If you have asthma, do not take or use psyllium. Some people with asthma have had allergic reactions to psyllium and
powder from psyllium can cause an asthma attack.Some you may be allergic to psyllium. If you are, you may become constipated or develop dark areas under your eyes.
Psyllium is fiber part of seed husks from plantain. It is high in a soluble fiber that is called mucilage, so it absorbs water and becomes bulky. It contains almost no insoluble fiber, yet it acts like it has both soluble and insoluble fiber. Stomach enzymes do not easily breakdown psyllium, so it moves into your colon like insoluble fiber.
Psyllium fiber acts on your colon relieving constipation.
In your colon, psyllium activates peristaltic action and helps to clean your colon of any stagnation that has occurred there. By adding moisture to dry hard fecal matter, psyllium helps to move fecal matter through your colon. As psyllium seeds bulk up in your colon, they push against your colon walls stimulating peristaltic action. The soluble fiber in psyllium provides food for good bacteria, which helps them to multiple.
One added benefit of psyllium is its ability to pull toxins out of bowel pockets known as diverticuli.
Psyllium is a popular ingredient in many remedies on market for relieving constipation. Choose a psyllium product that does not have sugar, maltodextrin, or artificial sweeteners. If possible, buy psyllium in bulk form from a health food store, which may offer it in bins. In this form, it is processed less and usually contains no additives.
Here’s how to use for relieving constipation.
For mild constipation, take 1 teaspoon in a glass of juice or warm water 3 times a day.
Work up to taking one teaspoon of psyllium by starting with ¼ teaspoon in a glass of water or juice. The next day take ½ teaspoon and so on until you are taking one teaspoon. Do same when considering taking up to 2 teaspoons of psyllium.
