So it's five o'clock in the morning and ten minutes ago I sat bolt upright in bed, realising I had forgotten to write this column. I am now downstairs, hair awry, slippers on the wrong feet, slightly disorientated and wondering what words of wisdom I can come up with when mentally my head is still on my pillow.

I'm also wondering how it is I actually forgot — it's in a whole different category to forgetting to put the dishwasher on after all, but still, I'm going to take a long shot and blame it on my Mum.

You see, Mum has just arrived to stay and as she is here for a month, the preparations for the domestic inspection were monolithic. However, so far we seem to have passed with flying colours, due largely I think to the Kitchen Drawer of Doom having been transformed into the Kitchen Drawer of Peace, Tranquility and Order.

All this means that I am in a medical state of shock, throwing off my column-writing equilibrium. Fortunately, having just scanned my inbox, I have a whole heap of New Year's e-mails to answer — you are all clearly on a health-kick after a bout of dietary recklessness at Christmas.

Just a word of warning, don't start taking supplements or introduce a radical new diet without doing your research first! It's important to know not just that something is good for you, but why it's good for you, so you can check that it is applicable to you.

Question of the week:

I have a question for you about Flax seeds. I remember you talking about them but I can't remember what you said about them as there were ways to use them and ways not to use them. Are you supposed to grind them, or not grind them? And how can I use them, what foods do I put them on? I know how good they are for you and just bought some but am not sure what to do with them exactly. — Noelle Heckscher, Southampton

OK, first things first, flax seeds are certainly generally healthy, but should be avoided by those with diverticulitis as these small, sharp seeds can irritate inflamed pockets of the digestive tract. For the same reason, some individuals with IBS also find seeds irritating (although flax seed oil can be very soothing) so this is one example where a health food is not necessarily suitable for everybody! However, presuming that this is irrelevant to you, read on.

Flax seeds contain two types of good essential fats — omega 3 and omega 6 — both of which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory action has been linked to relief for those with joint problems and inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Omega 3 is also critical for both healthy brain development and function.

It's important to note though that the benefit of the oils is only received if you grind or crack the seeds, or use flax oil — otherwise the seeds will simply pass through your digestive tract without breaking open. However, if you do crack or grind the seeds (either with a pestle and mortar or with a coffee bean grinder), only do a small quantity at a time.

Flax oil is powerful but also vulnerable — and goes rancid quickly when exposed to the air! It's OK to crack/grind a couple of days supply, but then they must be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It is possible to buy previously ground flax seed but if you do, make sure the container has been well sealed and continue to keep it that way.

Ground flax seed is also a great natural laxative. If you want to take flax seed for laxative purposes only though, they can be used whole and you don't have to go through the grinding process.

IMPORTANT: Whether you have flax seed ground or whole, it's critical to have 8oz water at the same time. The reason why flax is laxative is that the hard outer shell reacts with water and forms a gel coating (like a tomato seed) that moves swiftly through the digestive tract. You'll see what I mean if you put a teaspoon of them in a glass of water and have a look after 20 minutes.

Die-hard health fanatics won't blink twice at downing a tablespoon of flax seed in water with their breakfast. However, although quick and easy, this isn't the most pleasant way to get flax seed into your diet! Here are some alternative, more user-friendly suggestions:

1. As a bowel cleanser/laxative, try adding 1 tablespoon of flax seed to yoghurt or cereal in the morning. Nature's Path do a great flax seed granola, but watch the serving size as it's fairly high in sugar. Don't forget to drink 8oz water too!

2. Flax seed is easily added to smoothies, whether at home or at a good juice bar.

3. If you enjoy baking, try adding flax seeds to granola bars or breads.

4. Use flax seed oil as a salad dressing — it has great nutty flavour.

5. Add flax seed oil to stir-fries, but only AFTER you have taken the pan off the heat. High heat damages the good fat, so use it to add flavour only and actually cook with a light olive oil.

The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Catherine Burns is a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist. Contact her at 291-4725 or clinicalnutrition@gmail.com