Protect Your Gut by Consuming Psyllium Fiber

Several fibers were tested, including inulin, cellulose, pectin, glucomannan, and psyllium. The authors found that psyllium has the unique ability to improve two chronic inflammatory states: metabolic syndrome and colitis.

Effect of Psyllium on Colitis

“The results were impressive in that even modest amounts of psyllium provided strong protection in both colitis models,” said Andrew Gewirtz, senior author of the study and Regents’ Professor in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State.

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“That psyllium can offer protection against colitis fits with limited human studies that psyllium is effective in maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis, but its mechanism of action was largely unknown,” added lead author Alexis Bretin, a postdoctoral fellow in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State, who also noted that the new study has filled this gap of knowledge.

How does Psyllium Protect the Gut Against Colitis

Psyllium led to an increase in bile acids that resulted in activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) bile acid receptor. Such FXR activation was necessary and sufficient to prevent colitis. This suggests that pharmacologic FXR activation might be useful in managing IBD.

Psyllium and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The study also provides evidence that dietary fiber can benefit IBD, which has been unclear.

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative. This means it soaks up water in the gut and makes bowel movements much easier and can help promote regularity without increasing flatulence. It can be used as a one-off to ease constipation, or it can be added to your diet to help promote regularity and overall digestive health. People with irritable bowel disease and colitis often experience bowel irregularity.

“There has been a lack of consensus on the impact of dietary fiber on IBD, and the notion that soluble/fermentable fibers might negatively impact IBD has prompted many patients to consume low-fiber diets, thus missing out on the broad array of health benefits provided by fiber,” Gewirtz said. “Our findings indicate distinct fibers act quite differently from each other, and thus more human studies of specific fibers are warranted.”


Reference :

1. Psyllium Fiber Protects Against Colitis via Activation of Bile Acid Sensor Fxr – (https:www.cmghjournal.org/article/S2352-345X(23)00026-7/pdf)

Source: Medindia