Psyllium Can Reduce Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms And Risks

For many centuries, psyllium and psyllium seeds have been used in alternative medicine for various health conditions. Therapeutic properties and benefits of psyllium embrace mainly positive effects of this natural remedy on digestive system function (starting from preventing indigestion or hemorrhoids, and ending up with reducing the risks of gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions) since psyllium is a known source of dietary fiber and mucilage. Psyllium is a very effective natural solution to virtually all sorts of gastrointestinal disorders in men and women, and it is widely used in many medications and supplements for those who suffer from lower intestine disorders. According to the findings of a new study by a scientific team at  Curtin University in Perth, Australia, a regular consumption or a special treatment with psyllium can substantially reduce the risks for metabolic syndrome.  Thus, it is recommended to add psyllium dietary supplement to a metabolic syndrome diet in order to improve the condition and reduce metabolic syndrome symptoms.

As the group leaders, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, and Sebely Pal, Ph.D., reported in Obesity Reviews magazine earlier this month, they have come to the mentioned conclusions after extensive analysis of numerous related studies and scientific researches dated between 1980 and 2012. They were specifically focused on examining the effects of psyllium on reducing metabolic syndrome symptoms and risks. Metabolic syndrome is known as a very complex condition which includes several imbalances and disorders like hypertension (elevated blood pressure), abnormal cholesterol levels, increased sugar level, and increased BMI (at that, having one or two of the mentioned disorders does not mean that the patient has metabolic syndrome). Certainly, metabolic syndrome, being a cluster of these quite common conditions, substantially increases the risks of the patient to suffer from very serious diseases like heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and so on.

Australian scientists found out that by adding psyllium products like psyllium dietary supplement to our daily diet, it is possible to substantially reduce the risks and possibly even prevent metabolic syndrome. According the the experts, a regular psyllium consumption in the framework of special metabolic syndrome diet can be a great tool to ward the condition off. The benefits of psyllium consumption are derived from certain components of this natural remedy which can assist in improving insulin response and decreasing blood sugar levels, as well as better lipid profiles (both in humans and animals) and reduced risks of high blood pressure. It is also reported that along with the mentioned health effects, those of the patients who had any sort of treatment involving psyllium extracts and supplements experienced decreased appetite, which should be considered one more important benefit of psyllium for weight loss, this way reducing metabolic syndrome risks.

“Collectively, psyllium supplementation could be promoted to patients who present metabolic syndrome risk factors, such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia,” Australian scientists wrote in their report. They underline that a series of closer and more focused researches is needed to scientifically prove that using psyllium extracts can have positive effects on body weight and composition, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, appetite and other related factors. Reduced metabolic syndrome symptoms and risks are closely linked with better health and longevity, and currently, in order to decrease the risks, only such methods as lifestyle changes or giving up bad habits could be offered. At that, long term effort and teamwork with competent health care providers were necessary in order to achieve positive results and keep metabolic syndrome symptoms under control. This new research has opened a new way to prevent the condition. Click here to find more information about these interesting findings of Australian scientists.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

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