One of the primary uses of psyllium fibre is kept out of the widely seen commercials and advertisements. It is also one of the more common reasons it is used, and the most well-known brand that uses psyllium fibre is Metamucil.

The insoluble portion of the psyllium husk is hydrophilic, so it is capable of absorbing large amounts of water. When the psyllium fibre is in your system, it will shorten passage times through the intestinal tract, as well as soften stools and increase their bulk. Due to this water absorption effect, psyllium fibre can be used as a weight loss supplement.

In proper amounts psyllium fibre can help to create a feeling of fullness by drinking some water an hour before meals.

These other benefits are what the commercials and advertisements make claims about; the lower levels of cholesterol, reduced chances of heart disease, and stable maintenance of blood sugar levels. This is where the soluble portion of the psyllium fibre benefits your health.

The soluble fibre of the psyllium husk, (along with the insoluble) will travel through the intestinal tract to the colon, where it begins to ferment. Fermentation essentially means that the bacteria in the gastro intestinal tract will feed on the fibre. This process produces short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), where the real benefits come from. The nutrients produced by the SCFAs are soaked up through the colonic wall and then circulated throughout the body.

The SCFAs will also help to reduce the amount of cholesterol manufactured by the liver, and thereby decrease low-density cholesterol in blood levels. Blood sugar levels will also be more stable, due to the improved regulation of insulin levels in the pancreas. The decrease of blood sugar levels and blood cholesterol levels mean an overall improvement of the circulatory system, and that is what will help to ultimately reduce heart disease.

As well, immune system cell formation will increase; meaning antibodies, leukocytes, helper T cells and other important immune system antibodies will increase in number. Acidic levels in the colon will also increase, which is beneficial; mineral absorption will increase, and the higher acidic levels will help to ensure against the formation of colon-cancer causing bacteria.

_____________________________
fibre friendly

The new advent of psyllium fibre does not offer a miracle fibre product for use on the commercial market. It is the re-invention of an old idea; psyllium has existed for years, and many countries have been supplementing their diet with psyllium for a long time.

The recent arrival of breakfast cereals with psyllium fibre as an added ingredient only increases the countless number of food products that contain fibre in the first place. This is not to say that psyllium fibre should be avoided, but this should help you gain some perspective the next time you walk into the cereal aisle!