Psyllium husks

Has anyone tried psyllium husks for fibre?

I am thinking about adding them to my diet for extra fibre- mixing it into yoghurt.

Has anyone tried them? Are they feral/ palatable? 

Em

I just googled psyllium husks because I was considering trying them.  Wikipedia had alot of info, I can't understand how they can be used for both constipation AND diarrhea???? Psyllium husks are used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and diarrhea. They are used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit. Some recent research is also showing them to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.^[1]

My theory?  Psyllium soaks up a lot of water and when it's mixed with the foods in your intestine it causes the poop to become softer and thus allows it to pass through freely.  Diarrhea is primarily water so when you take the psyllium it soaks up the water and binds to the more solid parts of your poop, thus making a healthy turd that you can pass normally. Psyllium is a more natural fiber treatment. Since I'm not getting much fiber with Atkins I've been thinking about taking a supplement. I believe the Atkins book addresses the fiber but I can't remember what it said. I'll have to go back and look at it.

that makes sense!  You are so wise Here's to healthy turds!! (me and Neecee drinking our psyllium ****tails - we could put a nice lil umbrella in there, doncha think??)

what's with the little *****?  does that mean I should have said "rooster"tails??

Rooster tails?

   

Fibre seems like an important part of overall diet- I do eat alot of whole grain and fibre rich veg/fruit.... but a little extra might be helpful.

There was a warning at one site that said too much fibre reduces the absorption of some vitamins and minerals- eg iron.  So I will keep it as just a little more.

Em

yes, Mr. Science, i concur!  The term used on the bottle that we got initially over the 'net (way over priced, btw) is "bulk-forming" I like what it does for me behind closed doors.....it does also aid in helping one feel more full for a short time.  Like for me, who nearly always gets stupidly hungry before supper....hold me for a while.  My...ahem....pattern is typically loose, prolific stools.  This stuff helps me get the action down to more manageble potty time. Down to 1-2x a day rather than 3-5x...i'm serious.

Whew 1-2, 3-5??  Man I'm about 1 every 2 days. Since atkins it seems those are a little more 'loose' but as I eat more veggies things are solidifying.

I liked the idea that they might help regulate GI- that was one of the things that made me interested!

My family has a history of diabetes, and I want to do everything I can to prevent it cropping up.

Be good if it helps with cholesterol too.

From what I have read they say add it slowly (eg a teaspoon at a time) to avoid any 'uncomfortable' digestive/ bowel problems.

Em