1. Increase in stool weight and decrease in stool hardness
2. Cholesterol Reduction
3. Reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure
Hello. This is Jinny, the pharmacist.
Today, I would like to introduce you to 'Psyllium husk' , which is recently gaining popularity among those who suffer from constipation . Psyllium hull is the husk (blood) of plantain seeds (psyllium), and is known to absorb moisture in the intestines and increase the amount of feces to facilitate bowel movements . Because it promotes defecation with an action most similar to the original physiological phenomenon of the human body, it is also used as a laxative, and the possibility of side effects is low compared to other laxatives .
You'll be tempted just by listening to it. Now, let's take a look at some actual research to see what psyllium husks are particularly good for constipation, and what additional benefits they might have.
1. Increase in stool weight and decrease in stool hardness
When you say that you have difficulty with bowel movements, it doesn't just mean that you have fewer bowel movements. I go to the bathroom, but there are many cases that complain of pain when defecation because there is a sense of change or the stool is too hard . Psyllium husk may also help improve these symptoms.
According to a paper published in Aliment Pharmacol Ther, psyllium husk consumption not only helps to increase bowel frequency, but also increases stool weight and reduces stool hardness .
" Psyllium hull increases stool frequency and weight and improves stool hardness in idiopathic constipation (constipation of unknown origin). "
Reference paper: W Ashraf, F Park, J Lof, EM Quigley. (1995) Effects of psyllium therapy on stool characteristics, colon transit and anorectal function in chronic idiopathic constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 9(6):639-47.
2. Cholesterol Reduction
Everyone knows that it is important to manage cholesterol to prevent adult diseases. Lowering LDL cholesterol is especially important. Unlike HDL cholesterol, which plays a role in transporting cholesterol accumulated on the walls of blood vessels to the liver, LDL cholesterol is called 'bad cholesterol' because it can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis .
In this regard, the British Journal of Nutrition in 2015 reported the results of an experiment on the effect of psyllium husk intake on cholesterol levels in children and adolescents .
“ Statistically significant changes were observed between control and intervention groups over time for total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. In addition to leading to significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, psyllium husk therapy has been shown to be safe and acceptable for the treatment of hypercholesterolemic children and adolescents. "
Reference paper:Ribas, SA, Cunha, DB, Sichieri, R., & Santana Da Silva, LC (2014). Effects of psyllium on LDL-cholesterol concentrations in Brazilian children and adolescents: a randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 113(1), 134–141.
3. Reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure
According to <Hypertension Fact Sheet 2020> published by the Korean Society of Hypertension, the number of people diagnosed with high blood pressure at medical institutions has steadily increased from 3 million in 2002 to 9.7 million in 2018. Similarly, over the same period, the number of people prescribed antihypertensive drugs rose steadily from 2.5 million to 9 million. Among those reading this article, there must be many people who are worried about blood pressure management .
In 2010, a paper was published on the changes in systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) and diastolic blood pressure (minimum blood pressure) according to the intake of psyllium husk .
“ Long-term supplementation with psyllium husk was associated with significant reductions in systolic blood pressure after 4 and 6 months of treatment. (Omitted) A mean reduction of 2.2 mmHG in diastolic blood pressure was also observed after 6 months of supplementation. "
Reference paper: Cicero, AF, Derosa, G., Bove, M., Imola, F., Borghi, C., & Gaddi, A.V. (2009). Psyllium improves dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and hypertension, while guar gum reduces body weight more rapidly in patients affected by metabolic syndrome following an AHA Step 2 diet. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 3(1), 47–54.
Today , we looked at three benefits of psyllium hulls that have been proven in the academic world . Psyllium husk meets water in the intestines and expands to promote intestinal peristalsis. To maximize this effect, it is recommended to consume psyllium husk with plenty of water .
I hope you have a healthy day in body and mind. It was Jinny.
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