What is psyllium husk

Fiber supplements and clinically proven health benefits: How to recognize and recommend an effective fiber therapy. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Soluble fibers from psyllium improve glycemic response and body weight among diabetes type 2 patients randomized control trial. Nutrition Journal. McRorie JW. Evidence-based approach to fiber supplements and clinically meaningful health benefits, part 1.

Nutrition Today. The Ultimate Guide to Psyllium Husk. What Is Psyllium Husk? How is Psyllium Fiber Made? Take our Metamucil Two-Week Challenge. Psyllium can help… 1. How Does Psyllium Husk Work?

Was this article helpful? YES NO. Find out exactly where psyllium comes from, why it's so good for you and how to use it below:.

Psyllium is a herb, native to India and Pakistan. It originates from the botanical family known as Plantago which includes over small species, including the plantain - a kind of banana. This substance comes from psyllium seed and psyllium husk. Psyllium is also added to some cereals to increase fiber content. Standard preparations of psyllium are available in dry seed or husk form, to be mixed with water as needed.

Psyllium is an ingredient in some commercially-prepared laxatives. It also comes in capsules, tablets, and wafers. Children should get fiber from their diet. Give a child psyllium supplements only under a doctor's supervision. Your health care provider may recommend higher doses of psyllium to treat certain conditions. You can take psyllium first thing in the morning or before bedtime.

Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, you should take them only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Psyllium supplements may reduce or delay the absorption of certain medications See Possible Interactions. As a rule, you should not take psyllium supplements at the same time as other medications. Take psyllium at least 1 hour before or 2 to 4 hours after taking other medications.

You should always take psyllium with a full 8 oz. Taking psyllium supplements without adequate liquids may cause it to swell, and, in extreme cases, cause choking. DO NOT take this product if you have bowel obstructions or spasms, or if you have difficulty swallowing. People with esophageal stricture narrowing of the esophagus or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use psyllium supplements without first talking to your health care provider.

Dietary fiber has been shown to lower the blood levels and effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressant medications in some people. If you take tricyclic antidepressants, talk to your doctor before taking psyllium. Tricyclic antidepressants include:. Taking psyllium with carbamazepine, a medication used to treat seizures, may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of carbamazepine. Taking psyllium with cholesterol-lowering medications called bile acid sequestrants may help further lower cholesterol levels and may reduce side effects of colestipol.

Talk to your doctor about whether this may be an option for you. Bile acid sequestrants include:. Fiber supplements may reduce levels of blood sugar, making the possibility of hypoglycemia low blood sugar more likely.

Talk to your doctor before taking fiber supplements, as your dose of diabetes medications may need to be adjusted. Fiber supplements may reduce the absorption of digoxin, a medication used to regulate heart function. You should not take fiber supplements at the same time as digoxin. Psyllium may lower lithium levels in the blood, reducing the effectiveness of this medication. If you are taking both psyllium and lithium, you should take them at least 1 to 2 hours apart, and your doctor should closely monitor your lithium levels.

Lack of effect of a high-fiber cereal supplement on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. N Eng J Med. Cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium intake adjunctive to diet therapy in men and women with hypercholesterolemia: meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials. Typically, you can take the product one to three times per day with a full glass of water. Some research has shown that consuming 7. However, other results show soluble fiber like psyllium can make symptoms worse for some people.

One study found that taking 5 grams of psyllium twice a day can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. Another study of people with type 2 diabetes found similar results, but stressed that psyllium therapy should be tailored to the individual.

Follow all product instructions carefully. Since psyllium creates intestinal bulk and has laxative effects , this substance may pose adverse side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience allergic-like reactions to psyllium.

Although rare, risks may include:. Psyllium is most commonly consumed in powder or wafer form. Shop for products containing psyllium. Follow the directions on the packaging when taking any of these medications.

Remember that a key component of how psyllium works in your lower intestine is its ability to soak up liquid, so make sure to drink plenty of water daily. Read tips for helping you…. Fiber is an important nutrient for healthy digestion. Learn the difference between types of fiber and how to identify quality supplements. Some foods can reduce appetite, cravings and help you burn more calories. These are the 19 most weight loss friendly foods on the planet.