Difference between revisions of "Psyllium Husk"

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(Created page with "==Special Precautions of Psyllium Husk== ==The benefits of Psyllium Husk are== * Laxative Effect - Most dietary fibre sources promote laxation by increasing colonic contents, whi...")
 
(The benefits of Psyllium Husk are)
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==Special Precautions of Psyllium Husk==
 
==Special Precautions of Psyllium Husk==
 
==The benefits of Psyllium Husk are==
 
==The benefits of Psyllium Husk are==
* Laxative Effect - Most dietary fibre sources promote laxation by increasing colonic contents, which stimulates propulsion. Unfermented or incompletely fermented fibre and the accompanying moisture it holds are two contributors to this increased stool mass. Slowly or incompletely fermented fibres also contribute to stool weight by providing substrate for microbial growth. The greater bacterial mass and accompanying water further increase stool weight. In most studies, the additional stool mass produced by consumption of more dietary fibre contains the same proportion of moisture as do low-fibre stools Psyllium seed husk is a partially fermented dietary fibre from Plantago ovata that increases stool weight and promotes laxation by its presence in stool and by increasing the moisture content of stool.
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*Constipation : Psyllium is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter constipation products, since it is a high source of fiber and it acts as a bulk-forming laxative. In other words, it helps increase the volume of fecal matter, which stimulates a reflex contraction of the bowel walls that helps the stool pass smoothly. For mild constipation, a recommendation is to take 1 teaspoon of psyllium in a glass of juice, warm water, or milk three times a day. For moderate to severe constipation, use 2 teaspoons (instead of one). It is recommended to drink the mixture immediately before it thickens up and becomes harder to swallow. It is also very important to drink an additional 8 ounce glass of water immediately afterwards, as well as another 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the remainder of the day.
*Cholesterol lowering - Consumption of viscous soluble fibres significantly lowers serum total and LDL cholesterol concentrations (18,19), and may provide an alternative to drug therapy for some patients (20-22). Of the viscous soluble fibres, psyllium husk fibre appears to be one of the most effective with the least adverse effects.
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*Diabetes : Studies suggest that the various constituents of psyllium (such as soluble fibers, linoleic acid, and alkaloids) can help lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, a simple remedy to treat Diabetes is to take 1 tablespoon of Psyllium mixed into a glass of water or apple juice twice per day. It is also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
 +
*Diarrhea : Psyllium's properties help to soak up a significant amount of excess water in the digestive tract and make stool firmer. Therefore, it is an effective natural remedy for diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease. Simply take 1-2 tbsp (5-10 grams) of Psyllium husk 2-3 times daily until bowel movements are normal.
 +
*Hemorrhoids : Since Psyllium is known to help soften stool, it is an effective way to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Take 1 teaspoon of psyllium husk mixed in a warm glass of water or milk twice daily. It is recommended to drink 6-8 glasses of fluids throughout the day when using this Psyllium husk remedy.  
 +
*High Cholesterol : Psyllium is well studied as a lipid-lowering agent. The high levels of soluble fiber and linoleic acid in Psyllium stimulate the production of cholesterol-lowering bile acids and reduce the amount of cholesterol absorption by the body. Therefore, a simple remedy for high cholesterol is to take 1 teaspoon of Psyllium husk 3 times a day. It is recommended to drink lots of fluids when using this remedy.
 +
*Weight Loss : Many dietitians believe that incorporating psyllium and other sources of fiber into the diet can help people lose weight faster. This is possible since psyllium can cause a feeling of fullness, which can reduce our sensation of hunger. Therefore, adding 1 teaspoon of psyllium to a glass of water or apple juice before each meal may be an effective way to increase weight loss. Be sure to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day when using this remedy, and combine it with a regular daily exercise routine.
 
