The Constipation and Fiber Relationship
Constipation and Fiber – Focus on Psyllium Seed Husks
Psyllium seed husks have been around forever. They are used as both traditional and herbal medicines for all types of diseases; one of them being constipation. The psyllium husk came from the seed of the plantago ovata plant. The plantago ovata plant has its roots in Asia, the Mediterranean and North Africa. Psyllium is also known as isapgol and ispaghula.
Psyllium seed husks provide a laxative effect by heightening contents in your colon which then stimulates peristaltic action needed for proper bowel movement. Since most of the fiber found in psyllium seed husks absorbs moisture from the bowel into the stools, they make the stools heavier and moisturized at the same time. It will be then easier for you to pass out stools.
The efficacy of psyllium seed husks in combating constipation was studied by Cummings. He posited that the unfermented gel derived from the stools containing psyllium acted as both a moisturizer and a lubricant. The participants responded very well to the psyllium treatment and reported less straining and improved bowel movement. In the same study by Cummings, the participants’ stool weight increased to an average of 5.9 grams.
All other studies in psyllium seed husks concluded that it is the best fiber available for increasing and moisturizing stools.
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