Description
Colon Cleanse. Regular bowel movements.
Psyllium husk – or psyllium fiber – is a water-loving substance within it is the outer layer of the psyllium seeds from the psyllium plant, Plantago ovata, and is considered a valuable source of fiber. It is made of what is referred to as mucilage and is obtained through mechanical milling or grinding to remove the seed’s outer layer, where the fiber is highly concentrated. This psyllium fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that can provide several health-related benefits.
Psyllium Husk Powder is a natural product. The powder is derived from Isabel seeds via a milling process. It is the upper coating of Plantar Ovata (Ispagul) which is highly purified by sieving and winnowing.
Traditional Remedy
For centuries, psyllium husk has been used in the ancient traditional medicine of Ayurveda to promote the body’s overall health and well-being. This ancient knowledge has now been proven out by modern science, and today, psyllium is known as one of the most effective fibers for maintaining regular digestive health*.
Psyllium comes from the Plantago Ovata plant which is grown in the rolling fields of the Gujarat and Rajasthan regions of India. The name psyllium comes from the Greek word “psulla”, which means flea, because seeds on the plant resemble clustered fleas. Each plant produces about 15,000 tiny seeds!4
4 major benefits of Psyllium husk powder
1. Lowers LDL Cholesterol
There are two main types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Often referred to as the bad cholesterol, LDL cholesterol is what contributes to fatty buildups in the arteries.
High levels of LDL cholesterol, a condition called hypercholesterolemia, can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease.3
Research has shown that psyllium husk can help lower levels of LDL cholesterol.1
Psyllium may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering serum cholesterol levels. The only other fiber with the same support is b-glucan.5
2. Relieves Constipation
Constipation typically occurs when stool moves slowly through the digestive tract. As water gets taken from the stool, the stool can become hard and dry.
Constipation can be caused by a number of factors, including diet changes, a decrease in physical activity, certain medicines, bowel obstruction, or inadequate water consumption.4
In many cases, psyllium husk supplementation can be used to treat constipation. However, if enough fluids are not consumed while taking psyllium husk, constipation can worsen. When psyllium husk is added to a diet, it has a small yet significant effect on microbiota that results in increased stool water.5 This water makes the stool softer and easier to pass.4
3. Manages Diarrhea
Much like constipation, diarrhea can be another mild or chronic issue that affects a person’s daily life. Diarrhea is the frequent or urgent passing of stool that is loose or watery. There are several potential treatments that can help manage diarrhea, including taking psyllium.5
While psyllium’s high capacity to hold water can soften hard stool and ease constipation, the supplement can also act as a bulking agent that can firm up loose or liquid stool.
Research has shown that psyllium can help people with chronic diarrhea, lactulose-induced diarrhea, and Crohn’s disease manage their symptoms.2
4. Improves IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can involve abdominal discomfort and pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
Studies show psyllium is safe and effective in improving the overall symptoms of IBS by normalizing stool and reducing gas. In fact, it can be recommended to patients with all of the IBS subtypes: IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant IBS), IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS), and IBS-M (IBS that has a mix of diarrhea and constipation).3
Administration
5 to 10g (1-2 table spoon) of Psyllium Husk Powder can be taken daily with a glassful of water, or juice.
References
- International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Managing diarrhea.
- McRorie JW, McKeown NM. Understanding the physics of functional fibers in the gastrointestinal tract: An evidence-based approach to resolving enduring misconceptions about insoluble and soluble fiber. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2017;117(2):251-264. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2016.09.021
- El-Salhy M, Ystad SO, Mazzawi T, Gundersen D. Dietary fiber in irritable bowel syndrome (review). Int J Mol Med. 2017;40(3):607-613. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2017.3072
- American College of Gastroenterology. Constipation and defecation problems.
- McRorie JW, Gibb R, Sloan K, McKeown NM. Psyllium: The gel-forming nonfermented isolated fiber that delivers multiple fiber-related health benefits. Nutrition Today. 2021;56(4):169-182. doi:10.1097/NT.0000000000000489
- Marlett JA, Kajs TM, Fischer MH. An unfermented gel component of psyllium seed husk promotes laxation as a lubricant in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(3):784-789. doi:10.1093/ajcn/72.3.784
