Psyllium husk is an essential part of fibre supplements. Studies have shown that this dietary fiber supports digestive health and may help prevent colon cancer. The main benefit of the psyllium husk is its ability to reduce cholesterol and ease constipation. This product is also available in powder or capsule form. It also has anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.
Psyllium Husk for Gastrointestinal Issues
People who suffer from gastrointestinal issues, such as IBS, often turn to psyllium husk for relief. Although this dietary supplement is commonly used as a laxative, it is beneficial for reducing blood sugar and improving bowel function. While the benefits of psyllium are mainly digestive, they may also be beneficial to the rest of your body.
Positive Studies on Psyllium Husk
Recent studies have indicated that psyllium husk promotes the growth of probiotics in the gut and regulates the digestive process. In addition to this, it also softens stools and helps with regular bowel movements. In addition to its positive effects on bowel movements, psyllium husk may reduce the pain associated with haemorrhoids. Furthermore, psyllium husk is mildly fermented by gut bacteria. The resulting gel moves along the gastrointestinal tract, trapping waste and promoting good digestion.
Studies have shown that psyllium husk supplementation improves gut health by reducing the risk of diverticulosis and preventing the development of colitis in mice. Several researchers have suggested that psyllium supplementation may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has also been linked to a reduction in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease, lowers blood sugar levels, and improves the digestive process.
As a prebiotic, psyllium husk has numerous benefits. A study on mice showed that psyllium husk was more effective than Docusate sodium for chronic constipation. Other researchers have noted that psyllium husk is also a better choice for people with IBS compared to other fibers. Moreover, it does not contain cholesterol and is a natural source of fibre.
Different Benefits of Psyllium Husk
The benefits of psyllium husks are limited. However, these pre-biotic are beneficial for gut health and can be easily incorporated into shakes, juices, and soups. In addition to improving overall gut health, the psyllium husk has many other benefits. Aside from helping to control constipation, it also enhances the immune system and reduces inflammation.
Psyllium Husk as Prebiotic
Psyllium husk is a good prebiotic and is used in laxatives. It reduces the risk of colon cancer by feeding healthy bacteria in the digestive system. In addition to preventing colon cancer, the psyllium husk also supports heart health. It has many other benefits, including the ability to improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol. The physic acid produced by the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract can be harmful.
Applications of Psyllium Husk
The use of psyllium husk in baking is a common method for boosting the good bacteria in the gut. It increases the feeling of fullness and increases the fibre content of food. The psyllium husk in baking has been known to increase the amount of bifidobacterium in the digestive tract. Its high fibre content can further aggravate bacterial imbalances, so it is important to rebalance the gut before adding more fibre to the diet.
The psyllium husk in the placebo group showed no effect. The psyllium husk in a placebo-controlled study was not effective in reducing constipation. The psyllium husk was not able to reduce the amount of bowel movement. Instead, the psyllium gluconate in the psyllium hull was the only one that had a positive effect on the stool size.
The Bottom Line
Another benefit of the psyllium husk is its prebiotic effect. The prebiotic effect of this product was found in a small, yet significant 2019 study. Unlike other probiotics, it contains active bacteria that help regulate intestinal pH and balance gut flora. It also helps to relieve constipation by improving the mobility of the colonic content. The results of the trial were promising.