Re: Psyllium...Constipation

[Guest guest]

There are different types (soluble vs non-soluble) but the point is --> it's

fiber. Fiber is a regular part of your diet already. Supplementing is a

good thing for those who do not eat enough vegetables and legumes for

obvious reasons.

The more fiber you take in, the more important it becomes to have water with

that fiber so your body can process it accordingly. If you do not get

enough water then you'll end up being constipated. Likewise, if you get too

much non-soluble fiber you'll be super sorry about it.

I can't imagine the body getting " hooked " fiber supplements -- it's just

fiber, no different than what you get in your food. In the case of

psyllium, you're actually eating a weed that's been ground up and compacted

into those capsules (yup, versions of it grow in my yard every year!).

Thing is, it doesn't matter if you're eating the yard weed or something else

-- in the end, it's plant matter just like spinach, lettuce, celery,

carrots, potatoes and so many other plants. Just a bit more convenient.

Ideally, you'll get your fiber without supplementation. The reality is that

it isn't all that difficult to do -- you're only looking to get 25-30 grams

in any given day and if yer eating lots of veggies, you'll probably get it.

Since many of us slip off the veggie van a bit, it's always helpful to

add a couple of grams in the form of capsules.

[Guest guest]

No, because it's not a laxative. It's a fiber supplement.

ann

>

> I've always steered away from any form of laxative lest my body gets

use to it. Both my grandmother and my mom are hooked on MOM. Every

single night. Anyway....I'm baffled with all these veggies that

constipation occurs. Would psyllium be something that my body would

get use to having and then not do that function on it's own?

> Pam

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/30/2005 8:50:35 PM Eastern Standard Time,

BROOKSRJ@... writes:

.....I'm baffled with all these veggies that constipation occurs. Would

psyllium be something that my body would get use to having and then not do that

function on it's own?

It probably has less to do with veggie consumption and more with liquids. If

you find you are constipated, it would be more advantageous to try adding a

glass or two of water before your meals. It's not a bad habit to get into and

for many people it will solve the problem right there.

As far as the Psyllium, yes your body would get used to it but would

eventually return to it's normal state. In the last four years I've read

countless

health books and have never read anywhere that taking Psyllim on a regular basis

is good for you or has some sort of health advantage other than a fix if you

need a fix. If you have a need to help things along, by all means, go for it.

It is a healthy alternative. That said, the best counteragents for constipation

are increasing fiber, water and exercise.