Psyllium is much more than a fiendishly difficult ingredient to spell and say. Most people know it as a natural product that provides fibre and supports your gut function- but it also acts in many other ways to keep your heart and body healthy.

 

What is Psyllium?

Psyllium husk comes from the seeds of the Plantago Ovata plant. It is a rich natural source of soluble fibre which can support gut health and digestion, protect your heart health, and improve overall wellbeing.

 

How can you add Psyllium to your diet?

Psyllium Husk is available in many health supplements. It comes as powders, capsules, or as a whole husk. Sprinkle it on your cereal or muesli, add it to smoothies, soups, or bung it in your baked goods like bread, scones or flapjacks.

 

Nixi provides Psyllium together with gluten-free oat fibre, probiotics, prebiotics and greens to give your gut a fibre shot, support a balanced bowel microbiome and help you optimise your digestive health.

 

How can Psyllium benefit your health?

On the regular

Psyllium is well known to be a soluble fibre that absorbs water in the gut. It adds bulk to stools, making them easier to pass which can keep your bowel movements regular and help prevent constipation. However, Psyllium also acts in seven other, less well known, ways to benefit your health: 

Softly does it

Psyllium helps soften stools, making them easier to pass, This helps people living with piles or anal fissures, you won’t strain or force things when going to the loo allowing your body to heal itself.

Helps a healthy heart

Eating plenty of fibre, or supplementing with Psyllium Husk can lower your cholesterol levels. The soluble fibre binds to bile acids which are then passed out of the body. More fibre in your diet makes the liver use up cholesterol to make more bile acids, which can reduce your LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol and protect your heart.

Regulates blood sugar

Psyllium slows down the absorption of glucose from the food you eat, helping to keep blood sugar levels more stable. This is great for people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition.

Helps you manage your weight

Psyllium husk can help reduce your hunger, so that it’s easier to stick to a healthy diet. When taken, with plenty of fluid, before meals, it can curb your cravings and help you stick to your weight loss goals The soluble fibre absorbs water, swelling to make you feel full and satisfied more quickly. It also reduces the blood sugar spike, and subsequent fall, after meals so that you’re less likely to reach for the biscuit tin!

Boosts the gut microbiome

Psyllium acts as a prebiotic nourishing the beneficial or ‘good’ bacteria in your gut. A healthy and balanced gut microbiome has been linked to a host of health benefits including better digestion, improved immunity, and even enhanced mood and mental wellbeing.

Relieves diarrhoea

This may seem surprising because Psyllium is often used as a remedy for constipation- but it can also help improve things when your stools are loose and frequent. It absorbs water, bulking up the stools and helping solidify loose motions.

Cleanses and detoxes

Your body is designed to detox itself but Psyllium can lend a helping hand! It speeds up the movement of waste through the bowel, trapping toxins and waste for elimination. It also keeps your bowel movements healthy and regular reducing the build-up of harmful substances.

How to take Psyllium

Whether you’re sprinkling Psyllium on your granola or swigging a shot of Nixi it's sensible to start slowly, especially if you’re not used to a high fibre diet.

 

If you’re having pure Psyllium, start with a small amount ( around1 teaspoon) and gradually increase to 1–2 tablespoons per day. With Nixi, start on alternate days and see how you respond before progressing to a daily dose.

 

Remember that hydration is key. Psyllium absorbs water into the stools, so drink plenty of fluid to keep your bowel motions soft, mobile and easy to pass.

 

Psyllium is more than just a fibre provider, it’s a natural way to improve your gut, heart and general health- but remember that any nutritional supplement can’t replace a healthy and balanced diet. Check with your GP especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

 

Have you noticed any changes with Psyllium? Let me know at DrJaneGilbert@NixiHealth.co.uk

Thanks Doctor Jane