What are Psyllium Husk Capsules?
Psyllium husk capsules are your answer to handling constipation and diarrhea naturally. Some take it to help with their hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and other intestinal concerns. You should discuss taking psyllium husk capsules with your caregiver or doctor as a simple solution to digestive problems.
Psyllium is a soluble fiber, which means it’s a dietary fiber that diffuses in water when the food you eat breaks down. Or others describe it as a gentle bulk-forming laxative. When water contacts the husks, it forms a gelatin mass that helps move waste through the intestinal tract. So, drinking plenty of water while taking psyllium husk capsules is essential.
Psyllium is common in India but grows worldwide today. The husks come from a shrub-like plant called Plantago ovata. One plant can produce 15,000 tiny, gel-coated seeds that have psyllium husks.
History of Psyllium Husks
The husks originated in India, and for 5,000 years, Ayurveda, traditional Hindu medicine, and various cultures used the husks as an effective treatment for various health concerns. Indian history shows they called the seeds Asvakarna, using two Sanskrit words: “Asva,” meaning “horse,” and “Karna,” meaning “ear,” for “horse ears.” It’s because the seeds look like horse’s ears.
Persian history called the seeds Isabgol or Ispaghula. In Persian, “Isap” means “ear of horse” because, like the Indians, the seeds look like horse’s ears. “Gol” or “Ghula” mean “solution.”
Through the centuries, India has used husks as traditional medicine, a cooling treatment and a mild cleanser for the colon. It effectively improves bowel movements (x).
Today, research has determined additional benefits from taking psyllium husks you may find surprising and valuable.
Benefits of Psyllium Husk
Helps Relieve Constipation
Well-designed studies show that psyllium husks effectively relieve constipation. Psyllium binds to partially digested food going to the small intestine. The compound absorbs water, increasing the moisture and size of the stools. Larger stools form and pass quickly (x, x).
A study based on 170 people with chronic constipation took 5.1 grams of psyllium husk two times a day for 14 days. They noticed an increase in stool weight, water content and frequency of bowel movements (x).
Another study determined psyllium husks positively affect intestinal flora as essential to the digestive system. Both healthy and constipated patients took the compound for seven days. The results showed the supplement had a small but significant effect on intestinal flora in healthy adults and more substantial results in constipated patients. As shown, psyllium increases stool water, significantly changing intestinal flora. Most markedly, significant changes occur in constipated patients (x).
Lessens Symptoms of Diarrhea
Psyllium husks absorb water, which results in increased stool thickness to slow down bowel movement through your large intestine. Thus, the capsules ease diarrhea (x, x).
A pilot study showed that psyllium husk noticeably reduced diarrhea in 30 patients enduring radiation therapy for cancer. In the study, eight individuals who had lactose-induced diarrhea took 3.5 grams of psyllium three times a day. The treatment resulted in a substantial increase in the time it took their stomachs to empty. The results were fewer bowel movements (x).
Protease inhibitors are common antiviral treatments for those who have HIV. Diarrhea is one complication while taking protease inhibitors. In an Oxford Academic Report, psyllium is one agent that helps ease diarrhea caused by these inhibitors (x).
So not only can psyllium husk capsules reduce and combat diarrhea, the supplement can regulate bowel movements.
Supports Good Bacteria
Psyllium husk capsules can produce prebiotic effects, supporting good bacteria growth in your intestines. Though the supplement resists fermentation, there are times the bacteria in the intestines ferment psyllium husks, which creates short-chain fatty acids. These acids help the digestive tract for a healthier absorption of food (x, x). There are other health benefits as well, like combating colon cancer and obesity (x).
The fermentation process of psyllium is relatively slow, ensuring no increase in gas or digestive discomfort (x).
A 105-patient study where they consumed 10 grams psyllium twice a day for 12 months, increased the production of short-chain fatty acids. Butyrate also increase, which helps improve your colon and skin health (x, x).
Cleanses and Heals Wounds, Limits Scar Formation
Psyllium husk capsules contain mucopolysaccharides, which help with cleansing and healing wounds. Mucopolysaccharides help build bone, tendons, cartilage, corneas, connective tissue, and skin (x).
Studies performed with test tubes and living organisms showed psyllium helps wound cleansing and healing with limited scar formation. Fluid absorption, bacterial adherence and mobile white blood cells around the injuries occur with psyllium. It’s because of mucopolysaccharides found in the compound (x).
A study performed on rats given diabetic wounds showed that a mixture of psyllium husks enhanced the healing of the open wounds (x).
Another study showed that dressing films made of psyllium husks improved the wound-healing process with more excellent rates of wound contraction (x).
Helps Lower High Cholesterol Levels
The liver converts cholesterol to replace the bile acids, which lowers the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The medical field calls LDL the “bad cholesterol,” which makes up most of the body’s cholesterol. High LDL levels can raise the risk of stroke and heart disease (x).
Including soluble fiber in your diet can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Psyllium is a soluble fiber that stops your intestines from absorbing bile acids. The colon absorbing these acids helps the body excrete stools more quickly because the liver converts cholesterol to replenish the bile acids.
A study with six healthy people and five patients with an artificial opening in the abdominal wall proved psyllium lowered the LDL cholesterol in patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. The study proved that enhanced absorption of bile acids in the colon lowered the LDL cholesterol (x).
Increasing your soluble fiber intake by five to ten grams daily may lead to a five percent drop in LDL cholesterol. A study in 2021 showed that psyllium husk capsules caused a six percent drop in LDL cholesterol (x).
Decreases the Risk of Heart Disease
A lipid panel test can determine your body’s lipid levels, which screens and monitors your risk of heart disease. The test measures your cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels mean you’re at risk of cardiovascular disease (x).
