Psyllium is an herb used in pharmaceuticals to produce laxative medications and increase dietary fiber. Medically, it is useful in the treatment of constipation and diarrhea as well as other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Diagnosing the cause of your diarrhea might require stool cultures that are a useful guide to the appropriate therapy if an infection is the source. Consult with your physician before using psyllium.
Source
Psyllium, an annual herbal shrub called plantago ovata, is indigenous to Asia, the Mediterranean and North Africa; the United States is its largest importer. The leaves of psyllium, also called blond psyllium, have a history in folk medicine as well as traditional medicine. The seeds and the husk, which is the outer covering of the seeds, are used to produce laxatives to treat constipation and diarrhea. Psyllium is considered both a soluble and insoluble fiber source.
Function
Psyllium is classified as a bulk-forming laxative or an agent that increases the size of stool in the intestine. Mechanically, psyllium takes up water in your intestine, creating a gel-like mass that stimulates peristalsis, or the natural muscle contractions in your bowel. The increased mass of stool moves slowly through your intestine, thereby decreasing stool frequency and consistency. Psyllium is useful in establishing and maintaining a regular bowel movement regimen.
Considerations
Diarrhea is usually determined on the basis of the frequency and the liquidity or consistency of stools. You might have diarrhea as a result of infectious organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, or as a result of certain medications, from spicy foods and contaminated foods. Diarrhea, considered a protective mechanism as the body attempts to remove the cause, can result in a loss of vital nutrients, fluids and minerals, preventing the absorption of prescribed medications.
Additional Uses
Adding psyllium to breakfast cereals to boost the fiber content can help lower your cholesterol with regular consumption. Psyllium effectively treats diarrhea or constipation, a common side effect associated with chemotherapy. If you have hemorrhoids, anal fissures or have just had rectal surgery, psyllium can be beneficial to ease difficult, painful bowel movements by softening the stool. It also can treat the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and dysentery, including abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea.
