Colon Cleanse (Psyllium Husk Fiber)

Category: Health News

In BriefNature’s Choice Colon Cleanse is first and foremost a wonderfully effective, all-natural fiber product that will promote regular bowel function – without the harmful side effects of laxatives (which generally work by irritating the bowel). As an excellent source of dietary fiber, Colon Cleanse will also prove helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, cleansing the colon, and preventing bowel cancer – and much more.

Because of its cleansing and bulking properties, Colon Cleanse may also be used as a weight management agent and it will be found helpful in the treatment of common ailments such as diarrhea, hemorrhoids, gallstones, constipation, and in the prevention and relief of serious ailments such as heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer. (see full list of uses below)

Colon Cleanse may be used as an ingredient in breakfast cereals, as an additive to a wide variety of foods and drinks, or as a remedy. It is safe to use, non-addictive, and is available from any Nature’s Choice stockist.

Table of Contents

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What is Psyllium?

Psyllium is a soluble fibre obtained from the plant genus Plantago. The seed contains 19% fibre, 18.8% protein, and a variety of sugars, including 10%-20% triglycerides, as well as other carbohydrates, alkaloids, amino acids, oils, tannins and flavonoids.

Also known as fleawort, psyllium is the common name for several members of the plant genus Plantago. Although often used as a mild, natural laxative, strictly speaking it is not a laxative but a true soluble dietary fibre. It also adds some calories to the diet because once it is metabolized in the colon, some of it is absorbed. As a soluble fibre it becomes gelatinous and sticky in water. It is not absorbed in the small bowel. It is broken down in the large bowel and becomes a food source for the bacteria that live in the colon. These healthy bacteria bulk up the stool, creating a larger softer stool which is easier to pass. One source says a tablespoon of crushed psyllium seed provides as much fibre as a serving of bran cereal.

The seeds are oval-shaped, odourless and almost tasteless, and are so small they are often referred to as “flea seeds”. In fact, the word “psyllium” originated from a Greek word meaning “flea”. The seeds range in colour from reddish brown to black.

Modern Uses

In summary, psyllium has been used successfully -

  • As a natural bulk laxative
  • As a high source of dietary fiber
  • To reduce total blood cholesterol
  • As a colon cleanser
  • To remove toxins from the intestines
  • To absorb bile acids in the intestine
  • To help prevent colon cancer
  • To reduce the absorption of toxic metals
  • As an appetite suppressant
  • Psyllium may also be supportive in the following conditions:
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Appendicitis
  • Constipation
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Psoriasis
  • High triglycerides
  • Weight Loss
  • Diverticulosis
  • Diarrhea
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Gallstones
  • High Cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Indigestion

Because of psyllium’s capacity to become gelatinous when moistened, it is used commercially for the production of mucilage – the common name for a group of clear, colourless, gelatinous substances secreted by plants. Psyllium seed mucilage consists of polysaccharides and is obtained by mechanically milling or grinding the outer layer of the seed into a white, fibrous material that can absorb water until its volume increases at least tenfold.

The use of psyllium in high-fibre breakfast cereal in recent years has focused a lot of attention on the benefits of this soluble fibre. Some doctors recommend psyllium seed supplements in cases where there is not enough fibre in the diet.

Psyllium is a bulking agent that promotes bowel regularity. It can be used regularly, as opposed to harsh stimulant laxatives which should only be used occasionally. It makes stools softer and therefore helps relieve chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, hiatus hernia and other intestinal disorders, as well as diabetes. It is believed to be a good intestinal cleanser because it makes waste matter move faster through the digestive system, with the result that toxic substances spend less time in the body, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer and other diseases.

Because it absorbs water, it can also relieve chronic diarrhea as well as bladder and kidney problems and urethritis.

The United States is the world largest importer of psyllium husk at about 8 000 metric tons per annum, and volumes are set to rise because of increasing interest in natural dietary fibres. It is used as a natural dietary fibre for animals, and as chicken and cattle feed in India. Psyllium mucilage is also used as a thickener in ice cream and frozen desserts, and it is expected to be used more and more in the food processing industry because of its superior binding properties, stable viscosity and natural fibre characteristics. It has been hailed as a wonder product in health drinks, beverages, ice cream, bread, biscuits, other bakery products, rice cakes, jams, instant noodles, breakfast cereals etc., to improve the fiber content of the food as also to increase the bulk of the food.

Psyllium husk may also be added to fresh fruit drinks or flavoured drinks to improve the way the drink feels in the mouth, to make it richer and give it a better consistency.

