A form of soluble fiber, psyllium is an herb known as Plantago ovata and is used as a treatment to lower cholesterol. The Plantago ovata shrub has thousands of tiny seeds that can be turned into psyllium husks, a form of soluble fiber. Psyllium is present in many laxative-type treatments that relieve digestive irritation such as diarrhea and constipation. Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil and Fiberall, also contain psyllium. Psyllium offers many health benefits.
Reduces Cholesterol
Psyllium is a soluble fiber known for its ability to lower cholesterol. While the exact chemical processes associated with how psyllium lowers cholesterol are not defined, researchers theorize that fiber boosts bile acid synthesis. A by-product of this occurrence is a lowering of cholesterol levels, according to HealthandAge.com.
As a result, psyllium can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels as well as overall cholesterol levels. Although the reductions in cholesterol levels tend to be fairly modest in scope, those who require significant cholesterol lowering could combine daily psyllium intake with cholesterol-lowering medications.
Improves Digestion
Psyllium is a natural laxative, which can help those with mild cases of diarrhea, such as occur with inflammatory bowel disorders, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Psyllium helps add to stool weight, which can increase the number of bowel movements a day. Not only is this helpful for constipation sufferers, but psyllium's absorptive properties also reduce the amount of fluid in the bowel, which reduces the symptoms of diarrhea. As an additional effect of improved digestion, anal fissures due to frequent constipation, diarrhea or other bowel disorders are less likely.
Because ingesting too much fiber can have a harmful effect, it is important to follow a physician's advice or the psyllium fiber package directions when consuming psyllium.
Reduces Diabetes Onset
Soluble fiber slows digestion in the stomach and helps to regulate blood sugar. Gastric juices break down foods into their constituent parts, one of which is glucose, also known as blood sugar. If a food does not contain a significant amount of nutritional value, it is broken down quickly, which causes a spike in glucose. Because glucose gives a person energy, glucose that's used up too quickly can lead to lethargy and even hunger; the body's natural response is to take in more food to boost glucose levels. Because the stomach breaks down soluble fiber more slowly, glucose is able to enter the body at a slower, more regulated level.
Because spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels can increase a person's risk for developing diabetes, consuming psyllium or taking a psyllium supplement may help to delay or prevent diabetes onset when combined with other healthy lifestyle habits. As an added benefit, keeping blood sugar levels constant helps to reduce the risk of obesity, a contributing factor to diabetes.
Reduces Hemorrhoid Pain
Psyllium not only helps to improve bowel function, but it also helps to soften the stool. This offers benefits to those with hemorrhoids, as a softer stool reduces the pain associated with hemorrhoids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Psyllium also may reduce the overall symptoms of hemorrhoids over time.
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