Psyllium
Sometimes referred to as ispaghula, psyllium is a fiber obtained from the seed husks of the plant Plantago ovata. It is also a prebiotic, a nutrient necessary to grow healthy probiotic colonies in the stomach. Often recognized as a laxative, research indicates that psyllium supplementation helps aid the gastrointestinal system.
People often use psyllium to relieve constipation since it holds water in the gut and smoother bowel motions. It was discovered that psyllium was more effective in softening stools by increasing their water content than the conventional laxative.
In addition to relieving bowel motions in people with constipation, psyllium husk is beneficial to the gut microbiome, a vital ecology of bacteria in the colon. A 2019 research found that psyllium husk powder was especially effective for intestinal flora patients with constipation.
Psyllium is slightly fermented, which means that less gas is produced by gut bacteria due to its digestion, making it a good option for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
Powdered psyllium husk is included in over-the-counter laxatives. Psyllium pills are also an alternate method for boosting fiber intake, especially for those who dislike the taste of powdered psyllium husk.
