'Glad you found it useful (eventually, anyway :)

Nope, I don't think I got any emails from ya...at least there's nothing now or in my spam filter. The only way I could have missed them is if my hubby's been on the computer (he's notorious for accidentally deleting things).

Resend whenever you've got the time :)

Uny

>>A delicious way to fight the candida and anything else that might be 'hanging-on' and 'hiding-out'.<<

I agree :o) And psyllium is 'so much more' than most people think! Check out these links/excerpts:

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Psyllium's Therapeutic Uses

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (June 1989), coronary heart disease (CHD) is the number one cause of death in the United States. "Elevation of the serum cholesterol level, or, more specifically, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, is widely accepted as a major risk for development of ischemic heart disease." LDL refers to the "bad" cholesterol and is believed to cause heart disease. In contrast, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) refers to the "good" cholesterol and is associated with heart health.

Psyllium's effect on serum cholesterol levels has been tested in numerous studies and has proven to be quite substantial in lowering cholesterol. Of particular interest is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study cited in the Archives of Internal Medicine (February 1988). In this study, 26 men with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) were given either 3.4 grams of psyllium or a placebo at meals, three times daily for eight weeks. All of the men continued their usual diets, which consisted of less than 300 mgs. of cholesterol per day, and of approximately 20 percent protein, 40 percent carbohydrate, and 40 percent fat. "Eight weeks of treatment with psyllium reduced serum total cholesterol levels by 14.8 percent, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 20.2 percent, and the ratio of lDL cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 14.8 percent relative to baseline values."

It is also noteworthy that in this study the reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol increased with time. No negative side effects were reported and neither body weight, blood pressure, nor blood levels of HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, iron, or zinc were affected. The authors concluded, "Results of this study show that psyllium is an effective and well tolerated therapy for mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia." They also noted, "From a safety viewpoint, psyllium is well suited for long-term use in lowering blood cholesterol."

A study published in Food Engineering (June 1990) found psyllium to be superior to oat bran in lowering total cholesterol. Psyllium contains 60 to 70 percent soluble fiber which is "eight times that of oat bran."

http://www.healingdaily.com/colon-kidney-detoxification/herbal-colon-cleansin...

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The mechanism of psyllium's possible hypocholesterolemic activity is not fully understood. The bioactive agent of psyllium is a soluble, viscous xylan fiber. It is thought that this polysaccharide stimulates the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and that it stimulates fecal excretion of bile acids. Psyllium may also decrease the intestinal absorption of cholesterol.

Some studies indicate that psyllium may improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetics. The mechanism of the effect is unclear. Psyllium may delay the absorption of carbohydrates by increasing gastric-emptying time and/or decreasing small intestinal transit time.

In one recent animal model of hypertension induced by salt ingestion, psyllium supplementation significantly attenuated salt-accelerated hypertension. The proposed possible mechanism of action was increased fecal excretion of sodium taken up by the psyllium.

In a recent study, psyllium was used adjunctively with a traditional diabetes diet to treat men with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia and type 2 diabetes. Subjects were randomized to receive 5.1 grams of psyllium or cellulose placebo twice daily for eight weeks. Those receiving psyllium had significant improvement in glucose and lipid values compared with controls. Concentrations of serum total and LDL-cholesterol were 8.9% and 13% lower, respectively, in the psyllium group than in the control group.


http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/psy_0214.shtml

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Psyllium (Plantago ovata)

Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain psyllium. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting.


* Evidence
* Unproven Uses
* Potential Dangers
* Interactions
* Dosing
* Summary
* Resources


Evidence

Scientists have studied psyllium for the following health problems:

High cholesterol
Multiple scientific studies report that psyllium taken by mouth may lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by a small amount (less than 10 percent) when taken for two to four months. A wide range of doses have been tested.
Constipation
Psyllium is a common ingredient in bulk laxative products, and several studies suggest that psyllium may provide benefits for treating constipation. There is a scientific basis for psyllium working as a mild laxative. This evidence, combined with the available research in humans, suggests that psyllium decreases the time necessary to pass bowel movements, increases the number of bowel movements per day and increases the amount of stool passed.
Diarrhea
Several studies suggest that psyllium may provide benefits for people with diarrhea, especially for patients being tube-fed. There is a scientific basis for psyllium working to increase the bulk of stools. This evidence, combined with the available research in humans, suggests that psyllium increases the number of normal stools and decreases the number of liquid stools.
High blood sugar
Psyllium has been proposed as a possible treatment for high blood Sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Studies in humans suggest moderate reductions in blood Sugar levels after a single dose of psyllium, with unclear long-term effects. One small, randomized clinical trial showed that psyllium had no significant effect on blood Sugar or insulin. Research results are conflicting. Therefore, more research is needed in this area before a strong conclusion can be reached.
Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis)
A small number of studies have examined the ability of psyllium to maintain remission in ulcerative colitis. However, studies have been small, with flaws in their designs, and results of different studies have disagreed with each other. It is unclear whether there is any benefit from psyllium in treating ulcerative colitis.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Multiple studies have examined the use of psyllium for irritable bowel syndrome. This research has not provided clear answers. Although other studies suggest that psyllium may be beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea or constipation in general, it is not known if psyllium is an effective therapy for irritable bowel syndrome.