*Anticarcinogenic effect - Ingestion of prebiotics (non-digestible food ingredient that selectively stimulates bacteria in the colon) results in a different spectrum of fermentation products, including the production of high concentrations of short chain fatty acids, leading to a decrease in pH. A low pH in faeces was associated with a reduced incidence of colon cancer in various populations.Butyrate is associated with many biological properties in the colon. One of the first observed effects of butyrate on the degree of DNA methylation is probably associated with modified gene expression, the consequences of which are yet unknown, particularly in relation to colon cancer. However, butyrate may also directly enhance cell proliferation in normal cells and suppress proliferation in transformed cells by improving cell differentiation. This is an important step in suppressing cancer cells. In addition, apoptoses may be increased in transformed cells but inhibited in normal cells when butyrate is present.Colon cancer, which in a high proportion of the population is due to somatic mutations occurring during the lifetime of an individual, could be retarded by preventing these mutations. Prebiotics have been shown to deactivate genotoxic carcinogens. DNA damage had been prevented and chemopreventive systems may be stimulated in vivo in colon tissues.
 
*Anticarcinogenic effect - Ingestion of prebiotics (non-digestible food ingredient that selectively stimulates bacteria in the colon) results in a different spectrum of fermentation products, including the production of high concentrations of short chain fatty acids, leading to a decrease in pH. A low pH in faeces was associated with a reduced incidence of colon cancer in various populations.Butyrate is associated with many biological properties in the colon. One of the first observed effects of butyrate on the degree of DNA methylation is probably associated with modified gene expression, the consequences of which are yet unknown, particularly in relation to colon cancer. However, butyrate may also directly enhance cell proliferation in normal cells and suppress proliferation in transformed cells by improving cell differentiation. This is an important step in suppressing cancer cells. In addition, apoptoses may be increased in transformed cells but inhibited in normal cells when butyrate is present.Colon cancer, which in a high proportion of the population is due to somatic mutations occurring during the lifetime of an individual, could be retarded by preventing these mutations. Prebiotics have been shown to deactivate genotoxic carcinogens. DNA damage had been prevented and chemopreventive systems may be stimulated in vivo in colon tissues.
 
*Intestinal Health - The colon of the human gastrointestinal tract contains a large population of resident bacteria. In fact, approximately 55% of the solids in faeces is microbial biomass. In adults, these bacteria are balanced in a complex ecosystem consisting of more than 40 major species and more than 400 species in total.In a healthy individual, most of these species are advantageous or benign to the host, but some are potentially pathogenic if their numbers are allowed to increase to high levels. Disturbances to the ecological balance in the intestinal microflora caused by, for example, changes in diet, stress or antibiotic treatment can lead to the overgrowth of deleterious bacteria, and subsequently to gastrointestinal disorders (48). These disorders may be as minor as intestinal discomfort or increased flatulence, or relative serious health problems such as severe diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. Undesirable bacteria in the colon have even been implicated in the development of colon cancer.
 
*Intestinal Health - The colon of the human gastrointestinal tract contains a large population of resident bacteria. In fact, approximately 55% of the solids in faeces is microbial biomass. In adults, these bacteria are balanced in a complex ecosystem consisting of more than 40 major species and more than 400 species in total.In a healthy individual, most of these species are advantageous or benign to the host, but some are potentially pathogenic if their numbers are allowed to increase to high levels. Disturbances to the ecological balance in the intestinal microflora caused by, for example, changes in diet, stress or antibiotic treatment can lead to the overgrowth of deleterious bacteria, and subsequently to gastrointestinal disorders (48). These disorders may be as minor as intestinal discomfort or increased flatulence, or relative serious health problems such as severe diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. Undesirable bacteria in the colon have even been implicated in the development of colon cancer.
 
