LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Psyllium: Constipation
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Psyllium was introduced into the United States 70 years ago as a way to relieve constipation. Today the United States is the number one importer of Psyllium with 60% of it going to pharmaceutical firms around the country.
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Psyllium is one of the safest laxatives available for long-term use. It is widely considered by the traditional medical community as very safe and effective when used in recommended doses for constipation and diarrhea.
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Many common products utilize Psyllium with the intention of providing constipation relief, lowering cholesterol, or even promoting weight loss. However, potential side effects and especially negative health consequences of this herbal substance often go unreported. The journal abstracts below describe a variety of serious allergic reactions and digestive conditions from ingesting Psyllium in even minute amounts. Despite the claims of many manufacturers, use of laxatives or constipation relievers containing Psyllium (or its components or extracts), or ingestion of this "natural" herbal supplement can be a potentially fatal decision. A recent search on Shopping.com with the keyword "Psyllium" revealed over 800 products and variants containing this ingredient. Although most of these herbal supplements offer direct-to-consumer sales options, many can be found on shelves of your neighborhood grocery store or pharmaceutical outlet under brand names. Psyllium has even been included in breakfast cereal marketed at reducing cholesterol by being "heart healthy." Nonetheless, as you may believe you are consuming a "natural" substance, you may likewise consider giving it to your child when they are constipated. After all, if it's included in breakfast cereal there can't be anything unsafe about it right?
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Perhaps most ironically, obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract has ... been regularly cited in studies of patients taking Psyllium products. These studies seem to suggest this side effect is especially common in individuals prone to suffering constipation.
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