In your search for natural products that benefit your health, you've likely encountered a mention or two about psyllium. Psyllium, or ispaghula, is the main ingredient in bulk laxatives and an ingredient in a limited number of grain cereals. Psyllium is used in the treatment of various intestinal tract conditions, to lower cholesterol and as a source of fiber for bowel regularity. It is derived from a plant, but is not free from potential side effects.
Background
Psyllium is derived from the husks of the tiny seeds of a shrub called Plantago Ovata. Each plant may yield up to 15,000 gel-coated seeds each year, as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. The plant grows in regions around the world, but is common to India and Pakistan. The husks from these small seeds are harvested and ground into the powder we know as psyllium.
Types
Fiber is classified in two main ways: soluble and insoluble. The Mayo Clinic explains that soluble fiber, the class to which psyllium belongs, dissolves in water and forms a "gel-like material." Additional soluble fiber sources include oats, beans, apples, citrus fruits and barley. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. Sources of insoluble fiber include nuts, wheat bran and many fruits and vegetables.
Benefits
Health care providers prescribe psyllium chiefly for the treatment of constipation, although it has uses in other conditions such as some types of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel bowel disease as noted by both UMMC and the Mayo Clinic.
Many studies document the effect psyllium has on lowering both LDL and total cholesterol levels, including one study published November 2007 in the "International Journal of Clinical Practice." Study results were written by physicians A.R. Agrawal, M. Tandon and P.L. Sharma for the study titled "Effect of Combining Viscous Fiber with Lovastatin on Serum Lipids in Normal Human Subjects." Study participants who took both Lovastatin and psyllium experienced a greater reduction in total cholesterol and LDL levels than participants who took only Lovastatin. The study's conclusion states, "Psyllium soluble fibre should be considered as a safe and well-tolerated dietary supplement option to enhance cholesterol lowering."
Considerations
Before beginning a regimen of psyllium, consult with your health care practitioner who can advise you on suggested dosage, use and length of use. Adequate fluid intake is important when taking a psyllium supplement because the product works by absorbing additional water into the intestine, forming a bulkier stool for excretion. Without an adequate fluid intake a bowel obstruction may form.
Warning
National Standard provides information on the many uses of psyllium and rates those uses based on current research data. It cautions that the use of psyllium for irritable bowel and inflammatory bowel conditions have produced incomplete or limited evidence of efficacy.
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