[[Category:Treatments]]
 
[[Category:Treatments]]
 
[[Category:herbal medicine]]
 
[[Category:herbal medicine]]

Revision as of 12:02, 1 August 2012

Special Precautions of Psyllium Husk

The benefits of Psyllium Husk are

  • Constipation : Psyllium is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter constipation products, since it is a high source of fiber and it acts as a bulk-forming laxative. In other words, it helps increase the volume of fecal matter, which stimulates a reflex contraction of the bowel walls that helps the stool pass smoothly. For mild constipation, a recommendation is to take 1 teaspoon of psyllium in a glass of juice, warm water, or milk three times a day. For moderate to severe constipation, use 2 teaspoons (instead of one). It is recommended to drink the mixture immediately before it thickens up and becomes harder to swallow. It is also very important to drink an additional 8 ounce glass of water immediately afterwards, as well as another 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the remainder of the day.
  • Diabetes : Studies suggest that the various constituents of psyllium (such as soluble fibers, linoleic acid, and alkaloids) can help lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, a simple remedy to treat Diabetes is to take 1 tablespoon of Psyllium mixed into a glass of water or apple juice twice per day. It is also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Diarrhea : Psyllium's properties help to soak up a significant amount of excess water in the digestive tract and make stool firmer. Therefore, it is an effective natural remedy for diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease. Simply take 1-2 tbsp (5-10 grams) of Psyllium husk 2-3 times daily until bowel movements are normal.
  • Hemorrhoids : Since Psyllium is known to help soften stool, it is an effective way to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Take 1 teaspoon of psyllium husk mixed in a warm glass of water or milk twice daily. It is recommended to drink 6-8 glasses of fluids throughout the day when using this Psyllium husk remedy.
  • High Cholesterol : Psyllium is well studied as a lipid-lowering agent. The high levels of soluble fiber and linoleic acid in Psyllium stimulate the production of cholesterol-lowering bile acids and reduce the amount of cholesterol absorption by the body. Therefore, a simple remedy for high cholesterol is to take 1 teaspoon of Psyllium husk 3 times a day. It is recommended to drink lots of fluids when using this remedy.
  • Weight Loss : Many dietitians believe that incorporating psyllium and other sources of fiber into the diet can help people lose weight faster. This is possible since psyllium can cause a feeling of fullness, which can reduce our sensation of hunger. Therefore, adding 1 teaspoon of psyllium to a glass of water or apple juice before each meal may be an effective way to increase weight loss. Be sure to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day when using this remedy, and combine it with a regular daily exercise routine.
  • Anticarcinogenic effect - Ingestion of prebiotics (non-digestible food ingredient that selectively stimulates bacteria in the colon) results in a different spectrum of fermentation products, including the production of high concentrations of short chain fatty acids, leading to a decrease in pH. A low pH in faeces was associated with a reduced incidence of colon cancer in various populations.Butyrate is associated with many biological properties in the colon. One of the first observed effects of butyrate on the degree of DNA methylation is probably associated with modified gene expression, the consequences of which are yet unknown, particularly in relation to colon cancer. However, butyrate may also directly enhance cell proliferation in normal cells and suppress proliferation in transformed cells by improving cell differentiation. This is an important step in suppressing cancer cells. In addition, apoptoses may be increased in transformed cells but inhibited in normal cells when butyrate is present.Colon cancer, which in a high proportion of the population is due to somatic mutations occurring during the lifetime of an individual, could be retarded by preventing these mutations. Prebiotics have been shown to deactivate genotoxic carcinogens. DNA damage had been prevented and chemopreventive systems may be stimulated in vivo in colon tissues.
  • Intestinal Health - The colon of the human gastrointestinal tract contains a large population of resident bacteria. In fact, approximately 55% of the solids in faeces is microbial biomass. In adults, these bacteria are balanced in a complex ecosystem consisting of more than 40 major species and more than 400 species in total.In a healthy individual, most of these species are advantageous or benign to the host, but some are potentially pathogenic if their numbers are allowed to increase to high levels. Disturbances to the ecological balance in the intestinal microflora caused by, for example, changes in diet, stress or antibiotic treatment can lead to the overgrowth of deleterious bacteria, and subsequently to gastrointestinal disorders (48). These disorders may be as minor as intestinal discomfort or increased flatulence, or relative serious health problems such as severe diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. Undesirable bacteria in the colon have even been implicated in the development of colon cancer.