What’s the Claim?

In recent months, flaxseeds have become a trending superfood across Instagram reels, Pinterest wellness boards, and YouTube videos — especially among women following hormone-balancing routines like seed cycling. But along with all the praise, there’s also a growing concern:

“Flaxseeds are making me gain weight.”
“I started seed cycling and now my belly feels bloated.”

Some women say they started taking flaxseed for PCOS or hormone support but noticed weight gain, bloating, or heaviness. The question is — are flaxseeds really to blame, or is this just another misunderstood wellness myth?

Let’s find out what science and experts have to say.

What’s Being Said Online?

A lot of wellness bloggers and diet pages claim that flaxseeds are a miracle seed — great for skin, periods, weight loss, and even menopause support. But recently, many women on social media have started saying things like:

“I gained 2-3 kilos after including flaxseeds every day.”
“Flaxseeds made my stomach feel puffy and tight.”
“I stopped seed cycling and lost weight.”

These personal stories can be confusing, especially if you’re trying to follow a healthy, natural routine. So let’s separate emotion from evidence.

What Science Actually Says

Flaxseeds are nutritional powerhouses. They contain:

• Omega-3 fatty acids – great for heart and hormonal health
• Lignans – natural plant compounds that help balance estrogen levels
• Fibre, which supports digestion and helps you feel full

But here’s the key fact:
Flaxseeds are calorie-dense, like all seeds. 1 tablespoon contains around 50–55 calories. If you’re adding 2 tablespoons daily — especially with other seeds like sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin — your overall calorie intake goes up, even though you’re eating “healthy.”

So no, flaxseeds don’t directly cause fat gain. But they can contribute to weight gain if you’re:

• Overeating them without balancing your meals
• Adding them on top of a calorie-rich diet
• Not accounting for portion size

According to most studies, flaxseeds support weight loss when used mindfully. The fibre helps you feel full, reduces sugar cravings, and supports healthy metabolism.

A 2017 meta-analysis in Obesity Reviews found that flaxseed supplementation resulted in significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, especially in overweight individuals.

But Why Do Some People Feel Bloated or Puffy?

This is a real concern, especially in the early days of seed cycling.

Here’s why it may happen:

• High fibre suddenly added to the diet can lead to gas, bloating, or digestive discomfort
• Flaxseeds need to be ground — whole flaxseeds mostly pass undigested
• If you’re not drinking enough water, the fibre can actually slow down digestion
• Hormonal fluctuations can already cause bloating, and you may wrongly blame flaxseeds

So it’s more about how you take them, not the seeds themselves.

What Ayurveda or Traditional Medicine Says

In Ayurveda, flaxseeds (called Alasi) are considered ushna (warming) and snigdha (unctuous or oily) in nature. They’re often recommended for balancing Vata and improving reproductive health.

But like everything in Ayurveda, dosage and prakriti (body type) matter. If you’re already prone to heaviness, Kapha imbalance, or slow digestion, overuse of flaxseeds may not suit you.

Again, the message is: Don’t overdo it. Customise your diet.

Should You Stop Taking Flaxseeds?

The Simple Answer would be :

No — unless you have a known allergy or your body clearly reacts negatively every time you consume the seeds.

Instead:

• Stick to 1 tbsp per day, preferably ground and taken in the morning
• Drink plenty of water to help the fibre move through your system
• If bloating continues, consider reducing the amount or switching to soaked flax gel
• Always observe your own body’s signals — if it suits you, continue. If not, adjust.

The idea that flaxseeds cause weight gain is a myth, not backed by science. When taken in moderation, they actually support hormonal health, digestion, and weight loss.

However, flaxseeds are not zero-calorie magic seeds. Like everything else, balance and portion control are key. Eating 2 tablespoons daily without adjusting the rest of your meals can increase your calorie intake — which may reflect on the scale if not balanced with exercise or mindful eating.

So yes, flaxseeds are your friends — but not if they’re misused or misunderstood.

Disclaimer:

This blog is meant for educational purposes only. Please consult a certified nutritionist or healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or seed cycling routine.