As a home remedy, Psyllium is a wonderful and perfectly safe means of promoting regular bowel function.

Psyllium and Cholesterol

Another reason for the increased attention to psyllium is the claim, fairly well documented, that it can reduce the levels of cholesterol in the blood. One source suggests that soluble fibre may lower cholesterol 10% to 15% if enough is taken. The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies (see p. 309) says that 3 grams of soluble fibre added to the diet reduces LDL (lipoproteins, the bad cholesterol) by about five per cent within a month or two. Another source states that the effect of soluble fibre in just one tablespoon of psyllium is equal to that of 14 tablespoons of oat bran. Other research also indicates that psyllium incorporated into food reduces blood glucose and insulin responses more effectively than soluble fibre supplements can.

In 1995, an article that appeared in Pediatrics stated that consuming a high-fibre diet, e.g. one that includes psyllium, from an early age may even decrease the future risk of cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer (especially of the colon) and adult-onset diabetes. In February 1998, the American Heart Association persuaded the US Food and Drug Administration to give approval for food manufacturers to make a health claim that eating soluble fibre from foods such as psyllium as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Psyllium and Weight Loss

A number of studies suggest that psyllium may be effective in promoting weight loss because it gives you the sensation of being full and reduces energy intake. By lowering the glucose and insulin responses associated with digestion and nutrient absorption, psyllium causes a delay in the time required for nutrients to reach the small intestine and, ultimately, the body cells. The result is slower weight gain and even weight loss. In addition, there is evidence to show that the psyllium seed can affect fat intake. It is therefore believed that psyllium could be a strong candidate for inclusion in diets designed for overweight and obese people.

Suggested Dosages:

Ailment Dosage
Candida Overgrowth Syndrome 1-3 tsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken in water as described below (followed by full glass of water) once a day
Constipation 1-3 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken once a day in water or juice as described below
Diarrhea 1-3 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken once a day in water or juice as described below
Gallstones 1 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice as described below
Hemorrhoids 1 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice as described below
High Cholesterol 1 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice as described below
Irritable Bowel Syndrome 1-3 Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice as described below
Weight Loss 1-3 tbsp. Psyllium husk fiber taken twice a day in water or juice (30 minutes before meals) as described below

How do I take it, how much and when?

Half fill a large tumbler with at least 250 ml of water. Add the desired amount of psyllium husk fiber (Colon Cleanse), stir briskly, quickly and vigorously, and drink the full amount rapidly before full gelling sets in.

Psyllium should always be taken on an empty stomach – that is 1 hour to 30 minutes before breakfast and/or lunch and/or supper.

Cautions and Notes

  • Always follow your physician’s instructions carefully.
  • Certainly consult a physician if you are already using a cholesterol lowering drug.
  • Do not use if you have a bowel obstruction.
  • It can take a few days for a change to be noticed. However, when the change is felt, it is a result of an actual toning of the bowel rather than simply an irritation or purging of the bowel.
  • As good as psyllium is, you are encouraged to use more fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains in the diet in order to regulate the bowels and to ultimately make the use of psyllium unnecessary.
  • Psyllium tends to loosen black post-putrefactive matter from the colon walls and, if such matter is passed, there is usually no cause for concern.
  • Do not take psyllium within 1-2 hours of taking medication, since it can delay their absorption into the bloodstream.
  • Psyllium can make tetracycline antibiotics less effective, so get medical advice before taking both at the same time.
  • Store in a tightly sealed container away from moisture.
  • Psyllium should be kept away from children.
  • Do not double up on a dose, and don’t exceed recommended doses because larger quantities of psyllium can reduce your body’s ability to absorb certain minerals.

Are There Other Precautions?

The major side effect of all the soluble fibres, including psyllium, is the development of intestinal gas or flatus (while this is the general consensus, at least one source suggests that psyllium does not cause excessive gas or bloating – see www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/psyllium.html). It is the beneficial bacteria in the colon that create intestinal gases from certain food sources such as soluble fibre. So you may be limited in how much psyllium you can tolerate by this side effect. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dose over several days. Insoluble fibre, found in wheat bran and cereals, does not have this side effect.

Always take psyllium with plenty of fluids. In addition, you may want to increase your general water intake by an additional six to eight glasses a day. Insufficient fluid may cause the fibre to swell and cause choking or even rupture of the esophagus. Do not use psyllium if you have difficulty swallowing.

Contact your physician if constipation persists for more than a week with regular use of a bulk laxative or if rectal bleeding occurs.

How Often Can I Take psyllium?

