psyllium ispaghula?

anyone know what this is ,  its a fiber drink that i have.  my pharmacist gave it to me,  i live in a state of constant constipation,  a week is not unusual for me to have not gone to the bathroom.  the box says i should have 3tesp through out the day,  but not much else.  i was wondering what calories are like for fiber drinks,  and also if anyone knows more about this from their own experience,  i tried it for a week,  i seem to be a bit more regular but nothing special.  and its a strange drink it is like eating gelatin.

ok if anyone is interested i just found this.  wow this seems like some kinda miracle for someone like me....i have high cholesterol as well., still looking for any long term users suggestions

Applications :

• IN CONSTIPATION :
  It increases the passage to the bowel content through formation of bond water. Psyllium contains gel-forming fibers composed of micro-polysaccharides and cellulose.
  
  This plant starch is hydrophilic in nature, hence they add moisture and bulk to stool in colon. The gel like starch softens the feces making hardened stool easier to eliminate without any kind of damage to bowel wall.
  
  The mucilage forms a temporary gelatinous layer that protects intestinal walls from irritation caused by caustic material in the intestine,. Thus allowing the repair of adjoining tissues.

• IN DIARRHOEA :
  The mucilage contents forms bond with water and hence creates a surface of mucous membrane, forming a sticky masses, which are not easily distributed. Hence this avoids watery outlet during diarrhoea and dysentery.

• IN CHOLESTEROL CONTROL :
  The content has cellulose fiber, which is responsible for decreasing the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream. They also add the filling of fullness without adding calories.

• IN DIABETES :
  The fiber content reduces the release of dietary sugar from the digestive tract into the blood stream, thus assisting in the stabilization of blood sugar level.

• IN COLON CANCER : 
  Insoluble fiber content dilutes cancer-causing bile acids or moves feces out of the colon more quickly, hence it reduces contact-time of feces in digestive system reducing chances of producing carcinogens (cancer-causing substance).

• ETHNOBOTANICAL / TRADITIONAL USES :
  It has also been used in traditional herbal systems of India and China to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bladder problems, Diverticular diseases, Urinary disorder, Coronary heart diseases and high blood pressure.
  
  Psyllium was also used topically to treat skin irritations, including poison ivy reactions and insects bits and stings.

Psyllium, isn't really anything special, its just fiber, it adds bulk and water to stool and helps to push it out, you could get the same thing by eating a lot of vegetables. I rhink psyllium is used in metamucil. if you aren't noticing a difference I would suggest, slowly upping the amount that you are taking. I mix a tablespoon with my morning protein shake.

I use a psyllium from Whole Foods every so often - If you look at the actual fiber content, it's not that high, but I think it's healthy and keeps things moving along!

If you're constipated, I'd avoid cheeses, processed foods, dairy, etc.  High vegatable content (especially raw) plenty of water and reasonable psyllium supplementation will really help -

There are some OTC and prescription medications that really cause constipation - check your labels to make sure you know what they do.

By the way, too much psyllium will be detrimental - I usually take a teaspoon, not a tablespoon.