Wheat Bran (Triticum aestivum)
Wheat Bran (Triticum aestivum)
About
About
Wheat is a plant. The outer shell of the grain (the bran) is used to make medicine.
Wheat bran is used as a source of dietary fiber for preventing colon diseases (including cancer), stomach cancer, breast cancer, gallbladder disease, hemorrhoids and hiatal hernia. It is also used for treating constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
How does it work?
Wheat bran helps constipation by speeding up the colon and increasing stool output and bowel frequency.
Traditionally used for
Traditionally used for
Constipation.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Lowering blood pressure.
Preventing stomach cancer.
Preventing hemorrhoids.
Dosage
Dosage
By Mouth:
For constipation: 20 to 25 grams of wheat bran per day. It appears that 40 grams per day is no more effective than 20 grams per day.
For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): 30 grams of wheat bran per day for up to 12 weeks.
For high blood pressure: 3-6 grams of whole-wheat flour, wheat flakes, and brown rice, combined with a National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) step 1 diet.
Adequate intake (AI) levels for dietary fiber intake per day have been set:
For children 1 to 3 years, the AI is 19 grams; for children 4 to 8 years, 25 grams. For boys 9 to 13 years, the AI is 31 grams; for boys 14 to 18 years, 38 grams. For girls 9 to 18 years, the AI is 26 grams. For men 19 to 50 years, the AI is 38 grams, and 30 grams for men older than 51 years. For women 19 to 50 years, the AI is 25 grams, and 21 grams for women older than 51 years. For pregnant women, the AI is 28 grams, and 29 grams for breast-feeding women. AI for children less than one year has not been set.
A tolerable upper intake levels (UL) for fiber, the highest intake level at which no unwanted side effects are expected, has not been set.
Possible Side Effects
Possible Side Effects
Wheat bran is safe for most people to use. It may cause gas (flatulence) and stomach discomfort, especially when first used.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Wheat bran seems to be safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding.