Health Benefits of Psyllium Fiber

Psyllium Fiber Is an All Natural Way To Treat Many Diseases.

Psyllium Fiber Plant With the growing concern over colon health you have probably heard about psyllium fiber. Psyllium is a plant that is mainly grown in France, Spain and India. And, it is one of the highest sources of soluble fiber that can be found in nature!

The plant is grown commercially for it’s high mucilage content that is contained in the husks that cover the plants tiny seeds. The resulting material is hydrophilic, which means that it has a molecular structure that attracts water and binds itself to it.

This mucilaginous gel can absorb enough water to increase it’s volume many times over! At the same time it’s absorbing excess water, it’s also working to stimulate the bowels to eliminate waste from the body.

While psyllium is mainly used in laxative and fiber supplements, it’s has also made it’s way into food products such as cereal. In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration began allowing food manufacturers to make claims of the health benefits of psyllium on their labels.

For the FDA to approve such a claim there has got to be solid scientific evidence that the claim is true. Their decision was based on studies that showed significant and consistent lower levels of cholesterol in test subjects that consumed psyllium on a daily basis.

In fact, studies have shown that a healthy diet and consuming cereals that contain psyllium, can result in lowering cholesterol by as much as 10% in as little as one month. And, high cholesterol levels are one of the main contributors to heart disease!

Psyllium has been tested in countless clinical studies done on both humans and animals. And, while further research is still needed for it’s use in some diseases, this amazing all natural plant fiber created phenomenal results.

Research showed that diabetics who took two doses before meals had significant decreases in glucose levels. Test subjects that were given psyllium, maintained glucose levels that were from 11% to 19% lower than subjects on placebos. And, the same study resulted in cholesterol levels that were between 9% and 13% lower in subjects that received psyllium.

When used as a supplement, psyllium may even be very beneficial to patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. It has been shown to reduce the symptoms and promote longer periods of remission than synthetic drugs used to treat the disease. It may even deter the development of colon cancer!

Psyllium may also play a role in decreasing the world wide problem of obesity. It lowers the bodies intake of fat, helps you feel full longer so you eat less and promotes healthy, regular bowel movements. And, scientists just recently discovered that soluble fiber has significant effects on the bodies metabolism.

Because psyllium promotes a soft stool, it is being used to reduce internal bleeding from hemorrhoids. It’s also being used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome, in working to reduce both diarrhea and constipation and normalizing the bowel.

Researchers are still discovering new benefits of fiber in the diet. It has even been credited for reducing the risk of breast cancer by as much as 52% by one study. And, fiber helps reduce your chances of developing gallstones.

While there are many ways to add fiber to your diet, using psyllium is the best method. In equal amounts of oat bran and psyllium, the bran would have just 5 grams of fiber while the psyllium would contain 71 grams.

Once psyllium enters the colon it produces a spongy mass that literally absorbs the toxins. It absorbs the excess water and swells, as it breaks down it absorbs the toxic waste that is trapped in the crevices inside the bowels. It then stimulates contractions that are necessary for proper bowel movements and eliminates the waste.

Unlike insoluble fibers such as oat and wheat bran, psyllium doesn’t irritate the bowel lining, it works to soothe it. There is no undue stress put on nerve reflexes, the bowel tone isn’t damaged and psyllium is so safe that it’s approved for long term usage.

Poor waste elimination promotes poisonous toxic buildup, the immune system becomes weakened and the body is vulnerable to diseases. A healthy colon that is clean provides a strong defense against the many pathogens that invade the body.

The American Cancer Institute recommends that you take a daily dosage of 20 to 35 grams of fiber to decrease the risk of colon cancer. Fiber will help boost your immune system and aid your body in fighting off harmful viruses and life threatening bacteria.

Psyllium is one of the main ingredients in colon cleansing and detoxification regimens. Colon detoxification can flush years of trapped toxins out of your body. And, these highly poisonous toxins are responsible for many of the diseases and ailments that thousands of people are afflicted with today.

This pure, natural fiber can be mixed with 8 to 16 ounces of water or juice. It will absorb the water and become thick, so it should be drank immediately after mixing. And, since it does absorb so much excess water, make sure that you drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.