Psyllium Husks – Not Just A Fibre Supplement

Psyllium is a fibre most commonly known as a laxative, although research shows the taking of psyllium can be beneficial to the body in many ways. Psyllium is a soluble fibre made from the husks of the plant seeds from the Plantago ovate. While they have been used for hundreds of years in Europe for treating bowel problems, the West has only recently caught on.

Being a bulk forming laxative, it soaks up water in your gut and makes bowel movements much easier for those having problems with regular elimination. The extra bulk created by the psyllium will stimulate better peristalsis, the movement of the muscles in the walls of the intestines that “pushes” the matter along, this is why it is commonly combined with Bentonite Clay to assist in elimination during your detox (refer to my article on Bentonite Clay ). You can use it as a one-off dosage to ease constipation, or it can become a consistent addition to your diet to help promote regularity and overall digestive health.

There are claims it also helps with  irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease but the results of studies on psyllium’s effectiveness in treating these conditions are still mixed.

Psyllium is a prebiotic which is a substance needed for the healthy growth of  probiotics in the gut, a healthy colony of good bacteria in the digestive system is essential for healthy immune function. Your body is better able to fight infection, reduce inflammation , and maintain healthy tissue and cells.

Besides these benefits, psyllium has the ability to soften your stools which can come in handy with ailments such as constipation, also preventing associated complications such as hemorrhoids.

Heart health:

Research has shown that taking soluble fiber can help people manage their cholesterol levels which is of particular important for people over the age of 50.

High cholesterol is merely one way a bad diet can affect your heart. Numerous studies have shown that fiber like psyllium, taken as part of a healthy diet, can help lower a person’s risk of heart disease. Claims have also been made that psyllium can benefit your heart by lowering blood pressure, improving lipid levels and strengthening heart muscle.

As psyllium absorbs liquid in your body it can also assist in giving you a feeling fullness which can help you control the amount of food you eat.

Diabetes:

Research has suggested that fibers like psyllium can help people maintain a healthy glycemic balance. People with diabetes need to constantly check their diet to ensure a healthy balance of insulin and blood sugar (glucose). Studies have found that taking as little as 5 grams of psyllium twice a day can help patients with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar although this needs to be reviewed an a case by case basis. Always refer to a medical professional when considering alternatives to their prescribed medication.

Detoxification:

Mix with Bentonite Clay to assist with cleansing the entire Gastrointestinal Tract, more about this alongwith a recipe are available in my Bentonite Clay post.