A double-blind trial involving patients with ulcerative colitis showed that Psyllium supplementation significantly
reduced symptoms such as bleeding, and helped patients remain in remission longer (upon ingesting 20 gm of
ground Psyllium seeds, twice daily with water), compared to the use of the medication mesalamine alone. However,
the combined ef ects of mesalamine and Psyllium produced the best overall outcomes in this study. 19
6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Some studies suggest that Psyllium supplementation may be helpful in the management of IBS. An illuminating
study by J. Holtz, et al, showed that both Psyllium and wheat bran supplementation improved stool frequency and
consistency in a 6-week trial of thirty IBS patients. However, the Psyllium group demonstrated superior outcomes
with respect to stool frequency and degree of abdominal distension, making it the preferred intervention, according
to the researchers involved in this trial. 20 As there are few ef ective interventions in the treatment of IBS, it is
worth noting that well-designed trials support the use of Psyllium supplementation in these cases, although
outcomes may vary greatly from patient to patient. 1,21
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils