A colon cleansing with psyllium can help against constipation or support the build-up of the intestinal flora as part of an intestinal cleansing in a gentle way. We have used Psyllium for ages for stomach problems but it got lost after the medicinal revolution. However, this sacred medicine is back to treating people again. What are the health benefits of Psyllium Husk & how does it clean the colon?
What is Psyllium Husk?
Psyllium is the seed shell of the plant called Plantago ovata. Originally from India and Pakistan, it is now also grown in Central Europe, Central America, and Australia. According to its origin, it is also known as Indian flea seeds or plantain. The tiny seeds owe their name to their resemblance to fleas.
Psyllium husk is a popular natural medicine to improve digestion and keep the stomach healthy as it binds water, swells up, and stimulates intestinal activity.
Natural Colon Cleansing – How Do Flea Seeds Work?
Psyllium husks contain indigestible fiber and mucilage, such as the sugars galactose and rhamnose. The mucous substances bind water in the intestine and swell, which increases the volume of the stool and stimulates the bowel movement. In combination with the laxative effect of the oil contained in the seeds, Indian Psyllium works naturally against constipation and thereby cleans the intestines.
The beneficial effect of the plant in the case of diarrhea can also be traced back to the mucous substances. They bind the excess fluid in the intestine that is present in the case of diarrhea, causing the stool to condense.
Psyllium husks are available in pharmacies, drugstores, and organic markets in various forms such as whole flea seeds, crushed seeds, and psyllium husk powder. Finely ground psyllium and psyllium husks are best suited for colon cleansing because they can be better absorbed by the body. The whole seeds have a protein and fat-rich core but they pass through the intestines much faster and thus have less time to properly swell.
When the seeds are ground, the oil they contain escapes, making the intestinal contents more lubricious. Besides, the digestive mucilage is mainly in the shell. So, if you want to do a colon cleansing with psyllium to aid your digestion, consider buying psyllium husk or using a coffee grinder or mortar to grind the seeds before consuming them.
Flea Seeds are Extremely Healthy – Health Benefits of Psyllium Husk
Besides a high fiber content, there are many other health benefits of Psyllium husks. They are gluten-free, mild to the body, and therefore particularly well tolerated by people with intestinal diseases or a sensitive intestine. They do not burden the intestines, but help digestion and relieve constipation.
Also, when ingested over a longer period, psyllium has a positive effect on the cholesterol level, because it binds excess cholesterol in the intestine, which is then excreted with the stool. Diabetics also benefit from the properties of flea seeds because they ensure that the sugar from food is absorbed more slowly, which lowers the blood sugar level and relieves the pancreas.
Suggested Read: These Home Remedies For Constipation Will Help You Ease Your Bowel Movement
Psyllium Husks Can Help Heal and Relieve Symptoms of Diseases Like:
- Constipation, Diarrhea, And Gas
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Increased Cholesterol
- Increased Blood Sugar Levels (Diabetes)
While Psyllium is of little use in acute, mostly organic constipation, the chances of success with certain chronic complaints are good.
Flea seeds or Psyllium is also tasteless and low in calories and ideal for use in muesli, yogurt, smoothies or bread. Because of their swellability, Psyllium ensures a longer feeling of satiety and can therefore also help with weight loss.
Nutritional Values of 100 g Flea Seeds or Psyllium
Calorific value: 91 KJ / 21 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1.7 g
Protein: 2.4 g
Fat: 0.5 g
Dietary fiber: 84 g
Intake and Dosage of Psyllium Husks – How to Take Psyllium Husk
If you want to clean your intestines with the psyllium, it depends on the correct use and dosage: It is best to stir a teaspoon of psyllium husk powder or two teaspoons of whole psyllium into about 100 ml of water and drink the liquid quickly before the fleas swell and a slimy substance is created. Immediately afterwards drink a large glass of water and at least two liters of liquid throughout the day.
For best results, it is recommended to consume the psyllium 30 to 60 minutes before the meal or two hours after it. The laxative effect occurs two to three days after application, depending on bowel activity. Take a maximum of 40 grams which is eight teaspoons of the home remedy per day.
Caution: You should not take the psyllium in combination with milk, as this prevents swelling in the intestines. Also, make sure you drink enough fluids during the application period.
Risks and Side Effects: When Shouldn’t You Take Psyllium Husks?
With numerous health benefits of Psyllium Husk there are some side effects as well if it is not taken properly. If you do not drink enough during colon cleansing with psyllium, there is a risk that the mucous substances will not swell sufficiently and stick to the intestinal wall, which can lead to constipation and in the worst case to intestinal obstruction.
Therefore, people who are restricted from drinking due to a heart or kidney disease should avoid this form of colon cleansing. If you have a history of intestinal obstruction, acute inflammation in the stomach and intestines, or narrowing of the esophagus, intestines or stomach, you should urgently refrain from using it.
In some cases, the swelling effect of the flea seeds can lead to a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, or flatulence. Some people are also allergic to the powdered form of Psyllium called Psyllium husk.
How Long Should You Use Psyllium Husks?
Because of their positive properties and good tolerance, flea seeds are suitable for long-term consumption and can be consumed daily without any problems. They have a very gentle effect and do not produce any habituation effect.
If you want to carry out an intestinal rehabilitation, you can take a dose of up to 40 grams of psyllium spread over the day with appropriate fluid intake. The duration of such a cure depends on age, lifestyle, physical condition, and severity of the symptoms and can vary between two weeks and several months.
Suggested Read: Do You Drink Too Little Water? These are the Dehydration Warning Signs
Intestinal Rehabilitation With Flea Seeds
The intestine is largely responsible for the health of the entire body. Around 100 billion bacteria live in it, which together form the intestinal flora, also known as the microbiome, which breaks down food, fights off pathogens, and produces important vitamins.
Gastrointestinal diseases, an unbalanced diet or therapy with antibiotics can unbalance the intestinal flora. Bad bacteria increasingly settle there and metabolize food less efficiently. Digestion becomes sluggish and toxins and unwanted bacteria build up on the intestinal walls, which interfere with the absorption of nutrients. The consequences can be permanent digestive problems, blemished skin, headaches, fatigue, and allergies.
In this case, an intestinal rehabilitation can help to rid the intestine of deposits and to rebuild the intestinal flora. Psyllium husk is a common home remedy for the intestinal rehabilitation process.