Is Psyllium Husk The Best Solution?

Last Sunday I got asked, “What brand and how much psyllium husk can you recommend?”

My response was - None. I do not take it and I do not recommend it too.

Psyllium husk has become a staple condiment among raw food chefs. To thicken and bind a lot of raw recipes some chefs add like 1/2 cups of husk powder at a time!

Here are some more info facts to consider about Psyllium husk supplementation.

What is Psyllium husk?

Psyllium husk or psyllium powder, comes from the seeds of the herb Plantago ovata. It is used as a bulk laxative.

I personally never was drawn to psyllium.

Here are some reasons for side effects you might want to consider:

1. “The use of psyllium can potentially trigger a range of gastrointestinal symptoms or lead to the formation of an abnormal mass in your small intestine called a bezoar”
2. “Apart from bezoar formation, additional potential gastrointestinal side effects of psyllium use include cramps, intestinal gas, constipation, and rectal pain.”
3. “Psyllium can also block your digestive tract, especially if you take it prior to bowel surgery or with insufficient amounts of water”
4. “People with gastrointestinal problems such as fecal impaction, narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, or any condition that can lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction should not take psyllium, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus”

The best way to restore your sluggish system is to start with a proper detox. For example, a simple 10-day juice cleanse will help to move out pounds of stored matter in your colon. It will also restart your entire system.

From there, it will be easier to start building healthy eating habits. @hminutritionschool