How Using Psyllium Can Naturally Stave Off Disease

By Dr. Nina Cherie Franklin - Nutrition.Answers.com Expert

If you've visited your local natural food market lately you've probably spotted countless brands of psyllium supplements in and around the health and weight loss aisles. Widely popularized for its laxative effects, psyllium is an active ingredient in many bulk-producing fiber supplements. However, unlike most supplements available on the mainstream market, the benefits of psyllium ingestion are well documented and researched.

What Is Psyllium?

Psyllium (psyllium seed husk) is an economical but high-quality source of dietary fiber. It's primarily comprised of a substance called mucilage, which supplies both soluble and insoluble fiber. Psyllium seed husk dissolves in the presence of water and has a viscous jelly-like consistency. As such, when added to beverages or liquidity foods it becomes somewhat of a thickening agent, slowing their overall rate of digestion.

How Can Psyllium Ingestion Ward Off Disease?

Psyllium supplementation offers numerous health benefits similar to those of fiber-rich whole foods like vegetables and fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Adding psyllium to beverages and certain foods greatly aids in slowing the digestion and absorption of glucose (sugar) from the small intestine. This inhibits sudden spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which helps in both the prevention and management of diabetes. 

Psyllium also combats insulin resistance, a condition in which the body doesn't properly respond to the blood sugar lowering effects of insulin. An inadequate response to insulin is a major underlying cause of… 

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