What Are The Benefits Of Psyllium Husk Powder?

Psyllium, also called ispaghula, is from the husks of the seeds of Plantago ovata. The husks are crushed into a powder form and are used in many bulk laxatives. Psyllium aids in maintaining cardiovascular and digestive health in several ways.

Fiber

Psyllium husk powder is used as a fiber supplement. It is a form of soluble fiber that dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance. Soluble fiber can help lower your blood cholesterol and glucose levels, according to MayoClinic.com. High-fiber foods such as psyllium can also help lower your risk of heart disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Laxative

Psyllium increases stool weight and increases bowel movements. It is an effective treatment for constipation because of its laxative effects. For this reason, it is used in many bulk laxative products.

Diarrhea Treatment

Because of psyllium's bulking effect, it is used for the treatment of diarrhea. It is particularly useful for patients who have feeding tubes and are on a liquid diet, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Psyllium is used to help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics. A study by J.W. Anderson et al., published in the October 1999 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," evaluated the effectiveness of psyllium husk powder in regulating glucose in diabetes patients. The study concluded that psyllium is safe and effective for use by people with diabetes. It improves glycemic and lipid control in Type 2 diabetes.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome, also called IBS, is an intestinal disorder that causes great discomfort and distress. Its symptoms include crampy pain, gassiness, bloating and changes in bowel habits, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, though it does not harm the colon and has not been found to lead to serious diseases. Stress is thought to be the primary cause.

Psyllium is used as a dietary treatment for people with IBS. A study by C.J. Bijkerk et al., published in the Aug. 27, 2009, issue of "The British Medical Journal," used a control group and a placebo group to study the effects of psyllium on IBS. The study followed 275 patients with IBS over a three-month period. Researchers found that the psyllium group had significant reduction in symptom severity compared with the placebo group. They concluded that psyllium offers relief to patients with IBS.