By: Goran Smirčić |
Psyllium – A natural aid for indigestion |
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Bowel movement regularity is one of the pillars of health and normal functioning of the body.
Food remnants left after digestion are sent to colon and must be eliminated from the body.
If this does not happen, waste and toxins accumulate and threaten the health of the body.
This is evidenced by the occasional and eventually permanent pain in the lower back and abdomen.
Western way of life - the cause of indigestion
Constipation is very common in the life of the westerners, while relatively rare in developing countries.
It is not because of a lack of food, but because of its structure.
Dr. Denis Burkitt spent his career in East Africa and almost never encountered the problem of irregular bowel movement in the local population that was eating “poor man’s” food full of fiber.
His patients were rich westerners who had different eating habits and who therefore suffered from constipation.
But food is not the only cause of indigestion. Stress, not drinking enough fluids and sedentary lifestyle can also bring about constipation.
If you want to permanently solve this problem, you need to change habits. But that is the hardest thing - in any area of human life.
That is where the nature once again comes to the rescue with its inexhaustible natural pharmacy.
Nature offers a solution
One of the most effective herbs to resolve minor cases of constipation is an Indian plantain, also known as psyllium, psilium or plantago (Plantago ovata).
Plants Plantago psyllium and Plantago indica have very similar effects.
Indian plantain is an annual plant with branched stems and very narrow leaves.
Tiny flowers are arranged in blooms on top of the stem.
It grows in India, Iran, Asia Minor and southern Europe.
This plant contains fibers, lipids, unsaturated fatty acids, iridoids (aucuboside) and a lot of slime.
Slime in the intestine produces a substance similar to mucus. It is very important due to its effect of "lubricating" the walls of the intestine.
Dietary fibers found in the plant help the formation of a large volume and are resistant to digestive enzymes.
It is relatively easy to pass them through the stomach to the colon, where they retain water, swell and stimulate the intestinal peristaltic.
Indian plantain has the ability to increase the volume up to 15 times, which ensures easier bowel movements.
Gently removing constipation
The mechanism described is similar to the mechanism of plungers – the increased volume and slimy consistency push the clogging towards the exit.
Best of all, the use of natural medicine has no harmful effects on health, leaves the flora intact and does not disturb the digestion and bowel function.
It can be taken for longer periods of time without adverse side effects.
It can replace dangerous purgatives like senna and alder buckthorn as well as synthetic drugs.
Because of its mild action it is also used by patients with pelvic trauma in order to regulate stool consistency.
It is very interesting that, although psyllium is primarily laxative, it can be used to calm diarrhea.
The aforementioned iridoids have a soothing effect on the intestinal wall and stimulate normal peristaltic.
For persons suffering from a "lazy bowel" syndrome or metabolic or digestive disorder, plantain is one of the better choices for treatment.
Psyllium can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Pregnant women should nevertheless seek the advice of their physician before using this plant.
This herb is not recommended if you are taking medication for cholesterol and diabetes, or if you have an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.
Indian plantain helps with the following problems:
- chronic constipation
- irritable colon
- ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- high cholesterol associated with chronic constipation
- control of stool consistency in pelvic fracture
- diverticulosis
- lazy bowel syndrome
-
non-bacterial diarrhea
As a therapist, I have an excellent experience with the use of psyllium. However, not every ailment can be cured with this plant.
Unfortunately, sometimes I had to use stronger remedies, such as frangula or senna. I should point out that strong purgatives like senna and frangula are not good for prolonged use, as they can cause damage to the intestines.
In contrast, Indian plantain can be used over a longer period, without any harm to the body.
Application
Psyllium is available in the form of capsules, powder or flakes.
Usage: mix 1 to 3 teaspoons of psyllium in water or apple juice. Allow the mixture to stand for five minutes and drink it. During the day, drink plenty of fluids in order to increase the efficiency of psyllium.
Dosage:
- easing constipation, bowel drainage: 7 - 25 g / day
- stopping diarrhea: 10 - 30 g / day
- reducing blood fat: 10 g / day
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