While it is generally believed that psyllium can be used safely in the long term, the effect of long-term inclusion in the diet has not been absolutely established. We are aware of many people who have used psyllium daily for months on end – with no adverse effect. Nevertheless, we should always try and regulate our diet to the point that the use of products such as Colon Cleanse are not necessary.

One major advantage is that Psyllium is non-addictive.

How About Side Effects?

Adverse reactions can occur with any remedy or medication, whether natural or chemical, and even with over-the-counter medications. Some of these are mild, such as a stomach upset, which may be avoided by taking the medication with food.

The seeds of the psyllium plant are non-toxic, but consumption of un-soaked seeds may cause varying degrees of gastrointestinal irritation and inflammation. Chewed seeds can produce severe diarrhea. Obviously, if you are sensitive to psyllium you should not use these natural products, and doctors must exercise caution when prescribing laxatives containing psyllium if there is a possibility of allergic reactions. Minor reactions may go away of their own accord, but if they persist, you should consult your physician. For major reactions, the patient should contact the physician immediately.

For psyllium, the following are the observed side effects:

Minor:

  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Rumbling sounds in the stomach
  • Nausea
  • Mild abdominal cramps

Major:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Trouble swallowing

What If I Miss a Dose?

Rather miss a dose than take psyllium on a full stomach. A missed dose may mean that you will have to labor at your next stool – otherwise there should be no problem if you miss a dose. Under ideal circumstances, depending on your condition, psyllium should only be used as and when needed.

Does Psyllium Interact With Food or Beverages?

There are no known food or beverage interactions with psyllium.

Does Psyllium Interact With Medication?

An interaction generally means that one substance may increase or decrease the effect of another substance. Also, the more medications a person takes, the more likely it is that there will be an interaction. There are no known drug interactions with psyllium – except that psyllium, if taken together with your medication, can delay the absorption of your medication. One source suggests that psyllium shouldn’t be taken together with guar gum. Guar, another fibre supplement, works the same way psyllium does. So take one or the other, but not both at the same time.

Could there be complications if I have another disorder or disease?

At times, the use of a remedy for a particular condition may have a different or enhanced effect when other diseases are present. At other times, the remedy may worsen or affect another disease. Fibre should not be used if you suspect you have a chronic bowel obstruction unless you have discussed this with your doctor. It is also best to temporarily restrict fibre after abdominal surgery and when there is a flare-up of chronic bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

What About Allergies?

People who have known allergies or asthma may be at an increased risk for a reaction from any food or remedy. The physician should always know a patient’s allergy history. Signs of an allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching and even breathing and swallowing problems. Don’t take psyllium if you have had a previous reaction to oral or inhaled psyllium powder, stool softeners or bulking agents.

Psyllium and Pregnancy

Fibre is generally recommended during pregnancy when constipation can become a problem. Remember that fibre is not a laxative, although this is the term that the FDA makes manufacturers use on the label. Psyllium is no different from oatmeal or fruits, which always form part of a healthy diet. These are all types of healthy soluble fibre.

Some sources do however suggest that it may be safer for women to consult with a doctor about psyllium if they are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant.

Where can I obtain psyllium?

Psyllium (Colon Cleanse) is available from all Nature’s Choice stockists.

Conclusion

Everyone should get a healthy amount of soluble and insoluble fibre in their food each day. There are many beneficial effects of fibre, and these effects are no less visible in psyllium. This soluble fibre promotes bowel regularity and probably reduces the chance of heart disease and certain cancers. Psyllium should be viewed as nothing more than part of the foods you eat to stay healthy each day.

Testimony:

“I have always had problems with my colon and constipation. For many years I have been on prescribed medication. When I discovered your product and how it helped me right from the start (which was about 4 months ago) I have stopped taking orthodox medicine and only take Colon Cleanse twice a day. I have even lost weight and feel great. Keep on manufacturing Colon Cleanse.” (Mrs L.C, Glenhazel)

Sources Consulted

 

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3 Responses to “Colon Cleanse (Psyllium Husk Fiber)”




  1. Dibuseng Says:
    October 18th, 2010 at 8:29 am

    I have always had a problem with constipation my whole live dispite an increase in fibre. I started using the colon cleaser three days ago and i have never experience such pleasure when going to the loo. Thank you again for the product.




  2. Linx Says:
    April 11th, 2011 at 1:07 am

    syIG3K Good point. I hadn’t thought about it quite that way. :)




  3. Irene Says:
    August 4th, 2011 at 6:36 am

    ‘I have just started using the product yesterday (03/08/2011).I feel lighter this morning.
    Hope it’s worth it!’

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