by Eileen Eva

Created on: September 20, 2010

Psyllium husk commonly known as the Psyllium seed, the Spogel, the Sand Plantain, the Ispaghula, and the Indian Plantago, contains beneficial properties such as laxative, anti-diarrheal, emollient, and demulcent. Because of these properties, Psyllium Husk has been used by many for a long time to treat common conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, high cholesterol, weight loss (obesity) as well as colon cleanser.

As a laxative, Psyllium husk contains dietary fibre that helps in rising colonic contents and stimulating propulsion thus promoting laxation. Studies indicate that stool produced as a result of over consumption of dietary fibre contains almost the same amount of moisture as those produced after consuming low-fibre. In simple terms, unfermented fibre and the moisture it holds are major contributors of increased stool mass and weight. Psyllium husk is an example of unfermented dietary fibre and helps in promoting stool weight thus acting as a great laxative.

For weight loss, Psyllium husk when consumed gives a person the feeling of fullness. It also contains soluble fibre which has distinctive effects on metabolism. Psyllium husk also contains a spongy fibre that helps in suppressing one’s appetite. For effective results, one can add a teaspoon of Psyllium to a glass of apple juice or water before any meal so as to suppress their appetite and increase weight loss.

In case of constipation, Psyllium husk contains high dietary fibre that helps in increasing stool matter which promotes reflex contraction of intestinal walls. For mild constipation, add a teaspoon of Psyllium in warm water, milk or juice thrice a day. In case of a severe one, add two teaspoon. Note that, Psyllium added to any form of liquid will thicken after some few minutes. To avoid this from occurring, take the mixture immediately and take an additional glass of water afterwards.

As a colon cleanser, Psyllium husk is capable of pulling toxins from the colon 10 times more its weight. It contains a soluble fibre that expands and forms a gelatinous like substance that increases stool weight and softens it. Psyllium allows the bowel tracts to fully absorb its nutrients while pulling toxins from the tracts. Cleaning the colon not only help in promoting your overall bowel condition but also prevent other conditions such as constipation.

Psyllium husk also helps in lowering cholesterol levels as it contains soluble fibre and linoleic acid that help in stimulating the production of bile acids that lower cholesterol and its absorption. To lower your cholesterol levels, take a teaspoon of Psyllium thrice a day and consume lots of fluids.

Psyllium husk also helps in treating diarrhea as it contains properties that soak up excess water from the digestive tract thus making the stool firmer. For effective results, take 2 teaspoons of Psyllium thrice a day until you get the desired movements.

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