Psyllium is a group of plants in the genus Plantago that is valued for the high content of soluble fiber in its seed husks. Psyllium, which grows best in cool, dry weather, reaches a height of about a foot or more. It produces small white flowers on long stalks that emerge from the base of the plant. Psyllium has been used medicinally to treat a variety of digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. Check with your doctor before using psyllium to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
Total Symptom Effects
Psyllium may have limited benefits for irritable bowel syndrome, according to a meta-study, which is a review of previously published research, published in the Spring 2011 issued of the "Canadian Journal of Dietary Practice and Research." Patients reported significant symptom improvement in six out of nine studies that measured total symptom picture. However, quality of life did not improve significantly in any of the studies. Additionally, the researchers reported poor quality of research among three-quarters of the studies. The authors concluded limited and conflicting evidence exists for the use of psyllium to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
Soluble Fiber
The journal "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics" reported on a study in its February 2004 issue that fiber, including that found in psyllium, offers marginal benefits for irritable bowel syndrome.The researchers evaluated 17 studies and found that fiber was generally helpful for relieving global symptoms and there was evidence that fiber was particularly helpful for constipation. Abdominal pain was not improved in the studies, however. Soluble fiber, such as that found in psyllium provided significant improvement while insoluble fiber made symptoms worse in some cases. The authors concluded that soluble and insoluble fibers have different effects on irritable bowel syndrome and overall benefits are marginal.
Psyllium vs. Bran
Psyllium provided significant benefits in irritable bowel syndrome patients in a research study that was described in the August 2009 issue of the "British Medical Journal." In the study, patients between the ages of 18 and 65 consumed 10g of psyllium, bran, or rice flour per day for 12 weeks. The psyllium group reported up to 25 percent greater symptom relief, and overall improvement at the end of the study was nearly 45 percent better in the psyllium group. Some patients in the bran group experienced worsening of symptoms and dropped out early.
Multi-Modal Approach
A study published in the December 2009 issue of the journal "Australian Family Physician" reported that psyllium along with probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, and peppermint oil provided scientifically-proven benefits for management of irritable bowel syndrome. Other therapies, including Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, a traditional system of Indian medicine, were mentioned as promising and required further studies to confirm their effectiveness.
References
- "Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research"; The Role of Psyllium Fiber Supplementation in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome; LE Chouinard; Spring 2011
- "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Systematic Review: the Role of Different Types of Fiber in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome; CJ Bijkerk, et al; February 2004
- "British Medical Journal"; Soluble or Insoluble Fiber in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Primary Care? Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial; CJ Bijkerk, et al.; August 2009
- "Australian Family Physician"; Irritable bowel syndrome - The role of complementary medicines in treatment; M Pirrota; December 2009
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