Psyllium
Psyllium is a favorite, and readily found in every drugstore in America! Its roots are deep, and it has history in both conventional and traditional medical systems.
First let’s review the two major types of fiber:
1. Soluble fibers in the GI tract have impacts on digestion.
2. Insoluble fibers pass through the GI tract intact, but will draw water in.
The cool thing about psyllium is it has both properties!
We use Psyllium most commonly for:
Constipation : Part of psyllium becomes a gel in the GI tract, and helps with lubrication and moisture content of stool. People most commonly find their stools are more frequent and softer (as long as water consumption is present).
Cholesterol-lowering agent : Psyllium can be a nice adjunct to help lower cholesterol. It enhances the excretion of cholesterol particles.
Be aware that psyllium can change the bioavailability of certain medications, therefore it is important to discuss this with your doctor and generally take it away from medications.
About DCIM
The team at District Center for Integrative Medicine specializes in helping patients get to the root cause of their conditions. If you’re looking for 1-on-1 help from naturopathic doctors who care, request a free consultation today!
