by Gail Seymour

Created on: November 20, 2009   Last Updated: November 22, 2009

Despite the US National Library of medicine's Medline Plus assertion that "body weight reduction has not been proven to be associated with psyllium use in adults," many still believe that psyllium husks can help with weight loss. This is because, as a source of natural dietary fibre, it increases the feelings of fullness in the stomach after a meal, and as a bulk forming laxative, promotes bowel regularity and excretion of fat in stools, thereby preventing its storage in the body.

And with no known side effects other than a few people experiencing flatulence or upset stomach, combined with a long list of known benefits, food supplementation with psyllium husks is certainly worth considering.

They have an "A" grade rating in the treatment of high cholesterol, "B" ratings for treatment of constipation, and diarrhea, and "C" ratings for prevention of anal fissures, colon cancer, promotion of fat secretion in stools, and treatment of hemorrhoids, hyperglycemia, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

According to Body and Fitness website, psyllium husks are:

"almost universally recognized as a premier source of dietary fiber, a useful substance to regulate the bowels, and a safe and effective constipation and diarrhea remedy. It can aid in the treatment of obesity and overeating by instilling a sense of fullness."

Although contra indicated in pregnant women or those with bowel narrowing or obstruction, due to it's bulk forming nature, otherwise healthy adults should experience no adverse side effects from using psyllium husks provided they drink plenty of water with the supplements, otherwise they could cause "chocking or intestinal blockage."

Recommendations for dietary fiber intake for adults range from 20 to 35 grams per day, or 10 to 13 grams per 1,000 calories. Most adults in the US eat less than half this recommended daily amount. Doses ranging from 2.2 to 45 grams daily, have been used in studies. For children recommended doses are up to 16 grams daily.

Psyllium husks are the seed coats, or husks, of various plantain plants, and are available whole, in powdered, capsule or tablet form. Although the tablet or capsule form may be more convenient, experts generally agree the most effective way to take it is in powdered form, with a glass of water 1-3 times a day. If you are primarily taking it to help with weight loss, the recommendation is to take it 20-30 minutes before a meal, so that you feel fuller when you sit down to eat.

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