Diarrhea or constipation
Psyllium husks: natural remedy for gastrointestinal complaints
Psyllium husks are said to relieve gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea
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Everyone knows digestive problems: Whether diarrhea or constipation, in both cases the gastrointestinal tract suffers – and so does the person. A product from nature now promises relief for the said complaints: psyllium husks.
Gastrointestinal complaints have long since ceased to be a taboo subject, but nobody likes to talk about them if they suffer from diarrhea or constipation. Nevertheless, the typical symptoms such as a too soft or too firm stool cannot be ignored, on the contrary: If you can no longer hold any food or not go to the toilet for a longer period of time, this has health consequences. Therefore, you should treat the symptoms (if they last longer) in any case – for example with psyllium husks. Unlike common drugs that are used for either diarrhea or constipation, the powder can stimulate digestion and treat both ailments. You can find out why this is the case and what you should know about taking it here.
What are psyllium husks and what are they made of?
As the name suggests, these are seed coats of a type of plant that belongs to the plantain family (Plantago afra and Plantago indica.). Its Latin name is “Psyllium” and translated means “flea” – as the seeds look like small fleas. The plant is mainly grown in Pakistan and India, hence its term “Indian flea seeds“Most widespread. However, it is not the seeds that have a laxative or regulating effect on digestion, but their husks.
Psyllium husks contain large amounts of mucous substances, which act like a kind of protective film and thus prevent irritation of the intestinal wall. But what is even more important: They bind water – more than 50 times as much. The herbal swelling agents can therefore increase the volume of the stool by binding the excess fluid (and also the toxins in the case of bacterial inflammation). In other words, if you suffer from diarrhea, the psyllium husks can thicken the stool and relieve symptoms.
If, on the other hand, you suffer from constipation, the psyllium husks can also be taken. The herbal stool softener contains a lot of fiber, which – as already mentioned – binds water and compresses the food to be digested. This in turn puts more pressure on the intestinal wall and stimulates peristalsis (i.e. muscle activity), so that the reflex to defecate is triggered. Thus are suitable Psyllium husks for diarrhea or constipation (and even hemorrhoids) alike.
How are psyllium husks properly ingested?
There are fleas throughout, including seeds and peel, as Capsules or as powder. The latter is either taken pure or you mix it with a little water or juice. You can mix the whole seeds as well as the psyllium husk powder into your muesli. The recommended quantities can be found on the respective packaging – and should be taken into account in any case. It is important with every intake that you always drink enough liquid so that the natural swelling agent unfolds its full effect.
As a rule, psyllium husks can be taken daily (while standing, not lying down or at bedtime), but you should start with a low dose and gradually increase it. If you suffer from diarrhea, the effects can be felt very quickly; in the case of constipation, it sometimes takes one to two days before the first digestive success can be seen. If you do not notice any noticeable improvement after several days, it is advisable to consult a doctor and investigate the cause.
What are the side effects of psyllium husks?
Usually are Psyllium husks Very well tolerated, side effects can only occur in very rare cases – the best known include gas and stomach cramps, which are very likely caused by the high amount of fiber. Allergic reactions such as runny nose or skin irritation are also rare. Then you should stop taking it.
When should flea seeds not be taken?
As the psyllium husks swell, the mucilage is deposited on the intestinal wall like a protective film – this means that active pharmaceutical ingredients can no longer be absorbed by the body, or can only be absorbed much later. Hence, it is advisable to use the Psyllium husk powder or do not take the capsules at the same time as other medication, but ideally every 30 to 60 minutes. Furthermore, denture wearers should make sure that no residues remain in their mouths after washing down, as they could swell up in the existing dentures.
And another important note: As the effect on children has not yet been adequately investigated, the ingestion of psyllium husks is not recommended under the age of six!
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