Psyllium or psyllium provides health benefits, especially when suffering from constipation, but it also has contraindications. Meet them here:
the psyllium, members of the plant genus Plantago, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial with dark green, egg-shaped leaves that form a rosette, and are usually smooth or slightly hairy, with wavy margins and three or more fibrous, defined, tough parallel veins.
All Plantago species are indigenous to India and Pakistan, and have been used for over a thousand years in Ayurvedic (Hindu) and Unani (Arabic) medicine for the treatment of digestive problems. However, the cultivation and medicinal use of the psyllium plant and seeds dates back to 250 BC. C, in China.
Early settlers brought psyllium to North America, where Native Americans gave it the name «white man’s foot» as the plant was often found growing along well-trodden paths, and used topically to extract poison. from rattlesnake bites, soothe rheumatic pain, treat wounds and eliminate eye infections. They also ate the fresh, young leaves and psyllium seeds.
The word plantago, originally from Latin, means «sole of the foot», alluding to the shape of the leaves. Psyllium is a word of Greek origin, which means «flea» in reference to the color, shape and size of its seeds.
Economic data Most of the annual imports to the United States, the number one consumer of psyllium, come from India, including 800 metric tons of whole seeds and 3,000 tons of husks.
Other uses
Gardening. Psyllium plants are commonly used to prevent soil erosion.
Pharmaceutical industry. Psyllium is used as a thickening agent for capsule formulation.
Food industry. Psyllium is added as fiber to a variety of products, such as health drinks, beverages, ice cream, cakes, jams, instant noodles, and breakfast cereals.
Forage. Livestock animals are commonly fed psyllium to help their digestive systems.
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benefits of psyllium for health
Regular, moderate intake of psyllium treats and prevents numerous gastrointestinal complaints, including diarrhea and constipation. It also supports cardiovascular health and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which recommends a daily intake of 3 to 12 grams to lower the risk of heart disease.
Psyllium is commonly used to promote weight control, as part of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, and also in diverticulosis and diabetes therapies. Studies have shown that its polyphenolic compounds have some antioxidant effects, but more research is needed.
Preliminary research has supported the use of psyllium for:
Treat constipation Due to its fiber content, it increases the weight of the stool and promotes bowel movements.
Improve cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that psyllium is particularly effective in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Lower blood sugar. People with diabetes have shown significant improvements in blood sugar levels and insulin concentrations after incorporating psyllium into their diet.
Lower cholesterol. One study concluded that taking psyllium twice daily, along with diet therapy, lowered LDL cholesterol levels in men and women with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Traditionally, psyllium has also been used as a demulcent, for the treatment of urinary tract infections, as well as for the topical relief of skin infections.
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How does it work
Chemically considered a polysaccharide, psyllium is not absorbed in the small intestine and passes directly into the large intestine, where it is partially broken down by the normal bacterial flora. In this environment, it absorbs excess water and increases about 10 times in volume, becoming a mucilaginous gel responsible for filling the feces and stimulating their elimination.
When it comes to improving cardiovascular health, some studies have shown that psyllium increases bile acid, which may help decrease fat absorption. Psyllium can also transform lipid metabolism by affecting protein levels.
Its mucilaginous gel is believed to influence not only peristalsis, but also nutrient absorption, which decreases cholesterol absorption. Psyllium usually works within 12 to 24 hours of ingesting it. In some cases, the maximum effect is reached after two or three days.
Herbs that have mild laxative effects are prune and flax, while cardioprotective and antidiabetic properties can also be found in blackcurrant and lucuma.
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Contraindications and side effects of Psyllium
Possible side effects include intestinal bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and mild abdominal cramps. It is advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase intake to minimize discomfort. Taking it with an adequate amount of liquid (for example, water, milk, fruit juice, or similar) will prevent choking or possible damage to the esophagus.
Possible contraindications include:
- Allergic reactions to psyllium, including rash, diarrhea, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and dizziness, have been reported.
- Patients who experience changes in their bowel habits for more than two weeks
- Undiagnosed rectal bleeding and failure to defecate after use of a laxative
- Patients suffering from abnormal gastrointestinal strictures, diseases of the esophagus, potential or existing intestinal blockage (ileus), paralysis of the intestine or megacolon
- Patients who have difficulty swallowing or throat problems
Precautions include:
- The use of psyllium is not recommended in children six years of age and younger.
- Bulk laxative producers should only be used in cases where dietary changes are unsuccessful and always before using other purgative methods.
- Psyllium should not be used without medical advice in patients presenting with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, as these signs may indicate a possible intestinal blockage (ileus).
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