Sedentary lifestyles, desk-bound jobs, consumption of too much refined and denatured food, irregular and wrong eating habits and no exercise; all contribute to constipation. Chronic, untreated constipation can become the cause of a host of illnesses and diseases ranging from hemorrhoids, fissures, ulcers, colitis, gall stones, appendicitis, obesity and cancer. Regular bowel movement is very vital for the normal functioning of the body.
Psyllium seeds are obtained from the Plantago psyllium plant. Diverse species of the plant are used in medicine. Generally, the seeds of Plantago psyllium and Plantago ovata are used to manage a host of disorders.
Psyllium Seeds, Psyllium Fiber and Psyllium Husks
Psyllium seeds are reddish-brown to black. The seeds and their husks are packed with dietary fiber; and have been prescribed to treat obstinate constipation and a wide range of other digestive ailments. Blended with water, the psyllium husks form a viscous mass that soaks up water from the bowel and produces large, soft stools.
Relieve Constipation with Psyllium
Psyllium adds bulk to the stools and thus aids in its speedy evacuation. Psyllium reduces the transit time of the feces in the bowels, thus staving off a whole range of GI tract disorders, even cancer. The seeds normalize bowel function and effectively, manage chronic constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome , and diverticulosis.
However, make sure that you drink plenty of water, 2 to 2 and ½ liters per day. If you do not drink plenty of fluid, you may develop an intestinal block, which may be counter-productive, as it can cause severe and painful constipation.
Psyllium Reduces Cholesterol
Psyllium can decrease bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol significantly. Psyllium diminishes the level of cholesterol by combining with cholesterol rich bile in the GI tract and eliminating it, accordingly reducing its level in the bloodstream.
Psyllium is exceedingly popular in colon cleanse programs. The supplement helps throw out all toxic matter from the body effectively. It sweeps the walls of the colon clean and purges out all lethal toxins. Psyllium assists in expelling old accumulated matter; crusts adhered to the colon walls, noxious wastes and putrefied sludge, thereby sluicing the bowels as well as the blood stream. Psyllium is an amazing detox agent. It is also beneficial in the management of colorectal cancer.
Psyllium Promotes Weight Loss
This excellent source of fiber plays a pivotal role in weight loss and weight management. Psyllium absorbs water and fills the stomach, thus creating a sense of fullness. It naturally suppresses appetite and brings about quick satiety. The seeds also delay the emptying of food from the stomach, hence, extending the time you feel full. Additionally, the seeds stabilize blood sugar levels and consequently control food cravings.
Psyllium Side Effects
Pysllium may cause transient bloating and may increase flatulence resulting in gassy stomach. To prevent this, incorporate small doses of the fiber in to the diet on a daily basis. In case you do not drink lots of water when taking the supplement, the constipation could even aggravate. Allergic reactions are rare; they may manifest as rash, itching or breathing difficulty. Do consult a doctor before staring the supplementation.