Psyllium
seed husks
Psyllium seed husks also known as ispaghula,
isabgol,
or psyllium, are portions of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata, (genus Plantago),
a native of India.
They are hygroscopic, expanding and become mucilaginous.
Psyllium seed husk are indigestible
and are a source of soluble dietary fiber.
They are used to relieve constipation,
irritable
bowel syndrome, and diarrhea.
They are also used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI
transit. The inert bulk of the husks helps
provide a constant volume of solid material irrespective of other aspects of
the diet or any disease condition of the gut. Some recent research is also
showing them to be promising in lowering cholesterol
and controlling diabetes.[1]
Other uses include gluten-free
baking, where ground psyllium seed husks bind moisture and help make breads
less crumbly.
The husks are used whole in their
natural state, or dried and chopped or powdered for easier consumption. In
either of these forms, one takes them by mixing them with water or another
fluid.
They are also available in capsules. Over-the-counter laxatives
and fiber supplements such as Metamucil, Colon Cleanse, Serutan,
Fybogel,
Bonvit, Effersyllium, and
Konsyl have psyllium husks as their main ingredient.
The husks may also be combined with
other ingredients. For example, Blackstrap molasses
is sometimes used with psyllium seed husks for its high mineral and vitamin
content, as well as being an excellent carrier. A typical dose is one to three
teaspoons per glass of water. Psyllium seeds can be used for the same purpose
at a lower cost. The standard dose is 3.5gm dissolved in 250 ml of water.
The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) has
established a tangible benefit of psyllium seed husk intake[2]
and a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Psyllium's soluble fiber
thus has the potential to decrease the risk of CHD.
Adverse
reactions and warnings
Possible adverse reactions include
allergic reactions, especially among those having had regular exposure to
psyllium dust. Gastrointestinal tract obstruction may occur, especially for
those with prior bowel surgeries or anatomic abnormalities, or if taken with
inadequate amounts of water.
Psyllium seed husk consumption has
noteworthy negative and positive attributes.[3]
A properly trained person can address the potential side-effects between
prescription medications and psyllium seed husk, and the potential interactions
between herbs or supplements and psyllium seed husk.
The FDA has published that psyllium,
among other water-soluble gums, have been linked to medical reports of esophageal
obstruction (Esophageal food bolus obstruction),
choking,
and asphyxiation. To be specific, the FDA reports.
"Esophageal obstruction and asphyxiation due to
orally-administered drug products containing water-soluble gums, hydrophilic
gums, and hydrophilic mucilloids as active ingredients are significant health
risks when these products are taken without adequate fluid or when they are
used by individuals with esophageal narrowing or dysfunction, or with
difficulty in swallowing."
and "when marketed in a dry or
incompletely hydrated form" are required to have the following warning
labels:
"Choking:
Taking this product without adequate fluid may cause it to
swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take
this product if you have difficulty in swallowing. If you experience chest
pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing after taking this
product, seek immediate medical attention;"
and
"Directions: (Select one of the following, as
appropriate: "Take" or "Mix") this product (child or adult
dose) with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other fluid. Taking
this product without enough liquid may cause choking. See choking
warning."[4]
The entire wiki link on the subject
can be found at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyllium_husk
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