Info: Produced Both in Capsules and Powders
Surveys have shown the fibre content of many North Americans' diets is about half the recommended levels, which contributes to irregularity. Psyllium husks are an excellent colon cleanser which can promote regularity, and psyllium husk in either capsule or powder form can be a convenient way to increase your intake of dietary fibre to optimal levels, while also helping reduce cholesterol!
Info: Produced Both in Capsules and Powders
Surveys have shown the fibre content of many North Americans' diets is about half the recommended levels, which contributes to irregularity. Psyllium husks are an excellent colon cleanser which can promote regularity, and psyllium husk in either capsule or powder form can be a convenient way to increase your intake of dietary fibre to optimal levels, while also helping reduce cholesterol!
Product Notes:
Psyllium husks are the outer coating of the seeds from a Mediterranean shrub called Plantago ovata.
It is generally ground into a fine powder for supplements like these to maximize its ability to absorb liquid, except when it is characterized as 'Whole,' in which case it comes in somewhat larger granules (which are still only a fraction of the size of a grain of rice). It is available here in a choice of capsules of regular powdered Psyllium Husks (for two options), or powders – with one of these being an organic powder, in a 340 g bottle, and the other being a 454 g bag of regular whole husks.
Either way, psyllium can speed up gastrointestinal "transit time," to promote regularity and deter constipation, and help manage cholesterol levels, by carrying away fats that might otherwise by absorbed.
Psyllium powder should be mixed with water, shaken or stirred vigorously, and quickly consumed. Psyllium capsules can be swallowed like vitamins, but be sure to drink plenty of fluids when taking fiber supplements.
Ingredients:
Each capsule contains: 500 mg Psyllium Husk (Plantago ovata) (Husk (Seed)). Non-medicinal ingredients: Capsule (gelatin, water) and Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source). Health Canada Natural Product Number: 80010953.
Each 1/2 Tablespoon of the Organic Powder (NPN: 80014092) contains: 450 mg non-GMO Project Verified, Organic Psyllium Husk (Plantago ovata) (Husk). Non-medicinal ingredients: None.
The 454 g bag of Whole Psyllium Husks contains only that. Each 5g tablespoon provides 4 grams of fibre.
There is no sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives in any type.
Suggested Usage:
Capsules: Dosage: Adults & Adolescents (age 13 and up): Take 2 capsules, 3 times daily with 30 ml of liquid.
Organic Powder: Adults & Adolescents (age 13 and up): Mix 1/2 tablespoon (4.5) twice daily with 270 ml of liquid. Stir briskly and drink immediately.
Whole Psyllium Husk Powder: Mix 1 tablespoon into one or two cups of liquid (such as water or juice) and consume immediately. It can also be added to a shake, yogurt, or cereal.
For each type: Maintain adequate fluid intake. Take either 2 hours before or after taking any other medications, so as not to impair their effectiveness. Effects are generally observed 12-24 hours after first dose, but may take 2-3 days.
Warnings:
Do not use the capsules if you have difficulty swallowing, if you have diabetes mellitus in which blood sugar is difficult to regulate, or if you are experiencing a sudden change in bowel habits that has persisted for more than 2 weeks, undiagnosed rectal bleeding, or failure to defecate following the use of another laxative product.
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to using NOW Foods Psyllium Husk products if you have symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever (as these could be signs of abnormal constrictions of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the oesophagus and/or the superior opening of the stomach (cardia), potential or existing intestinal blockage, paralysis of the intestine, megacolon, faecal impaction, inflamed bowel or appendicitis, or if you are taking medications which inhibit peristaltic movement.
Consult a health care practitioner immediately if you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing after taking psyllium (also known as isabgol). Hypersensitivity, such as allergy, has been known to occur following inhaled and/or ingested psyllium; in which case, discontinue use. May cause temporary gas and/or bloating.
Supporting Science:
Gholami, Zeinab, and Paknahad, Zamzam. “The beneficial effects of psyllium on cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Journal of Functional Foods, 2023.
[Relevant Finding: "Psyllium significantly decreased Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA IR)..., hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)..., systolic blood pressure (SBP)..., fasting blood sugar (FBS)..., Total cholesterol...and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL_C)..., and increased weight."]
Reynolds, Andrew et al. “Carbohydrate quality and human health: a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.” Lancet (London, England), 2019.
[Relevant Finding: "Clinical trials show significantly lower bodyweight, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol when comparing higher with lower intakes of dietary fibre."]
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