HWN Suggests

All About Psyllium Husk

If you’re struggling with constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or just about any other problem, most people’s first suggestion will be some kind of fiber supplement, and psyllium typically ranks pretty high on the list of recommendations. So what actually is it, and does it really help...

Psyllium is the seed of a plant native to Southeast Asia. It’s not terribly remarkable in its raw state as a food, but the husk of the seed is very high in viscous soluble fiber. Specifically, it contains 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fiber.

Viscous soluble fiber means that the psyllium husk attracts a lot of water to itself and forms a slippery gel as soon as it’s exposed to water –…

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 Psyllium Husk: Your Complete Guide

Psyllium is most helpful for constipation, but it also works for conditions where incomplete evacuation can be a problem, including dysbiosis (gut bacteria imbalance), irritable bowel syndrome (particularly in constipation-predominant IBS), parasites (helps to remove parasite eggs and prevent them from taking root in the gut), and diverticulosis (bulks the stool and helps to achieve more complete evacuation).

 What to Use in Place of Psyllium

Psyllium is a bulking fiber, meaning it is able to absorb water, expand and move waste through the intestinal tract. This makes it an effective supplement in treating constipation. In addition, psyllium may be effective in lowering cholesterol, preventing obesity, lowering blood pressure and treating irritable bowel syndrome. Alternatives to psyllium that provide similar benefits include flaxseed, glucomannan, methylcellulose and inulin.

Articles of Interest

Intestinal obstruction caused by a laxative drug (Psyllium): A case report and review of the literature

Psyllium in granular dosage form is used as an over – the counter safe laxative drug. It has a considerable hygroscopic propriety which allows it to retain water and expands rapidly to become many times of its original size.

Psyllium Fiber Has More Benefits Than You Think—Here Are 9 of Them

You might have seen psyllium fiber alongside other natural laxatives like senna tablets or Prunelax. However, it is so much more than just a constipation treatment in terms of health benefits.

Psyllium is not so silly for easing constipation

Chronic constipation causes discomfort and pain for many people. Psyllium mixed with liquids is an effective means of restoring regular bowel movements. However, people vary in how much they need and how much they can tolerate. One teaspoonful mixed with a glass of water or other liquid is usually recommended three times daily.

Psyllium is superior to docusate sodium for treatment of chronic constipation

This study has shown that psyllium is superior to docusate sodium for increasing stool water content in subjects with a history of chronic idiopathic constipation. Psyllium was also superior to docusate for overall improvement of the objective measures of constipation, suggesting that psyllium is a more comprehensive treatment for constipation.

The three different types of psyllium on the market and which one to use

Which one should I use? The husks or hulls are what you need to help with constipation — which means that either the powder or the hulls are the most suitable options. The powder is simply the hulls ground more finely. Some people prefer the finer texture, but you can rest assured that both the powder and hulls will work equally well. The outer husk of psyllium is preferable since the seed germ contains undesirable oils and tannins.

Resources

KnowYourOTCs.org

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative available in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that treat occasional constipation and restore regularity. Psyllium is also available as a dietary supplement and can be found in OTC laxative powders, pills, and wafers.

Mount Sinai

Psyllium is a soluble fiber used primarily as a gentle bulk-forming laxative in products such as Metamucil. It comes from a shrub-like herb called Plantago ovata that grows worldwide but is most common in India. Each plant can produce up to 15,000 tiny, gel-coated seeds, from which psyllium husk is derived.

Patient

The powder or granules should be mixed into a full glass (8 ounces) of water or fruit juice before swallowing. Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Never take a dose at bedtime.

ScienceDirect

Psyllium is a new source of dietary fiber. It is made from ground husks of psyllium seeds and has the ability to hold water and form bulk. Psyllium contains up to 85% soluble fiber. Psyllium holds water better than bran, so smaller amounts are needed to be effective.