Psyllium for Long-Term Usage
Anonymous (Dublin, Ireland) on 11/01/2010:
As it says above, what you are thinking of is chemical laxatives. Due to its hydrophilic affects, psyllium husks causes more water to be retained in the gastrointestinal tract, and faecal swelling. This in turn STIMULATES peristalsis in the GIT, so rather than it causing muscles to become dormant and eventually atrophy, it INCREASES contractions of your intestinal musculature. It is not dangerious in any way, it is 100% natural and safe to use, the only exception being if you drink inadequate amounts of fluids, leading to intestinal blockage. So drink lots of water people!!! View Entire Thread
M (Anonymous, USA) on 02/13/2010:
NOT TRUE. this is one of the most irresponsible and uniformed statements I've read. chemical laxatives cause the musculature of the intestines to atrophy. psyllium does not. and neither does any other form of fibre. psyllium is safe and recommended to use EVERY SINGLE DAY as are other forms of fibre. View Entire Thread
Mable (Long Beach, CA) on 02/21/2008:
Warning
Please check into the long term effects of using psyllium on a regular basis. It's addictive in that the more you use it, the more you'll be dependant on it. Psyllium causes the colon muscles to relax and actually does the work for them - they begin to weaken & possibly atrophe (as do all muscles that aren't used). It's possible/probably that if you take psyllium long enough, you'll end up taking it the rest of your life.
