Psyllium seeds are known for their high fibre content and can help ease constipation. — dpa
When your digestive system is out of sync, whether you are constipated or have diarrhoea, it can spoil your day.
Psyllium seeds are a home remedy worth trying.
They are a bulk-forming seed that absorbs liquid in your intestines; they swell and help form bulky stools that are easy to pass.
But, what are they, exactly?
Psyllium seeds are the seeds of various plantain species.
Also known as Indian flea seeds, they are small, dark granules that sort of resemble fleas at first glance – hence the name.
Depending on where you live, you can find whole psyllium seeds and ground husks at supermarkets or chemists.
Go for the latter if you are struggling with your digestive system as whole psyllium seeds can pass through your digestive tract undigested, says Germany’s Federal Centre for Nutrition (BZfE).
Here are some things to know.
How do psyllium husks help you digest food?
They consist of about 85% soluble fibre – a lot. So when psyllium husks come into contact with liquid, they swell significantly - absorbing up to 10 times their own weight, says the BZfE.
What exactly does that do?
All that extra fibre ensures loose stools become firmer, which can alleviate diarrhoea.
And if you are constipated, they help soften your stool and increase its volume, stimulating the natural movement of your bowel and helping move things through again.
How do you take psyllium husks?
Start with one teaspoon of ground psyllium husks per day, stirred into 200ml (one glass) of water.
You can raise this to up to two teaspoons over time, says the BZfE.
Bear in mind that psyllium husk drinks fast becomes slimy.
So just let them soak for a few minutes, says the Bavarian Consumer Centre.
Can anything go wrong?
Yes. Bear in mind the following potential pitfalls – though you can easily avoid them.
> Not drinking enough
If psyllium seeds do not get enough liquid to swell up, you risk a bowel obstruction in the worst-case scenario.
Avoid that by drinking at least two litres of liquid throughout the day.
And as we generally drink little or nothing at night, don’t take your psyllium drink before bedtime, says the BZfE.
> Taking medicine at the same time
Psyllium husks not only bind liquid but can also bind the active ingredients in medicines which may mean your body absorbs them less effectively.
So don’t take your tablets until you have waited half an hour to an hour after consuming psyllium.
Don’t drink your psyllium drink while you are lying down as the swelling mass might block your throat, says the BZfE.
If you are sitting or standing, gravity means everything will be able to slide down towards the digestive tract that much more easily. – dpa
