Dietary fiber intake has been linked to lowering cholesterol, relieving digestive distress and improving colon health. In addition to fiber found in fruits and vegetables, supplements made with psyllium are also available. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, psyllium is a water-soluble fiber derived from the husk of the shrub by the same name.
Cholesterol Reducer
"The Annals of Internal Medicine" published a groundbreaking study in 1993 linking psyllium fiber to the reduction of cholesterol. The study, conducted by doctors at the University of Cincinnati, Washington University, and Procter & Gamble Co. found that the supplement produced a "modest but significant improvement in total cholesterol and LDL" in participants.
Diabetes Treatment
Psyllium has been proven to decrease blood glucose levels. Iranian scientists published a 2005 report in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," which revealed improved glycemic control in Type 2 diabetics. The study said that psyllium was "well tolerated" and showed a "significant reduction" in blood glucose levels by study participants.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation and Diarrhea Relief
Dutch researchers examined the use of psyllium in irritable bowel syndrome sufferers. The study, published in the "British Medical Journal," showed that psyllium reduced symptoms of IBS significantly compared to bran. Participants ranked symptom severity on a scale, with psyllium providing twice as much relief as bran.
The National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus gives psyllium a grade of B for the treatment of both constipation and diarrhea. In this role, psyllium acts as a bulk-forming laxative, and increases frequency, size and volume of a bowel movement.
References
- Annals of Internal Medicine: Efficacy of Psyllium in Reducing Serum Cholesterol Levels in Hypercholesterolemic Patients on High- or Low-Fat Diets
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Psyllium decreased serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly in diabetic outpatients.
- British Medical Journal: Soluble or insoluble fibre in irritable bowel syndrome in primary care? Randomised placebo controlled trial.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Psyllium
- MedlinePlus: Psyllium
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