In some cases, insoluble fiber may worsen the clinical outcome. Future clinical studies evaluating the effect and tolerability of fiber therapy are needed in primary care.
Fat excretion
Early research shows that dietary psyllium and chitosan supplementation may help to increase the excretion of fat in the stool.
Obesity
In children and adolescents from developed countries, obesity prevalence has strongly increased in the past decades, and insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance are frequently observed. The reviewed evidence seems to show that psyllium improves glucose homeostasis and the lipid and lipoprotein profile; however, more well-controlled trials and further studies are needed to clarify psyllium's effects and the mechanisms involved. Body weight reduction has not been proven to be associated with psyllium use in adults.
Colonoscopy preparation
Patients with new-onset constipation or presumed hemorrhoid bleeding frequently require the use of both fiber supplements and diagnostic colonoscopy. In a recent study, tolerability was equivalent but efficacy of the bowel preparation was worse in patients taking psyllium than in patients taking placebo. Researchers conclude that in patients who are not constipated, psyllium-based fiber supplementation should not be initiated in the few days before endoscopy using a polyethylene glycol preparation. Please follow the instructions given by your health care professional and pharmacist when preparing for colonoscopy.
Other
Some research has been done using a negative oral contrast material containing psyllium to detect Crohn's disease. However, more studies are needed. Psyllium-enriched pasta has also been examined for its effects on emptying of the stomach, blood sugar and insulin levels. Study results do not currently support the use of psyllium for these indications.

Unproven Uses

Psyllium has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult with a health care provider before taking psyllium for any unproven use.

Abscesses
Anal fissures
Boils
Bronchitis
Cancer
Clogged arteries
Colon cancer
Cystitis (bladder inflammation)
Gallbladder disease
Gallstones Heavy menstrual bleeding
Hemorrhoids
High blood pressure
Incontinence
Inflammation of the urethra
Leishmaniasis
Mucus membrane irritation
Obesity
Psoriasis
Stomach ulcers

Potential Dangers

Allergies

People should avoid psyllium if they have a known allergy to psyllium, ispaghula or English plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Signs of allergy include rash, itching and shortness of breath. There are reports of allergic reactions to psyllium taken by mouth, including anaphylactic reactions (severe allergic reactions), especially in health care workers who are often exposed to psyllium.

Side Effects

Psyllium has generally been well tolerated in studies. Some people may experience stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Blockage of the gastrointestinal tract may occur, particularly if psyllium is used without enough water or is used by people with prior bowel surgery, motility disorders or bowel tumors. Other side effects such as rash, cold symptoms or difficulty breathing may be caused by psyllium allergies. A rare side effect may involve an increase in the number of some kinds of blood cells, a reaction usually associated with allergies.

Psyllium has been studied for up to six months, and safety beyond this amount of time is not known.

Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding

Psyllium is believed to be safe during pregnancy and lactation. However, there have not been high-quality studies in humans or animals, and caution may be warranted. Psyllium may lower blood sugar levels, which is an undesirable effect during pregnancy.


Interactions

Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements.

Interactions With Drugs

In general, prescription drugs should be taken one hour before or two hours after psyllium, because the absorption and effectiveness of many drugs may be reduced. Some examples include diuretics, salicylates, tetracyclines, nitrofurantoin, insulin, lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith), warfarin (Coumadin) and digoxin (Lanoxin). If you take other drugs, you should speak with your health care provider before taking psyllium. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Psyllium may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking prescription drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using psyllium. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Psyllium should be used cautiously with other laxatives, because its effects may be increased.

Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements

In general, supplements should be taken one hour before or two hours after psyllium, because the absorption and effectiveness of supplements may be reduced. Examples include calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Psyllium should be used cautiously with other laxatives, such as senna, because effects may be increased. As a result of increased laxative effects, the effectiveness of other agents taken by mouth may be reduced. In theory, psyllium may lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using psyllium. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Psyllium and chitosan together may increase fat excretion in the stool.


Dosing

The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas.

The recommendation for dietary fiber in adults is 20 to 35 grams daily taken by mouth.

