Psyllium problem

[MikeInJapan]

Hi

I've been wanting to get some extra fibre (had a few days of constipation), but as I live in Japan, the things recommended in the plan are hard to find.

After trying the pharmacy, I was directed to the Chinese Traditional Medicine shop, where I tried to buy both flax meal and Psyllium husk.

There were issues of translation, but to cut a long story short, the best I could get was Psyllium seeds. Apparently there would be flax in 2 days, but I could only buy it in a big $60 pack, and god knows what form it would come in anyway.

Started checking out on the net about the psyllium seed vs. the seed husk, and didn't get very far.

The seeds I have are very small and dark. The photos I've seen of little heaps of husks are a sandy color.

I'm not sure if I should just grind these seeds up and use those.

Confused - help!!!!

[not2late]

Originally Posted by MikeInJapan

Hi

I've been wanting to get some extra fibre (had a few days of constipation), but as I live in Japan, the things recommended in the plan are hard to find.

After trying the pharmacy, I was directed to the Chinese Traditional Medicine shop, where I tried to buy both flax meal and Psyllium husk.

There were issues of translation, but to cut a long story short, the best I could get was Psyllium seeds. Apparently there would be flax in 2 days, but I could only buy it in a big $60 pack, and god knows what form it would come in anyway.

Started checking out on the net about the psyllium seed vs. the seed husk, and didn't get very far.

The seeds I have are very small and dark. The photos I've seen of little heaps of husks are a sandy color.

I'm not sure if I should just grind these seeds up and use those.

Confused - help!!!!

Dr. Atkins wrote that his preference for constipation was psyllium. Just be sure to drink all of your water, because if you don't psyllium (like the other bulk-forming laxatives such as flax and wheat bran) might worsen your problem.

By the way, can you find Metamucil capsules in Japan?

[MikeInJapan]

Thanks for your reply.

Originally Posted by not2late

Dr. Atkins wrote that his preference for constipation was psyllium.

Yes, but only husks, or whole seeds? And is it an important difference?

By the way, can you find Metamucil capsules in Japan?

Not sure, I haven't seen any, but I'll check it out.

[atkinsgal08]

I would imagine that the seeds would need to be ground (rather like flax).

You could, of course, make sure you're getting enough cruciferous vegetables.

[shimoochiai]

Hi Doug! I also live in Japan. Actually, there is a commonly sold diet aid called オオバコダイエット that is available at many drugstores.

It is actually psyllium powder!

Although with a little artificial sweetener added. Usually the people in the store don't really know exactly what is in these types of supplements. It's about 1000 yen a bag, more than in the States, but not too bad (you don't need all that much of it ata time anyway).

For reference, here I've included a picture of the box.

[shimoochiai]

or not. here is the actual link to the image!

OOBako Diet Picture

[MikeInJapan]

Originally Posted by shimoochiai

or not. here is the actual link to the image!

OOBako Diet Picture

Wow thanks a lot buddy, that's awesome

Lol, it's Mike though, don't know where you got Doug from

[MikeInJapan]

I managed to track some of it down today, after calling the manufacturer in Osaka, and I just took some of it before....wow it's weird stuff, but it did the trick though

[Elizellen]

Another problem solved
I have just added a link to this thread in the 'Products in Japan' thread in the International forum for easy reference to others over there.

[MikeInJapan]

Originally Posted by Elizellen

Another problem solved
I have just added a link to this thread in the 'Products in Japan' thread in the International forum for easy reference to others over there.

Ok, cool. The manufacturer is Ito Kanpou Pharmaceuticals.

Ito Kanpou link

Phone, as of Oct 17, 2009: 06-6748-9000

If you call them, you can ask them where you can buy it near you.