Psyllium husk - - what is it? Psyllium husk is an herbal supplement taken by many to get the fiber they need for their diet. Psyllium husks are the coating around the seed of the psyllium plant. While the seeds are used for their own herbal values, the husks are usually harvested and placed into capsules to be taken in supplement form.

A dietary intake of certain fibers has been shown through studies to alleviate the risks of colon cancer, and the fibers are also known to help ease constipation. Psyllium plays a role in promoting colon health since poor waste elimination by the body can result in a buildup of waste byproducts in the body. The waste byproducts can then lead to bacteria and viruses attacking your colon, compromising your immune system and creating sickness in the body. For this reason, regular normal bowel movements can be crucial to maintaining proper health. Other benefits of regular bowel movements can be their promotion of weight loss, and a chance at lowering low density lipoproteins, the "bad" type of cholesterol.

There are many ways for you to get the fiber your body needs, however, psyllium husks are a particularly rich source. In India, psyllium has been used for thousands of years for the therapeutic qualities we've discussed. Western medicine has finally begun catching on to the importance of fiber, and the demand for psyllium husks has gone through the roof.

Psyllium husks are composed primarily of complex carbohydrates. Other uses of these carbohydrates include their helping of diarrhea, since it has binding properties that may help restore normal movements. Also, these compounds may help alleviate hemorrhoids and counter Cystitis. In addition, psyllium husks harbor anti-inflammatory properties and does not cause the irritation that can be found when taking insoluble fibers. Also, blood sugar levels of those with diabetes may improve with use of the husk.