nightshade vegetables are known to cause inflammation."

Eggplant is part of the nightshade vegetables as well. Jack Challem the author of The Inflammation Syndrome: Your Nutrition Plan for Great Health, Weight Loss, and Pain-Free Living states that many people are sensitive to nightshade vegetables and should avoid them.

Hope that helps.

Kind Regards,

Leslie