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Nature's Choice Psyllium Choice Colon Cleanse is first and foremost a wonderfully effective, all-natural fiber product that will promote regular bowel function ¿ without the harmful side effects of laxatives (which generally work by irritating the bowel). As an excellent source of dietary fiber, Psyllium Colon Cleanse will also prove helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, cleansing the colon, and preventing bowel cancer ¿ and much more.
Because of its cleansing and bulking properties, Psyllium Colon Cleanse may also be used as a weight management agent and it will be found helpful in the treatment of common ailments such as diarrhea, hemorrhoids, gallstones, constipation, and in the prevention and relief of serious ailments such as heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer (see full list of uses below).
Psyllium Colon Cleanse from Nature's Choice may be used as an ingredient in breakfast cereals, as an additive to a wide variety of foods and drinks, or as a remedy. It is safe to use, non-addictive, and is available from any Nature¿s Choice stockist.
Psyllium is a soluble fibre obtained from the plant genus Plantago. The seed contains 19% fibre, 18.8% protein, and a variety of sugars, including 10%-20% triglycerides, as well as other carbohydrates, alkaloids, amino acids, oils, tannins and flavonoids.
Also known as fleawort, psyllium is the common name for several members of the plant genus Plantago. Although often used as a mild, natural laxative, strictly speaking it is not a laxative but a true soluble dietary fibre. It also adds some calories to the diet because once it is metabolized in the colon, some of it is absorbed. As a soluble fibre it becomes gelatinous and sticky in water. It is not absorbed in the small bowel. It is broken down in the large bowel and becomes a food source for the bacteria that live in the colon. These healthy bacteria bulk up the stool, creating a larger softer stool which is easier to pass. One source says a tablespoon of crushed psyllium seed provides as much fibre as a serving of bran cereal.
The seeds are oval-shaped, odourless and almost tasteless, and are so small they are often referred to as ¿flea seeds¿. In fact, the word ¿psyllium¿ originated from a Greek word meaning ¿flea¿. The seeds range in colour from reddish brown to black.
In summary, psyllium has been used successfully -
- As a natural bulk laxative
- As a high source of dietary fiber
- To reduce total blood cholesterol
- As a colon cleanser
- To remove toxins from the intestines
- To absorb bile acids in the intestine
- To help prevent colon cancer
- To reduce the absorption of toxic metals
- As an appetite suppressant
- Psyllium may also be supportive in the following conditions:
- Atherosclerosis
- Appendicitis
- Constipation
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Psoriasis
- High triglycerides
- Weight Loss
- Diverticulosis
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids
- Gallstones
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Indigestion
Because of psyllium¿s capacity to become gelatinous when moistened, it is used commercially for the production of mucilage ¿ the common name for a group of clear, colourless, gelatinous substances secreted by plants. Psyllium seed mucilage consists of polysaccharides and is obtained by mechanically milling or grinding the outer layer of the seed into a white, fibrous material that can absorb water until its volume increases at least tenfold.
The use of psyllium in high-fibre breakfast cereal in recent years has focused a lot of attention on the benefits of this soluble fibre. Some doctors recommend psyllium seed supplements in cases where there is not enough fibre in the diet.
Psyllium is a bulking agent that promotes bowel regularity. It can be used regularly, as opposed to harsh stimulant laxatives which should only be used occasionally. It makes stools softer and therefore helps relieve chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, hiatus hernia and other intestinal disorders, as well as diabetes. It is believed to be a good intestinal cleanser because it makes waste matter move faster through the digestive system, with the result that toxic substances spend less time in the body, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer and other diseases.
Because it absorbs water, it can also relieve chronic diarrhea as well as bladder and kidney problems and urethritis.
The United States is the world largest importer of psyllium husk at about 8 000 metric tons per annum, and volumes are set to rise because of increasing interest in natural dietary fibres. It is used as a natural dietary fibre for animals, and as chicken and cattle feed in India. Psyllium mucilage is also used as a thickener in ice cream and frozen desserts, and it is expected to be used more and more in the food processing industry because of its superior binding properties, stable viscosity and natural fibre characteristics. It has been hailed as a wonder product in health drinks, beverages, ice cream, bread, biscuits, other bakery products, rice cakes, jams, instant noodles, breakfast cereals etc., to improve the fiber content of the food as also to increase the bulk of the food.
Psyllium husk may also be added to fresh fruit drinks or flavoured drinks to improve the way the drink feels in the mouth, to make it richer and give it a better consistency.
As a home remedy, Psyllium is a wonderful and perfectly safe means of promoting regular bowel function.
