The doctor disassembles psyllium - psyllium husk
One of the most fashionable remedies for constipation is psyllium, psyllium husk. This is fiber, in other words, plant fiber or complex carbohydrates.
In general, a lack of fiber in food is a very common cause of constipation. It is found in vegetables, fruits and cereals, especially cabbage and legumes. Ideally, a person needs about 30 grams of plant fibers per day, they are important for the vital activity of the intestines.
Therefore, additional intake of complex carbohydrates often justified. But there is such a nuance: psyllium is a soluble fiber, which, binding with water, swells like a gel and fills the entire space of the intestine. Thus, it stimulates its movement and provokes relief.
It takes water for psyllium to work properly.
The key word here is WATER.
For some reason, the instructions do not write that due to the peculiarities of psyllium you need to drink a lot of water. Otherwise, you can run into not long-awaited relief, but, on the contrary, an unpleasant blockage. From time to time, patients tell me about this, the pain from a distended intestine is unpleasant and hard to endure.
How much is to drink a lot? A cup or half a liter at once? If you are taking one or two teaspoons of psyllium diluted in a glass of water, then I recommend drinking one more glass after. And if in capsules - then after each capsule - 2 glasses of water (about 400 ml). In general, you need to drink at least 2.5 liters of water during the day. I recommend drinking warm water.
One teaspoon of psyllium is 4-5 grams of fiber, so it is still not necessary to exclude vegetables from the diet, it cannot fully satisfy the needs of the body.
What else is psyllium good for?
- It helps to prolong the feeling of satiety, which means help in losing weight.
- Normalizes bowel function, acting like a probiotic (soil for growing beneficial bacteria). That is, it participates in strengthening the immune system, supports our immune system, hormonal balance.
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases and development of colorectal forms cancer (colon cancer);
- Stimulates not only synthesis, but also outflow of bile acids, that is, it prevents cholelithiasis and atherosclerosis;
- According to some scientists, the use of psyllium contributes to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and high glucose levels. But insignificantly.
Cons of consuming psyllium
But there is also a negative effect.
Alas, psyllium is strong allergen, and has a cumulative effect.
So take it lightly and it is best to discuss the appointment with your doctor.
Your Doctor Pavlova
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