Psyllium

Scientific Name: Psyllium Seed
Other Names: Black Psyllium, Blond Psyllium, Flea Seed, Isphagula, Plantago species, Plantain Seed



Although psyllium may be taken orally to treat several conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, It is probably best known as a laxative. Psyllium seeds are coated with mucilage, a natural gummy substance that does not dissolve in water. Instead, mucilage forms a thick, gooey mass when exposed to fluids. The body does not digest mucilage, so the resulting large soft mass moves through the intestines, usually also triggering intestinal muscle contractions. In addition, the mucilage forms a slick coating on the walls of the intestines. All of these effects help to prevent or relieve constipation.

Although it may sound contradictory, psyllium seed may also be used to treat diarrhea. Because mucilage absorbs water from the intestinal tract, liquid intestinal contents may become more solid when mucilage is present. In studies, psyllium has caused both stomach and intestinal emptying to slow down, allowing more water to be reabsorbed into the body. Both of these effects help to control diarrhea. They may also be effective for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

Taking psyllium may also help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In the intestines, psyllium may stick to cholesterol contained in foods, keeping it from being absorbed by the body and forcing it to be eliminated. Psyllium may also trap and eliminate bile acids. Since the body needs bile to digest fats, any bile that is lost in this way must be replaced. Cholesterol is a major component of bile, so more cholesterol may be used to produce adequate bile supplies. Less well-defined is psyllium’s possible blood sugar-lowering effect for individuals with diabetes. In some studies of individuals with diabetes, taking unsweetened or artificially-sweetened psyllium appeared to delay the absorption of carbohydrates from foods. As a result, blood sugar levels did not increase as high or as fast as they would have normally. Much more research is needed before psyllium may be recommended as treatment for either diabetes or high cholesterol.

Psyllium has also been studied for possible anticancer effects. Results from a few laboratory and animal studies seem to show that taking psyllium may help prevent certain types of cancer – particularly breast and colon cancers. The exact ways it might work are still not clear, but one theory is that psyllium may help prevent the formation of chemicals that cancer cells need to spread. Much more research is needed before psyllium’s potential anticancer effects can be proved.

Psyllium seeds collected from wild plants may contain chemicals that cause kidney damage. Manufacturers must remove potentially harmful chemicals before commercially-prepared psyllium products can be sold in the United States. If psyllium is used, a commercially-packaged product should be purchased from a reliable source. Individuals who have kidney diseases should get the advice of a healthcare professional before taking psyllium.

Most commonly, psyllium is available in bulk – as seed husks, whole seeds, or seed powder. It may be flavored and sweetened with sugar or with an artificial sweetener. Ordinarily, one of these bulk forms of psyllium is stirred into a beverage (such as water or fruit juice) and consumed right away. If the mixture is allowed to stand, it thickens to a slimy texture that many individuals find difficult or offensive to swallow. Psyllium may also be available as capsules or in cookies. Psyllium should always be taken with at least 8 ounces of liquid for every 5,000 mg (about one teaspoon) of bulk psyllium or each capsule or cookie. Due to the swelling action of the mucilage it contains, taking any form of psyllium without sufficient liquids could result in a blockage of the throat or intestines.

For treating constipation, a suggested dose range for psyllium seeds or husks is 5,000 mg (about one teaspoon) to 15,000 mg (about one tablespoon) three times per day. Once a soft stool has been achieved, psyllium may be discontinued. To prevent constipation, 5,000 mg (about one teaspoon) may be taken daily on a regular basis.

For treating diarrhea, smaller daily doses – usually between 5,000 mg and 15,000 mg (one teaspoon to one tablespoon) – are recommended. Individuals who have chronic diarrhea caused by medical conditions or liquid diets may take psyllium daily. However, most individuals who use psyllium for temporary diarrhea, stop taking psyllium when the diarrhea is resolved.

For decreasing cholesterol, psyllium may be more effective when it is consumed along with low-fat, high-fiber foods such as oatmeal or wheat germ. In clinical studies, most participants followed a low-fat diet as well as taking psyllium to lower cholesterol. Typically, continuous dosing of 2,500 mg to 5,000 mg (about one-half teaspoon to one teaspoon) two or three times a day is suggested. A similar dose may help to reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.