Adults (Aged 18 Or Older)

Many different doses have been used traditionally. For lowering cholesterol levels, the most studied doses have been 10 to 20 grams per day, split into two or three doses, taken by mouth. Studied doses for treating constipation or diarrhea fall between seven and 30 grams per day, taken all at once or split into several doses. For lowering blood sugar levels, studied doses range between 10 and 20 grams by mouth daily, taken as one dose or split into several doses taken just before eating. Doses for ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome are not well studied and should be discussed with a health care provider. Patients were given six capsules totaling 2,100 milligrams of chitosan and 399 milligrams of psyllium husk seeds three times a day before meals for five days to increase fat excretion in the stool.

Psyllium has been studied for up to six months, and safety beyond this amount of time is not known.

Children (Younger Than 18)

For cholesterol lowering, studies have used six to seven grams of psyllium in an enriched cereal, eaten each day. For diarrhea, 3.4 grams of psyllium taken by mouth each day has been studied, with unclear effectiveness.

Doses for ulcerative colitis are not well studied and should be discussed with a health care provider.


Summary

Psyllium has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions. There is scientific research to support the use of psyllium as a cholesterol-lowering agent, as a mild laxative and as a treatment for diarrhea. There is not enough evidence to support the use of psyllium for any other medical condition. Studies have used psyllium for up to six months, and safety beyond that amount of time is not known. Psyllium may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of many prescription drugs, vitamins or supplements, requiring dosing adjustments.

Psyllium is believed to be safe in pregnant or breast-feeding women, although blood sugar levels may be lowered, which is potentially dangerous. Psyllium has been studied as a part of cereals given to children and appears to be safe for short periods of time. Cases of allergy and anaphylaxis (a severe type of allergy) have been reported. Psyllium may lower blood sugar levels and should be used cautiously by people using other drugs that affect glucose levels. Bowel blockage may occur if psyllium is taken without enough water or if psyllium is used by people with bowel motility problems, past bowel surgery or bowel tumors. Consult your health care provider immediately if you have any side effects.

The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.


Resources

1. Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
2. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research

Selected Scientific Studies: Psyllium

Natural Standard reviewed more than 300 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.

Some of the more recent studies are listed below:

