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What is Organic Psyllium?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Organic psyllium is a product that is grown and harvested without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers and is used in a number of health care products that help cleanse the colon. There are many plants that are part of the plantago plant genus that are categorized as psyllium. It is the husks of these plants that are used in colon cleansing dietary supplements. The supplements are usually packaged in one of two ways. They are packaged in a loose form or in the form of capsules, either of which should be taken with plenty of water for the supplement to be effective without causing dehydration.

There are nonorganic and organic psyllium products and both types do the same thing when they are ingested by humans. Some people prefer organic psyllium to nonorganic psyllium for the same reason that people prefer organic products of any kind. They simply prefer to use products that are grown and harvested in manners that are sustainable for the ecosystem. These consumers also prefer not to ingest products that have been treated with chemicals. In many cases, the choice has to do with concerns for one's personal health as well as concerns for the health of the planet.

Psyllium husk.
Psyllium husk.

When organic psyllium is ingested, it absorbs a great deal of water and creates a product called mucilage that helps to cleanse the small intestine. Mucilage is a thick, gluey substance that acts sort of like a sponge in that it cleanses the walls of the colon. In addition to creating mucilage, organic psyllium also helps to create bulk in the intestines, which helps to produce bowel movements. In addition to helping to cleanse the bowels, it can also help to treat diarrhea as well as constipation. Some people take an organic psyllium supplement as needed to help improve regularity, while others take it on a regular basis to ensure continued wellness.

Organic psyllium can help cleanse the small intestine.
Organic psyllium can help cleanse the small intestine.

There have been a number of studies that indicate that psyllium, organic or otherwise, can do more than cleanse the colon. These studies have found that the product can also help to reduce cholesterol levels, which in turn can help to reduce a number of health risks. Some people also use organic psyllium as part of cleansing and fasting systems in order to help remove toxins from the body. The effectiveness of these applications is less studied and documented.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • Psyllium husk.
      By: Marek
      Psyllium husk.
    • Organic psyllium can help cleanse the small intestine.
      By: psdesign1
      Organic psyllium can help cleanse the small intestine.