Psyllium Husk Powder Benefits

Psyllium husk is obtained from the seeds of a plant named plantago. Actually, the husk is the outer shell of these seeds. It is then grounded to get a powder. It is a rich source of soluble dietary fiber. That means, it is composed of complex carbohydrates which cannot be broken down by the digestive system. It pass through the gastrointestinal tract without undergoing any change in its form. So, one of the key benefits is that it is good for the digestive health and it can regularize bowel movements. In fact, its use as a natural laxative started many centuries ago.

Benefits of Psyllium Husk Powder

Psyllium husk powder can be used for the treatment of various health conditions. Some of them are discussed below:

Constipation Relief
This powder is considered as a bulk laxative and is highly effective for treating constipation. When it is consumed, it absorbs a lot of water in the digestive tract and forms an expanding gel-like substance. Its increasing volume helps to push out the waste products from the colon and trigger bowel movement. Moreover, its mucilaginous properties soften up the stool and have a lubricating effect on the bowel movement. Thus it facilitate easier passage of stool. It can be safely used by people with hard bowel movements, colitis, hemorrhoid and anal fissures.

Treating Diarrhea
You may find it a bit strange but it is true that psyllium fiber is equally effective on both diarrhea as well as constipation. When it is used on mild to moderate form of diarrhea, then its fiber components absorbs the extra water from the intestinal tract and make the stool firm. The best part is that it not only provides relief from the diarrhea symptoms but also there is no chance of constipation which happens quite often with many anti-diarrhea medicines.

Controlling Blood Sugar
Research studies have found that psyllium husk is capable of lowering down the blood sugar level of diabetic patients. This is possible because the powder tends to slow down the process of absorption of sugar into the blood. For best results, it should be taken just before the meals.

Lowering Cholesterol
When it is taken by people with high cholesterol level, then psyllium husk powder act as a lipid lowering agent in their body. The high amount of soluble fiber and linoleic acid present in Psyllium promotes production of bile acids in the body which are known to have cholesterol lowering qualities. This way psyllium helps to decrease the amount of cholesterol to be absorbed in the body.

Weight Loss
Dietitian often recommend inclusion of psyllium husk powder for weight loss. This is because when it binds with water, its volume increases manifolds. This gives a sense of fullness inside the small intestine and a person do not feel hungry. One teaspoon of this powder should be added in a glass of water and taken a number of times throughout the day.

Usually, dosage is one teaspoon two to three times in a day. It can be added to a glass of water or fruit juice and taken as a drink. For maximum benefits, you have to drink plenty of water throughout the day. There are no major side effects even after a long term use. However, if it is not accompanied by sufficient amount of water intake, then there is risk of dehydration and intestinal blockage. It tends to interact with some other medicines. Therefore, if you are using some medicines, then ask your doctor before using psyllium husk.