Psyllium is a leafy-stemmed Eurasian plantain, the husks and seeds of which are used as a laxative and bulking agent in the treatment of constipation and, in some cases, obesity. Psyllium is naturally rich in dietary fibre, providing the extra fibre that so many people need in order to maintain regular and healthy bowels. Psyllium husk is a water absorbing / retention fibre, which gives bulk to stools by absorbing water – as much as 20 times its own weight! This gives the bowel wall something to work on and lets it  push matter through smoothly and quickly via peristalsis. Fibre also stimulates natural bacteria in the bowel. When water is added to psyllium husks, a soft gel is formed,  which helps the unwanted matter in the colon (constipation) to move through smoothly, with no straining or discomfort, know as colon cleansing.

Flaxseed is one of the best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, a type of “good fat” that is generally missing from the Western diet. These acids can help to lower high  cholesterol and high blood pressure, reduce elevated triglyceride levels and help to prevent blood clots. They can also lower elevated blood levels of the protein  homocysteine, believed to be a major risk factor for heart disease. Flaxseed is also a rich source of lignans, a type of fibre that is changed by friendly bacteria in the gut  into compounds that help to fight against disease. Lignans also modulate hormone levels and relieve some of the symptoms often associated with menopause. Flaxseed  contains a natural antioxidant, which is thought to help muscles recover more quickly and has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to reduce muscle soreness.

Sugar beet fibre has been included in this formula because it has been scientifically proven to contribute to an increase in faecal bulk in two ways: the insoluble   components of the fibre increase faecal bulk by absorbing water in the large intestine,while the soluble components are fermented by bacteria in the large intestine leading  to an increase in bacterial mass. As such, this source of fibre may have a beneficial physiological effect for people who want to improve or maintain a normal bowel function.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum ) is a bitter, medicinal herb that is loaded with antioxidants and has laxative and anti-parasitic effects. It also increases milk flow,  stimulates the uterus, soothes irritated tissues, lowers fever, reduces blood sugar, improves digestion and promotes healing. It stimulates the immune system and aids in  removal of toxins from the body through the lymph nodes. The seeds (Methi), in particular, are rich in lipids, protein, protease inhibitors, alkaloids, mucilaginous fiber,  phosphorus, iron, calcium, niacin, vitamin C, selenium and various other nutrients. They have stimulant, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, expectorant, laxative,  hepatoprotective and diaphoretic properties. Plus, it is believed that the seeds reduce fatty tissues, thereby aiding in natural weight loss.

Apples are a rich source of pectin: a naturally-occurring carbohydrate. Pectin is particularly good at helping to lower blood cholesterol levels. The liver pumps excess  cholesterol into the bile, which then enters the intestines. If pectin is present in the intestines, it will bind with the cholesterol and take it out of the body. Pectin also changes  into galacturonic acid, which can combine with heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) and certain radio active materials in the gut and take them out of the body. For  people who are prone to constipation, pectin can provide a gentle form of fibre, which acts as a bulk laxative and mops up toxins that enter the intestines.