I listened to a podcast on improving your microbiome and a doctor recommended a smoothie with ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and psyllium husk (I changed the recipe and I'm only using coconut milk, blueberries, flaxseed, and psyllium in the smoothie for now). The combination of insoluble and soluble fiber along with the omega 3 is good "fertilizer" for your gut bacteria.

Regarding the flaxseed, I've always heard that store-bought flaxseed is more effective if you get the whole seeds and grind them at home rather than buy the flax that is already ground.

However, I'm fairly certain the freshly ground flaxseed component of this shake is making my stomach hurt immediately after drinking it.

I'm currently using a teaspoon of ground flax in the smoothie. I may have to reduce the amount or remove the ground flaxseed altogether... Or, I can just drink the smoothie later in the day.

But why would ground flax be so hard on my stomach? (if it is indeed the flaxseed that's causing the stomach ache)