FOOD INTOLERANCE NETWORK
FACTSHEET
Psyllium
and constipation
|
This factsheet is intended for people who are
already following a diet that is free of additives and low in salicylates,
amines and flavour enhancers (failsafe). |
Whole grains - such as bran, wholewheat,
wholemeal bread and brown rice - can cause a variety of symptoms in some
failsafers, from irritable bowel to behaviour. Parents are usually surprised
when their children behave better on white bread. The secret with any fibre
supplement is to eat it every day at the same time (or several times a day),
starting with very small doses and building up slowly to avoid bloating,
flatulence and diarrhoea.
Psyllium is well tolerated by failsafers and is useful as a fibre
supplement especially for those on a gluten free or low wholegrain diet and
also to prevent constipation.
·
Psyllium is recommended by RPA e.g. plain from supermarket cereal or health
food sections or plain uncoloured, unflavoured Metamucil from pharmacies.
·
Psyllium is considered to be the most
effective form of soluble fibre due to its high fibre content in comparison to
other grains, e.g: 100 grams of psyllium provides 71 grams of soluble fibre,
100 grams of oat bran contains 5 grams of soluble fibre
·
Psyllium is useful to prevent
constipation, haemorrhoids and anal fissures
·
Studies have shown that psyllium is
useful for irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, reducing blood sugar levels and inducing a feeling of
fullness during weightloss diets when taken half an hour before meals.
·
Psyllium can be mixed into cereals,
yoghurt, soups or stews or stirred into a glass of water and consumed
immediately.
·
Psyllium works by absorbing fluid
from the bowel to form a kind of gel, so it must be taken with plenty of fluids
- the equivalent of a glass (150 ml) of water - with each dose to prevent
severe and life-threatening intestinal blockage
·
There have been reports of allergies
in some factory workers and nurses who are frequently exposed to psyllium
·
It is very important to start with
small doses and build up slowly, because as with any source of high fibre (such
as All-Bran) too much can cause bloating, stomach discomfort and diarrhoea if
you are not used to it. Allow 2-3 days for it to take effect.
Adults: 2 metric tsp (5 grams) once or twice a day mixed with a glass of
water
Children 8-12 years: 1 metric tsp
(2.5 grams) once a day mixed with a glass of water
Children under 8: consult your
dietitian
Suggested doses are from Bonvit Psyllium Husks.
More information from http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-psyllium-husk.html
For symptoms of food intolerance, we recommend a trial of the RPAH
elimination diet - free of additives, low in salicylates, amines and flavour
enhancers, and with optional removal of dairy foods and wheat or gluten,
depending on severity of symptoms - preferably supervised by a dietitian. Write
to confoodnet@ozemail.com.au for
our list of supportive dietitians, and see Failsafe Eating.
The information
given is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor for
underlying illness. Before beginning dietary investigation, consult a dietician
with an interest in food intolerance. You can find a supportive dietitian
through the Dietitians Association of Australia www.daa.asn.au
or write for our list of supportive dietitians (confoodnet@ozemail.com.au)
© Sue Dengate June 2009
