Yamamoto® Research Normolax Bowel transit support*
Several medicinal plants can have laxative, anti-inflammatory and even carminative actions on the intestine. There is much talk about the centrality of this organ, and there will be more and more talk about it: various studies continue to confirm its extremely valuable multifaceted activity, which involves the health of the entire human body. There are many disorders that the intestine can suffer, and among the most commonly encountered is certainly constipation, which can have various 'origins', but is often caused by an unbalanced diet or a lack of fibre, and, on the opposite front, diarrhoea, which can occur as a result of food poisoning, prolonged pharmacological or antibiotic treatment and following various infections, both viral and bacterial.
Lifestyle can also affect our intestinal well-being: stress and strong or continuous stress on the nervous system, accompanied by emotions such as anxiety, can in fact strongly affect intestinal health on a psychosomatic level, and cause annoying disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Among the most common and widely used natural phytotherapeutic agents are psyllium seeds. Made from the seeds or cuticle of Plantago ovata, an annual herbaceous plant, this product, commonly sold in herbalist shops, is generally indicated for chronic constipation. Its seeds make it a highly effective but harmless 'mechanical' laxative, thanks to the presence of a mucilage which swells and increases in volume on contact with water, and is therefore called a 'mass-former'.
Mucilages are polysaccharides with a complex chemical composition, water-soluble fibres with a strong laxative potential but also emollient, antiphlogistic and protective for the intestinal mucosa. Let's take a closer look at their mechanism of action: on contact with water, the seeds open up completely, increasing in volume by up to 30 times compared with their dry form, thus forming a characteristic gel, capable of increasing the quantity of faecal mass (hence the definition of 'mass-forming') and softening its content. This lubricating and softening action, well known in gastroenterology and proctology, makes the use of psyllium useful in cases of haemorrhoids, anal fissures, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis. This product, which is effective and not harmful at all, is also useful for constipation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and is also used for children and heart patients, where the use of laxatives that may cause 'violent' actions on peristalsis, with strong muscular contractions, is not indicated. The effects of Psyllium are in fact particularly appreciated for their safety and efficacy for more delicate types of patients, because they gently cleanse the intestinal walls with their passage, facilitating evacuation. The interesting versatility of psyllium should also be noted, as it is useful not only in cases of constipation, but also in cases of diarrhoea (it acts by absorbing excess fluid and consequently increasing the consistency of the faecal bolus). Mucilage derived from psyllium also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties on the mucous membrane, making it suitable for colitis and irritation of the walls of the gastrointestinal system.
Speaking of intestinal wellbeing, it is also important to note that psyllium seeds have prebiotic properties (i.e. they can selectively promote the growth and activity of bacteria already present in the intestinal tract), thanks to their ability to encourage the growth of beneficial bacterial flora to the detriment of pathogenic strains with putrefactive action. All to the benefit of the body's immune defences, barrier activity and improving intestinal efficiency in general. Beneficial bacterial flora is also useful in preventing colorectal cancer (note: fermentation of psyllium fibre produces short-chain fatty acids which, as well as acting as a valuable energy substrate for colon mucosal cells, appear to play a protective role).
In addition, it appears that regular intake of psyllium powder may be helpful in lowering blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, without affecting levels of HDL-cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol) and blood levels of triglycerides. In an age of unhealthy or unbalanced eating habits, this help from psyllium supplementation is not to be underestimated (even in the case of specific subjective problems). Normolax is a dietary supplement based on psyllium, with an additional prebiotic component, namely FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides). Fructo-oligosaccharides are soluble fibres found in many common fruits, vegetables and plants. They are able to resist enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and are the nutritional substrate for various 'beneficial' microorganisms. FOS are short chains of fructose molecules which, when fermented by intestinal bacteria, produce lactic acid and short-chain carboxylic acids, which in turn enter as carboxylic acids, succinic acid and pyruvic acid into the Krebs cycle to produce energy in the cell. The fermentation that takes place is extremely useful because it leads to selective stimulation of the growth of bacterial strains that make up the 'good intestinal flora', such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the usefulness of FOS and its prebiotic activity; in fact, it is useful in positively modifying the relationship between symbiotic ('friendly') and pathogenic microorganisms in both children and adults. In addition, recent research indicates that FOS can significantly increase levels of butyric acid in the intestine, further promoting a protective action against inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the colon.
Normolax, like all fibre-based supplements, and because of the mucilage it contains, may reduce intestinal absorption and thus the therapeutic efficacy of any medications taken at the same time. For this reason, if drugs are taken, we recommend taking them at least one hour before or two to three hours after ingesting psyllium.
The use of Normolax is indicated in the resolution of periodic or 'occasional' constipation, but not in the treatment of chronic constipation. In this case, an evaluation and possible correction of the diet by the consumer is necessary before any intake. It is important to remember that the sachet should be taken with plenty of water and can form the characteristic gel, capable of restoring intestinal function without irritating the wall and restoring natural regularity. After mixing the contents of the sachet in water, fruit juice, freshly squeezed juice or even homogenised fruit or yoghurt, the mixture should be taken immediately. The formation of a gelatinous mixture is therefore normal, and it is this gel, thanks to its viscosity, that will soften and moisturise the faecal mass and aid evacuation.
Directions: add 1 sachet (5.5 g) in 200 ml of natural water, stir well and take once a day, immediately after preparation. A gel formation, which can occur if the product will not be taken immediately after preparation, is due to the nature of Psyllium husk.
Net content: 66 g
Storage: keep in a cool dry place.
Warnings: do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. A varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. Keep out of the reach of young children. Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects. Keep in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposure to heat sources and sunlight. Do not dump after use.