1. Anderson JW, Allgood LD, Turner J, et al. Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum lipid responses in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70(4):466-473.
2. Anderson JW, Davidson MH, Blonde L, et al. Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71(6):1433-1438.
3. Barroso Aranda J, Contreras F, Bagchi D, Preuss HG. Efficacy of a novel chitosan formulation on fecal fat excretion: a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. J Med 2002;33(1-4):209-225.
4. Belknap D, Davidson LJ, Smith CR. The effects of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid on diarrhea in enterally fed patients. Heart Lung 1997;26(3):229-237.
5. Bhatnagar D. Should pediatric patients with hyperlipidemia receive drug therapy? Paediatr Drugs 2002;4(4):223-230.
6. Bianchi M, Capurso L. Effects of guar gum, ispaghula and microcrystalline cellulose on abdominal symptoms, gastric emptying, orocaecal transit time and gas production in healthy volunteers. Dig Liver Dis 2002;Sep, 34(Suppl 2):129-133.
7. Bijkerk CJ, Muris JW, Knottnerus JA, et al. Systematic review: the role of different types of fibre in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004;19(3):245-251.
8. Bouchoucha M, Faye A, Savarieau B, Arsac M. Effect of an oral bulking agent and a rectal laxative administered alone or in combination for the treatment of constipation. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 2004;28(5):438-443.
9. Campbell S. Dietary fibre supplementation with psyllium or gum arabic reduced incontinent stools and improved stool consistency in community living adults. Evid Based Nurs 2002;Apr, 5(2):56. Comment in: Nurs Res 2001;Jul-Aug, 50(4):203-213.
10. Cavaliere H, Floriano I, Medeiros-Neto G. Gastrointestinal side effects of orlistat may be prevented by concomitant prescription of natural fibers (psyllium mucilloid). Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2001;25(7):1095-1099.
11. Davidson MH, Maki KC, Kong JC, et al. Long-term effects of consuming foods containing psyllium seed husk on serum lipids in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;67(3):367-376.
12. Doerfler OC, Ruppert-Kohlmayr AJ, Reittner P, et al. Helical CT of the small bowel with an alternative oral contrast material in patients with Crohn disease. Abdom Imaging 2003;May-Jun, 28(3):313-318.
13. Frati-Munari AC, Flores-Garduno MA, Ariza-Andraca R, et al. Effect of different doses of Plantago psyllium mucilage on the glucose tolerance test. Arch Invest Med (Mex) 1989;20(2):147-152.
14. Frost GS, Brynes AE, Dhillo WS, et al. The effects of fiber enrichment of pasta and fat content on gastric emptying, GLP-1, glucose, and insulin responses to a meal. Eur J Clin Nutr 2003;Feb, 57(2):293-298.
15. Gaw A. A new reality: achieving cholesterol-lowering goals in clinical practice. Atheroscler Suppl 2002;Apr, 2(4):5-8. Discussion, 8-11.
16. Gonlachanvit S, Coleski R, Owyang C, Hasler, W. Inhibitory actions of a high fibre diet on intestinal gas transit in healthy volunteers. Gut 2004;53(11):1577-1582.
17. Hermansen K, Dinesen B, Hoie LH, et al. Effects of soy and other natural products on LDL:HDL ratio and other lipid parameters: a literature review. Adv Ther 2003;Jan-Feb, 20(1):50-78.
18. Hunsaker DM, Hunsaker JC 3rd. Therapy-related cafe coronary deaths: two case reports of rare asphyxial deaths in patients under supervised care. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2002;Jun, 23(2):149-154.
19. Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, Marchie A, et al. Direct comparison of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods with a statin in hypercholesterolemic participants. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81(2):380-387.
20. Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, Vuksan V, et al. Soluble fiber intake at a dose approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for a claim of health benefits: serum lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease assessed in a randomized controlled crossover trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;May, 75(5):834-839.
21. Juarranz M, Calle-Puron ME, Gonzalez-Navarro A, et al. Physical exercise, use of Plantago ovata and aspirin, and reduced risk of colon cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev 2002;Oct, 11(5):465-472.
22. Kanauchi O, Mitsuyama K, Araki Y, Andoh A. Modification of intestinal flora in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Curr Pharm Des 2003;9(4):333-346.
23. Khalili B, Bardana EJ Jr., Yunginger JW. Psyllium-associated anaphylaxis and death: a case report and review of the literature. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2003;91(6):579-584.
24. Korula J. Dietary fiber supplementation with psyllium or gum arabic reduced fecal incontinence in community-living adults. ACP J Club 2002;Jan-Feb, 136(1):23. Comment in: Nurs Res 2001;Jul-Aug, 50(4):203-213.
25. Kris-Etherton PM, Taylor DS, Smiciklas-Wright H, et al. High-soluble-fiber foods in conjunction with a telephone-based, personalized behavior change support service result in favorable changes in lipids and lifestyles after 7 weeks. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;Apr, 102(4):503-510. Comment in: J Am Diet Assoc 2002;Dec, 102(12):1751.
26. Lerman G, Lagunas M, Sienra Perez JC, et al. [The effect of psyllium plantago in slightly to moderately hypercholesterolemic patients]. Arch Inst Cardiol Mex 1990;60(6):535-539.
27. MacMahon M, Carless J. Ispaghula husk in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia: a double- blind controlled study. J Cardiovasc Risk 1998;5(3):167-172.
28. Marlett JA, Fischer MH. The active fraction of psyllium seed husk. Proc Nutr Soc 2003;Feb, 62(1):207-209.
29. Marlett JA, Fischer MH. A poorly fermented gel from psyllium seed husk increases excreta moisture and bile acid excretion in rats. J Nutr 2002;Sep, 132(9):2638-2643.
30. Moreno LA, Tresaco B, Bueno G, et al. Psyllium fibre and the metabolic control of obese children and adolescents. J Physiol Biochem 2003;59(3):235-242.
31. Olson BH, Anderson SM, Becker MP, et al. Psyllium-enriched cereals lower blood total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, but not HDL cholesterol, in hypercholesterolemic adults: results of a meta-analysis. J Nutr 1997;127(10):1973-1980.
32. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Dietary supplements for body-weight reduction: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79(4):529-536.
33. Rai J, Singh J. Ispaghula husk. J Assoc Physicians India 2002;Apr, 50:576-578.
34. Ramkumar D, Rao SS. Efficacy and safety of traditional medical therapies for chronic constipation: systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100(4):936-971.
35. Reid R, Fodor G, Lydon-Hassen K, et al. Dietary counselling for dyslipidemia in primary care: results of a randomized trial. Can J Diet Pract Res 2002;Winter, 63(4):169-175.
36. Rodriguez-Moran M, Guerrero-Romero F, Lazcano-Burciaga G. Lipid- and glucose-lowering efficacy of Plantago psyllium in type II diabetes. J Diabetes Complications 1998;12(5):273-278.
37. Romero AL, Romero JE, Galaviz S, et al. Cookies enriched with psyllium or oat bran lower plasma LDL cholesterol in normal and hypercholesterolemic men from Northern Mexico. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17(6):601-608.
38. Salwen WA, Basson MD. Effect of four-day psyllium supplementation on bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a prospective double blind randomized trial [ISRCTN76623768]. BMC Gastroenterol 2004;4(1):2.


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