Psyllium Husk
Other Names : Blond psyllium, Balle de Psyllium, Blond Plantago, Blonde Psyllium, Che Qian Zi, Dietary Fiber, Englishman's Foot, Fibre Alimentaire, Indian Plantago, Ipágula, Isabgola, Isabgul, Ispaghul, Ispaghula, Ispagol, Pale Psyllium, Plantaginis Ovatae Semen, Plantaginis Ovatae Testa, Plantago decumbens, Plantago fastigiata, Plantago insularis, Plantago ispaghula, Plantago ovata, Psilio, Psillium Blond, Psyllium, Psyllium Blond, Psyllium Husk, Sand Plantain, Spogel.
Psyllium comes from the Plantago ovata plant. This plant produces thousands of seeds that are coated in psyllium husk. The husk of these seeds can then be extracted and freeze-dried to produce psyllium. The outer shell of the seeds from this plant (called the husk) is often ground to extract a clear, glue-like substance called mucilage. It is this mucilage that contains a high-level of soluble fiber and other beneficial components which are often used to treat a variety of ailments.
Special Precautions of Psyllium Husk
It is recommended to talk to your doctor before taking psyllium if you are currently taking medications for diabetes or cholesterol. Do not take psyllium if you have swallowing problems, intestinal obstructions, or have recently undergone bowel surgery. Psyllium doesn't have any known side effects if consumed moderately with plenty of water. However, some people may be allergic to psyllium, so if you notice any rash, hives, itchiness or swollen skin, stop the use of Psyllium husk and consult your physician. If you are taking any other medication, it is recommended to take Psyllium at least one hour after the medication. This is important since the thick mucilage formed by psyllium may engulf the medication, which significantly reduces the medication's effectiveness.
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. 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.
