Psyllium Husk 500mg (500 Veggie Caps)
- Vegetable Capsules
- Lowers total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels
- Helps reduce the risk of heart disease
- Alleviates constipation
- Good source of fiber
- Positive benefits of psyllium in IBD (Crohn's Disease and Colitis)
- Aids in healing the inner lining of inflamed intestines
Internal cleansing, along with proper cleansing of the colon is exceptionally important when it comes to maintaining a healthy level of regularity. First used by Arab physicians during the middle ages to treat constipation, psyllium husks have the unique ability to swell up to 100 times their natural volume. This amazing bulking capacity makes NOW Psyllium Husks a truly effective resource in attaining healthy digestive consistency. Available in easy-to-swallow capsules, NOW Psyllium Caps are safe, convenient and very affordable!
Psyllium is a soluble fiber used primarily as a gentle bulk-forming laxative. It comes from a shrub-like herb called plantain that grows worldwide. There are many species of plantain that can each produce up to 15,000 tiny, gel-coated seeds. The plantain herb that produces psyllium seed is not the same plant as edible plantains. Psyllium husk is derived from these odorless, tasteless seeds.
The soluble fiber found in psyllium husks plays an important role in lowering cholesterol. Psyllium also softens stool and relieves constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other intestinal problems. When psyllium husk comes in contact with water, it swells and forms a gelatinous mass that stimulates the transport of waste through the intestinal tract. Several large population based studies also suggest that there may be an association between increased fiber intake and reduced risk of colon cancer, but results of other studies have been conflicting.
Constipation
Many well-designed studies have concluded that psyllium relieves constipation. Psyllium is believed to speed the passage of stool through the digestive tract by softening the stool and attracting water thereby producing more bulk, which stimulates the transit of waste through the gastrointestinal tract. Use of psyllium for this purpose is standard practice in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Diarrhea
Psyllium can be used as a bulk-forming agent to help relieve mild to moderate diarrhea. Psyllium soaks up a significant amount of water in the digestive tract, thereby making stool firmer and, under these circumstances, slower to pass.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Several well-designed studies have found that soluble fiber (including psyllium) helps regulate stool frequency and consistency in people with IBS.
Hemorrhoids
Psyllium may be recommended by a physician to help soften stool and reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
In a study of people with ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disorder), psyllium seeds were as effective as the prescription drug mesalamine in decreasing recurrences of the disease. In addition, a physician may recommend the use of psyllium as a bulking agent for mild to moderate cases of diarrhea from either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (another type of inflammatory bowel disorder).
High Cholesterol
Soluble fibers such as those in psyllium husk, guar gum, and oat bran have a cholesterol-lowering effect when added to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Studies have shown psyllium to be quite effective in lowering total as well as LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, which can be helpful to those with high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and those at increased risk for developing hypercholesterolemia, such as people with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes
Studies suggest that a high-fiber diet, which may include psyllium, an lower insulin and blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with diabetes. This type of diet may also help prevent diabetes in those at risk for the condition.
Obesity
Studies and clinical reports suggest that psyllium may enhance the sensation of fullness and reduce hunger cravings. For these reasons, incorporating psyllium and other sources of fiber into the diet may aid weight loss.
High Blood Pressure
Although the studies are not entirely conclusive, the addition of fiber (namely, 12 grams of soluble fiber per day), particularly psyllium, may help lower blood pressure.
Heart Disease
Incorporating high-fiber foods (such as psyllium-enriched cereals) into the diet may help lower heart disease risk.
ColonCancer
Although initial reports were promising, studies investigating the value of a high-fiber diet for colorectal cancer have been conflicting. While some studies evaluating groups of people have suggested that fiber protects against the development of colorectal cancer, most large, better-designed studies have found only a minimal association between fiber intake and colorectal cancer risk. In addition, fiber does not appear to protect against the recurrence of colorectal cancer in people who have already been treated for the condition.
Other types of cancer
Preliminary evidence suggests that a diet high in fiber (in conjunction with other lifestyle changes and conventional medication) may help protect against the development of certain types of cancer such as prostate, breast, and lining of the uterus. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, however.
