Psyllium Husk - What Is Psyllium Husk And What Is It Used For?
Psyllium Husk, also known as ispaghula or psyllium, is parts of a seed of the plant Plantago psyllium or also Plantago ovata, which are used to benefit the gastrointestinal tract. Laxatives and medications have added psyllium husk to their ingredient lists due to the benefit it can have on the body when digestion is not going smoothly. It can be taken as a supplement with water as well.
Psyllium husk can be used for the relief of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular diseases and diarrhea. Studies have shown that it also can lower cholesterol and control diabetes.
It is very high in fiber, which is why it will help with the digestive tract. It offers about 71 grams in about 1/3 of a cup. As psyllium husk goes through the digestive system, it takes in water but it is not digested. The result is a bulkier, softer stool, which leads to decreased problems in the bathroom. It has also been said that psyllium husk tends to pass more fat in stools, which can lead to weight loss. Another said benefit of regular use is a lower blood-sugar count.
For full benefits, psyllium husk should be taken with lots of water. The general rule of thumb is half of the body pound weight in ounces, for instance a 140-pound woman should have 70 ounces of water in a day. Although fiber intake will increase with this supplement, it is still a good idea to eat fiber-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and bran cereals to aid in getting the digestive tract in good shape.
When starting the regimen, possible side effects can include bloating and gas, but it generally takes a few weeks for the body to adjust to psyllium husk before the benefits can start to set in.
