Psyllium, an herbal source of
fiber
Psyllium seeds are so rich in fiber that it has been prescribed for
constipation and other digestive complaints for almost 500 years.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, Arab physicians sold a
constipation remedy called diagridium and psyllium was one of the main
ingredients.
The small, reddish seeds are nearly odourless and tasteless and come
from the Plantago
psyllium plant.
Another name for the psyllium plant is plantain, but is
should
not be confused with the edible banana-like fruit of the same name or
the herb plantain.
Plantago
is grown
commercially
in Spain, France, India and other countries. Various species
of
this plant is used in herbal medicine, but the most commonly used are
the seeds of the Plantago psyllium plant
and P.
ovata. The seeds
are generally dried, ground and sold in a powder form and are sometimes
added to breakfast cereals.
The fibrous husk of psyllium seeds form a gel like mass when mixed with
water that then absorbs excess water from the intestines and creates,
larger, softer stools. Psyllium also helps to lower
cholesterol
by binding to cholesterol-rich bile, drawing cholesterol from your
bloodstream. This kind of water-soluble fiber is suitable for
people who do not eat a diet high in fiber.
In 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration allowed breakfast cereals
to claim that it can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering
cholesterol. To be able to state this claim, breakfast
cereals
had to contain at least 1,7 g of soluble fiber from psyllium per
serving.
Psyllium can assist with a wide variety of disorders such as
constipation, diarrea, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis and
haemorrhoids. This herbal
medicine works by absorbing water makes
larger stools. If you suffer from constipation, the added
water
will soften stools, making it easier to pass. This is helpful
to
reduce the irritation experienced by people who have haemorrhoids.
By speeding up the passing of stools through the intestine, psyllium is
beneficial to people who suffer from diverticular disease.
This
disease causes faecal particles to become trapped in small pockets in
the intestine's lining, causing infection and pain.
Psyllium's ability to absorb excess water from loose stools makes it an
ideal treatment for diarrea.
Only in the 1980's did scientists discover another benefit of this
herbal medicine: it lowers blood cholesterol levels,
especially
the bad cholesterol (LDL) that can lead to heart disease. By
simply adding psyllium to a low-fat diet, you can significantly reduce
cholesterol levels, eliminating the need for prescription medications.
Weight-loss programmes recommend the addition of psyllium to a low-fat
diet. By absorbing water, it fills your stomach and provides
a
sense of fullness, causing you to eat less. This herbal supplement also
delays the emptying of food from your stomach, making you feel full for
longer. In a small British study, women who took a psyllium
supplement with water three hours before a meal, absorbed less fat and
less kilojoules from food. Psyllium also stabilizes blood
sugar
levels, thereby controlling food cravings.
What are the side effects of
Psyllium?
Please
consult your medical
practitioner prior to using any herbal
medications should you be under their care.
Psyllium supplements can temporarily cause bloating and flatulence
because it supplies fiber. You can avoid these unpleasant
side
effects by slowly increasing your psyllium intake over a period of
several days.
Do not take doses higher than recommend as this can cause certain
minerals not to be absorbed by your body.
Should you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing after taking
psyllium herbal supplements, seek medical attention immediately as you
may be allergic to psyllium.
How do I take Psyllium?
The recommended dosage is one to three tablespoons of psyllium powder
two to three times a day. Do not exceed 30 g a day.
It usually takes 12 to 24 hours to get relief from constipation and
sometimes can take as long as three days. Ensure that you
take
psyllium supplements with plenty of water. Dissolve psyllium powder in
a glass of water and then drink another glass of water immediately
after.
Do not take any other medications with psyllium herbal supplements as
this can delay the medications from being absorbed.
If you are pregnant and suffering from constipation, consult your
medical practitioner before taking psyllium supplements.
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