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Black psyllium

What is black psyllium seed?

Black psyllium is an herb that grows all over the world. This plant spread with the colonization of the New World and was nicknamed "Englishman's foot" by the inhabitants of North America, meaning the foot or footprint of the English. The seeds of the plant are used to make medicine. Black psyllium should not be confused with other types of psyllium, including Indian psyllium. Black psyllium is used for chronic constipation and to soften the stool in conditions such as hemorrhoids, cracks in the skin around the anus and rectal surgery, as well as during pregnancy. It is also used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer, as well as to lower high cholesterol levels.

How effective is black psyllium?

Black psyllium is an effective laxative for constipation, increasing stool volume and reducing constipation. According to studies, black psyllium may be effective in improving cholesterol levels. As far as the treatment of cancer, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and other diseases is concerned, there is currently insufficient evidence to make a statement about its effectiveness. Further scientific research is required here.

How does black psyllium work?

Black psyllium increases the volume of the stool, which can help with constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. It also increases the elimination of cholesterol from the body before it can enter the bloodstream.

Are there any safety concerns?

When taken with sufficient water, black psyllium can be considered safe and harmless for most people. Mild side effects include bloating and flatulence. In some people, black psyllium can cause allergic reactions such as a runny nose, red eyes, reddening of the skin and asthma. It is possible that black psyllium can lower blood sugar levels, so diabetics who use psyllium should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels. It is important to take black psyllium with plenty of water, otherwise choking may occur. American products that contain a higher percentage of black psyllium must carry a warning that taking black psyllium with an insufficient amount of liquid can cause the psyllium to swell in the throat or esophagus, which can result in choking and gagging. For this reason, black psyllium should not be used if you suffer from difficulty swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting or difficulty swallowing or breathing after taking black psyllium, you should seek medical help immediately. Black psyllium contains a substance that can cause kidney damage, although this substance has been removed from most commercially available black psyllium products. Therefore, black psyllium should not be used until it has undergone a specific process that makes it less toxic.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Black psyllium appears to be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women as long as each serving is taken with sufficient water.

Diabetes: Black psyllium may lower blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 2 diabetes by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates. For this reason, diabetics taking black psyllium should closely monitor their blood sugar levels. The dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted. Some products containing black psyllium contain added sugars and other carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar levels, so it is important to check the product label carefully.

Intestinal problems: You should not take black psyllium if you suffer from constipation, where the stool hardens in the rectum and cannot be moved by the normal movement of the bowel. Furthermore, black psyllium should not be used in cases of intestinal atony, narrowing of the intestinal tract, intestinal obstruction or conditions such as spastic paralysis of the bowel which can lead to intestinal obstruction. In all of these cases, there are concerns that black psyllium, when it absorbs water and swells, can lead to intestinal obstruction.

Allergies: Some people are allergic to black psyllium. This is more likely in people who come into contact with black psyllium at work. These people should not use black psyllium.

Phenylketonuria: Some black psyllium products are sweetened with aspartame. These products should be avoided if you suffer from phenylketonuria.

Operations: Because black psyllium can affect blood sugar levels, there are concerns that it may interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. For this reason, you should stop taking black psyllium at least 2 weeks before planned surgery.

Swallowing difficulties: People who suffer from problems swallowing are at greater risk of choking after taking black psyllium, so these people should not use black psyllium.

Are there any interactions with medication?

You should be careful when combining black psyllium with the following medications

Carbamazepine and lithium

Black psyllium contains large amounts of fiber. Dietary fiber can reduce the absorption of carbamazepine, dixogin, lithium and other active ingredients. By reducing the absorption of such drugs, black psyllium can reduce the effectiveness and impact of these drugs. As a general rule of thumb, oral medications should be taken one hour before or four hours after taking black psyllium to prevent this interaction.

Diabetes medication

Black psyllium can reduce blood sugar levels by reducing the absorption of sugar from food. Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar levels. Taking black psyllium in combination with diabetes medication could lead to an excessive drop in blood sugar levels. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be closely monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be reduced.

Are there any interactions with medicinal plants or supplements?

There are no known interactions with medicinal plants or supplements.

Are there any interactions with food?

Taking black psyllium with meals over a longer period of time can impair nutrient absorption. In some cases it may be necessary to take vitamin and/or mineral supplements.

Recommended dosage

The following dosages have been used in scientific studies:

As a laxative for constipation: The typical dosage of black psyllium is between 10 and 30 grams per day divided into several individual doses. Typically, 10 grams of psyllium seeds are mixed with 100 ml of water and then at least another 200 ml of water is drunk. It is important to drink enough liquid, otherwise you may experience gagging and choking. You should drink at least 150 ml of water for every 5 grams of black psyllium. You should avoid chewing or crushing the seeds, as this can release chemicals that accumulate in the kidneys. Black psyllium should be taken 30 to 60 minutes after a meal and at least 60 minutes after taking medication.

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