Inulin and psyllium

[Itsmesally]

I just replied to a post with this information which might spark some responses......

I had to include the graph because it really made me laugh! (PS = psyllium, WD = wheat dextrin)

The serious bit: -

Inulin is a type of fructo-oligosaccharide, or FOS, that helps to feed the "friendly" bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Inulin is sometimes called a "prebiotic" and is found naturally in certain foods like asparagus, soybeans, leeks and onions. Psyllium seeds and seed husks come from the Plantago ispaghula and P. ovata plants, and they're typically used for their high fiber and mucilage content, says the University of Michigan Health System. Psyllium's fiber and mucilage offers bulk-forming laxative effects, as well as gastrointestinal-soothing, cholesterol-lowering and blood sugar-regulating actions.

Effects

Both inulin and psyllium might help control your blood-sugar levels if you have diabetes, as well as lower high triglycerides, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Both substances may also help treat high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. Specifically, inulin and other FOS are sometimes used to relieve traveler's diarrhea, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Inulin could also help to prevent eczema, while psyllium might help treat constipation and diverticular disease. Other potential uses for psyllium include helping to reduce the risks of colon cancer and heart disease, as well as helping to treat hemorrhoids, hypertension and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Talk with your physician before taking inulin or psyllium for any health purpose.

Potential

Inulin may possibly help support your health before and after undergoing surgery, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Psyllium might have the potential to promote weight loss by reducing hunger, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Psyllium could also provide benefits if you have atherosclerosis or constipation related to Parkinson's disease. No conclusive medical research supports the use of inulin or psyllium for any of these purposes, however.

Dosages

You might take 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of psyllium seed mixed with 1 cup of warm water each day, or up to four doses per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You must drink the psyllium mixture immediately after mixing it, before it becomes too thick. Alternatively, you could take 2,000 to 3,000 mg of inulin each day, or as much as 8 to 20 grams daily to help treat diabetes, high triglycerides or high cholesterol levels, says the University of Michigan Health System. Ask your physician about the dosage that's right for you before taking psyllium or inulin.

Warning

Both inulin and psyllium can cause gas and bloating. Both substances may also cause allergic reactions in some people, although such adverse reactions are rare, says the University of Michigan Health System. If you have chronic constipation, uncontrolled diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome, take psyllium only under the close supervision of a health care professional. Also, psyllium may be unsafe if you have difficulty swallowing, esophageal stricture, or gastrointestinal tract or bowel obstructions, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Psyllium could interact negatively with certain medications, such as Tegretol, diabetes drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, digoxin and lithium.

[DiZia]

I had no idea that there was something out there that could help with IBS. Thanks for sharing.

[Whydothis]

Interesting information, thank you.

I started using psyllium husk some years ago when I had chronic constipation once I realised it was being caused, not helped, by the then standard advice to use wheat bran for constipation. It rescued me!

I then started using it regularly again, one teaspoon per day, about 18 months ago when I was diagnosed as coeliac, and to start with I was eating some of the "standard" gluten free offerings and so was short of fibre. I have never had gas problems with it or any other side effects, other than predictably, needing to drink more, which was a good thing. You do need to take it at least half an hour before a meal, according to the advice on the pack of the brand I buy.

Then last year I did one of the Futurelearn nutrition courses - Food and Wellbeing, from Aberdeen university, and one of the research links there was to a study saying that 2 doses of 1 teaspoon per day was found to assist weight loss in people following an otherwise equal diet, which I thought was interesting.

[Itsmesally]

I actually take inulin but have given psyllium husk to one of my dogs in the past.... apparently... no word of a lie.... it discourages dogs from eating other dogs's 'waste matter'!

I have also just ordered some inulin honey which was on offer.... might be stirred into the morning porridge or on a buckwheat cracker.

Sally

[Zest Healthy BMI in reply to Itsmesally]

Hi Sally,

I also have a teaspoon of inulin on my breakfast each morning, and have been taking it for a few years now! I did a post about it somewhere, but when I tried to find the post, I couldn't locate it - but I'll tag you if I ever do find it.

Thanks for this interesting info.

Zest

[Itsmesally in reply to Zest]

It's nice isn't it? I like it in coffee first thing, adds some sweetness and is lovely to think of all the good it is doing. Sally

[Zest Healthy BMI in reply to Itsmesally]

Interesting, I'd not thought to add it to coffee!!! My coffee is relatively mild in flavour, but I'll bear that in mind if I have any more bitter tasting coffee - as it could convert it nicely! Thanks.

Zest

[Zabadak]

All medicines whether pharmacy made or natural, have a base in plants. They can all interact with each other . So it is really important to check any new remedy you want to try, for contraindications. For example butchers broom is a remedy that many people take but I cant have it because it raises blood pressure and would cancel out the blood pressure meds I take. I mustn’t take St Johns Wort and quite a few herbal or food products that I often see being recommended without this little warning being added. If you see something recommended, always check it out with your pharmacist especially if you take a lot of other medications.

[Itsmesally]

Thanks Zabadak.... I have repeated the warning included within my original post in case anyone who reads your post has missed it.....

Warning

Both inulin and psyllium can cause gas and bloating. Both substances may also cause allergic reactions in some people, although such adverse reactions are rare, says the University of Michigan Health System. If you have chronic constipation, uncontrolled diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome, take psyllium only under the close supervision of a health care professional. Also, psyllium may be unsafe if you have difficulty swallowing, esophageal stricture, or gastrointestinal tract or bowel obstructions, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Psyllium could interact negatively with certain medications, such as Tegretol, diabetes drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, digoxin and lithium.