Psyllium seeds have a dual mechanism of action, so on the one hand they are effective in constipation, but on the other hand they are also effective in diarrhea.
How psyllium seeds work for constipation
The laxative effect of the seeds in constipation is based on the fact that the mucilages of the seed coats are able to bind a lot of water. In the large intestine, swelling of the seeds and a 10-15-fold increase in volume occurs. The increased filling of the intestine triggers reflexes in the intestinal wall that promote intestinal movement and, consequently, intestinal emptying.
Psyllium: Effect on diarrhea
During diarrhea, swelling of the seeds also occurs. The excess liquid is bound in the intestine, which leads to the fact that the consistency of the stool becomes thicker.
Other modes of action of psyllium
In inflammatory bowel diseases, the mucilages are able to bind bacterial toxins and thus protect the mucosa from further damage.
The fat-lowering effect is based on a binding of bile acids and cholesterol to the mucilages, whereby these are increasingly excreted with the stool.
Side effects of psyllium
In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur when taking psyllium, especially the powdered drug and liquid preparations. Especially at the beginning of treatment with psyllium, flatulence, cramps and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this decreases with time and eventually disappears.
Psyllium: Interactions
Since it can possibly come through the psyllium mucus to a reduced absorption of other drugs into the blood, these should always be taken only with an interval of about one hour. Diabetics may possibly need to reduce their insulin dose because psyllium reduces the absorption of sugar from the intestine into the blood.