Studies reveal psyllium husk capsules in a healthy diet may decrease the chance of heart disease. The supplement fosters a healthy heart by enhancing lipid levels, strengthening your heart and lowering your blood pressure (x).
Those who have diabetes have a higher chance of developing heart disease. Forty patients with type II diabetes had psyllium with a controlled diet. Two months later, their overall health noticeably improved, with triglyceride levels and risk of cardiovascular disease lowered (x).
The Cardiology in Review noted in 2007 that a deficiency of fiber in the Western diet might contribute to the widespread occurrence of diabetes, colon cancer and coronary artery disease (CAD). The public’s awareness of adding fiber to the diet may have contributed to the noticeable 30% decline in the CAD death rate over the last 15. Thus, taking psyllium husks caps is beneficial for fighting heart disease (x).
Helps Manage Body Weight
Obesity is a severe health issue like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Psyllium husk capsules are a supplement that may help you lose weight significantly (x).
Taking the psyllium before meals helps the stomach empty more slowly, so you feel full sooner. The extra fiber from the supplement combats the urge to overeat. In 2007, a study determined that taking psyllium husk supplements for six months lowered the body mass index (BMI) in overweight patients (x).
Besides taking psyllium husk capsules, you can also increase your fiber consumption by eating fiber-rich foods, such as citrus fruit, apples, prunes, dates, oatmeal, legumes, seeds and nuts (x).
Natural Solution for Diabetes
Consuming psyllium daily has proven to be an effective solution for resolving blood glucose levels associated with diabetes (x).
Eighteen non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients took psyllium fiber twice daily before breakfast and dinner. Taking the supplement reduced the maximum glucose levels by 14% at breakfast and 20% at dinner. The study results showed the supplement could effectively reduce high glucose levels after meals (x).
An 8-week study had patients with diabetes taking 5.1 grams of psyllium 20 to 30 minutes before breakfast. The patients fasting blood, not having anything food or drink for at least eight hours, glucose levels lowered by 52.6 milligrams a tenth of a liter (deciliter). Also reported was a 1.6% decrease in Hemoglobin A1C test levels (x).
A study involving obese children and teens with abnormal lipid and abnormal carbohydrate metabolism added psyllium husks to their diet. When the body has abnormal lipids and abnormal carbohydrate metabolism, the body increases the glucose in the system. The supplement lowered their pre-meal blood glucose levels from 12.2 to 20.2 percent (x).
A 2016 study showed that fasting blood glucose levels had lowered by 43.6 milligrams per deciliter. Further research showed that individuals with type II diabetes who consumed seven grams of psyllium fiber 15 minutes before each midday meal and 3.5 grams before dinner had positive results. The program lowered their glucose levels, providing a healthier body (x).
In 2017, a group with diabetes took seven grams of psyllium husk while on a moderate-carbohydrate diet. Insulin sensitivity increased, which is a good thing. The more the body detects insulin, the easier it is for the body to control glucose (x).
Where to Buy Psyllium Husk Capsules?
You can purchase Psyllium Husk Capsules at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of pure dietary supplements.
BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying psyllium husk capsules as a dietary capsule supplement for their potential to support the digestive system, colon cancer, wound healing, weight management, healthy cardiovascular system, and relief from constipation and diarrhea? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Psyllium Husk Capsules Dosage
The suggested dosage is 1400 milligrams twice daily with plenty of water or fluids. Talk with your healthcare provider for the most optimal dosage.
Psyllium Husk Capsules Side Effects
Side effects are minimal as long as you drink plenty of fluids or water. If there are side effects, they include:
- Severe gas occurs, or bloating persists and becomes unbearable. Talk to your caregiver about solutions. Psyllium can cause nausea, constipation and diarrhea.
- Severe allergic reactions can happen but rarely. Reactions include anaphylaxis, chest tightness, dizziness, vomiting, rashes, hives, swelling, trouble breathing, and itching in the throat, tongue, or face.
The most effective way to avoid allergic reactions is to talk with your physician before starting any new supplement.
Psyllium Warnings
People who have difficulty swallowing or experience spastic bowels (belly pain, diarrhea, gas and constipation) should avoid taking psyllium. Those with severe kidney disease may not experience any benefits from psyllium husk capsules.
The supplement may interfere with your medication absorption, such as digoxin, tricyclic carbamazepine, bile acid sequestrants and antidepressants.
Antidepressants cause terrible side effects on the intestinal tract. Talk to your doctor about an alternative remedy for mood swings (x).
Psyllium is safe for pregnant and lactating mothers, but check with your healthcare provider first.
Use small amounts to monitor the capsule’s effects and gradually increase the dosage.
If you experience a variation in bowel habits or have health problems, like heart disease or diabetes, talk to your physician about using psyllium husk capsules.
The Bottom Line
Traditional ancient healing disciplines, such as Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, used psyllium for thousands of years. They used psyllium husks and seeds to treat many ailments, such as skin irritations, bladder problems and high blood pressure.
People taking 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day can have a healthy and easy bowel movement. Psyllium helps to ensure the body consumes the required amount of daily fiber. It’s also a natural remedy for several modern health concerns.
If you suffer from digestive issues or constipation, psyllium husk capsules are an excellent solution. The supplements help the intestines produce bioactive and prebiotics.
Psyllium husk capsules help maintain blood sugar levels, weight management, wound cleansing and healing and prevent cardiovascular disease. Studies prove the supplement combined with other natural compounds creates preventive and treatment plans.
It’s imperative that when taking psyllium husk capsules, you drink plenty of fluids, especially fresh, clean water.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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