Flaxseed and Heart Palpitations: What You Need to Know

There is some evidence to suggest that flaxseed may cause heart palpitations in some individuals. This is likely due to the high content of lignans in flaxseed, which are plant compounds that have been shown to have estrogenic effects. Estrogen can cause the heart to beat faster and more irregularly, which can lead to heart palpitations.

One study found that women who consumed flaxseed daily for 12 weeks experienced a significant increase in heart palpitations. However, it is important to note that this study was small and the results may not be generalizable to the population at large.

Another study found that flaxseed did not cause heart palpitations in postmenopausal women. This suggests that the estrogenic effects of flaxseed may be less pronounced in women who are no longer producing estrogen.

Overall, the evidence on the relationship between flaxseed and heart palpitations is limited and conflicting. More research is needed to determine whether flaxseed can cause heart palpitations and to identify the individuals who may be most at risk.

If you are experiencing heart palpitations and you are consuming flaxseed, you may want to talk to your doctor to see if flaxseed may be the cause.