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Psyllium: Psyllium Husks
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Psyllium is a natural, water-soluble, gel-reducing fiber which is extracted from the husks of blond psyllium seeds (plantago ovata). Psyllium is a member of a class of soluble fibers referred to as mucilages. Mucilages, which retain water, tend to be rather thick and jelly-like in nature. Also in the mucilage family is guar gum, an ingredient in most beans. It is used as a stabilizing and thickening agent in many salad dressings, soups, lotions, and creams. Another commonly used dietary fiber is wheat bran, which is, for the most part, insoluble and classified as a cellulose fiber.
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There are many reasons why Psyllium husks are a part of daily health maintenance for millions of people. Extensive research has shown that Psyllium husks help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, including a proper balance of HDL and LDL cholesterol. In addition, Psyllium husks help promote normal regularity. Unlike stimulant laxatives, Psyllium husks are gentle and are not habit forming. Psyllium husks' bulking action makes elimination easier and more comfortable. At the same time, Psyllium sweeps waste and toxins more quickly out of the body, so toxins are not reabsorbed from the colon back into the bloodstream.
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Psyllium has had a long tradition of use as a bulking and lubricating agent for the digestive system. Barring any serious medical condition, the primary cause of constipation is lack of roughage, bulk or fiber. Psyllium is approved in the U.S. as an over the counter (OTC) supplement and bulk laxative. Depending on the individual, as little as one teaspoon of Psyllium a day can promote regularity. However, results may not take place for 3 or more days. Psyllium husk soothes the ling of the bowel and should not be compared to an insoluble fiber such as wheat bran and oat bran, where irritation and allergic reactions are often present.
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Psyllium may help with weight loss control.Psyllium is a wonderful bulking fiber for constipation. It ... reduces fecal incontinence.Psyllium helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood lipid levels. In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of a health claim in the labeling of foods and dietary supplements containing psyllium husk. The health claim states that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include soluble fiber per day from psyllium may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Psyllium may help maintain healthy blood pressure.Psyllium added to a traditional diet for persons with type II diabetes is safe, well tolerated, and improves glycemic and lipid control. Psyllium reduces radiation-induced diarrhea.
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Psyllium is available in a large number of over-thecounter (OTC) formulations. In the United States, it is sold in mainstream pharmacies and supermarkets under the names of Metamucil, Fiberall, and Naturacil. Many other common laxatives include psyllium as an ingredient. There has ... been discussion in the United States about adding psyllium to breakfast cereals to increase their fiber content. In health food stores, psyllium can be obtained as powdered husks or seeds. A common dosage for constipation is 2 tsp of psyllium (7 g) taken with at least one glass (8 oz) of water up to three times a day.
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Psyllium can be taken in tablet form – it is often the active ingredient in many laxatives and constipation remedies. However, the most inexpensive and effective methods of colon cleansing include the ingestion of psyllium in its most natural form – psyllium husks, psyllium seeds and psyllium fiber powder.
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Psyllium Husks