No, Metamucil (psyllium) does not cause high cholesterol; in fact, its soluble fiber helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) by trapping cholesterol in the gut, requiring the liver to pull more from the blood to make bile, thus promoting heart health. It's a common supplement recommended to support cholesterol reduction, but it should be used with a healthy diet and exercise, and you should always check with your doctor before starting it for cholesterol management.
The psyllium fiber in Metamucil helps lower cholesterol to promote heart health† by trapping some cholesterol in the digestive system to be removed with waste. When you take psyllium fiber, it forms a gel-like substance that moves through your digestive system.
Metamucil's cons include common side effects like gas, bloating, cramps, and nausea, especially when starting. More serious concerns involve potential intestinal blockage or choking if not taken with enough liquid, potential interference with medication absorption, and risks for people with certain conditions or allergies. It can also contain added sugars, sweeteners, or sodium, depending on the product.
Eat less fatty food
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.
To remove cholesterol from your body, adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating more soluble fiber (oats, beans, fruits) and healthy fats (olive oil, fish), exercising regularly (30 mins most days), losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol, as these changes lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol, with some people needing medication for more severe cases.
“Bloating, abdominal pain, and excess gas are all common consequences of increasing fiber intake,” says Rekha Chaudhary, MD. “When you eat more of it, a bunch of gut bacteria get to work fermenting it, which creates gases that cause bloating, abdominal pain, and cramping.”
Levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol exceeding 190 milligrams per deciliter typically call for a statin prescription. But depending on how high your cholesterol climbs, your doctor may be open to you trying to lower it using lifestyle changes. The most effective interventions involve diet and exercise.
Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit) is a tropical plant in West and Central Africa, which has been historically used for treating diarrhea in humans and animals. Pharmacological research has shown that the leaves of the plant possess anti-hyperlipidemia activity.
Reducing how much saturated fat you eat and eating more fibre, as well as following a balanced diet like the Mediterranean diet, can help reduce cholesterol levels by as up to 10 per cent typically by 8 to 12 weeks.
Taking fiber supplements every day seems to be safe. Popular fiber supplements include inulin, psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) and methylcellulose (Citrucel). Fiber is good for the body. It helps the bowel work well and prevents constipation.
May not be suitable for people with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, phenylketonuria, or difficulty swallowing. Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage).
Psyllium husk powder is an effective Metamucil alternative, and other options include methylcellulose (Citrucel), wheat dextrin (Benefiber), or ground flaxseed, as they work similarly by adding bulk to stool and promoting regularity, according to the most recent evidence from 1.
When should I take Metamucil? To get the cholesterol-lowering benefit, take 1 teaspoon of Sugar-Free Metamucil with a full glass of water no more than 15 to 30 minutes before a meal. The psyllium needs to be in your GI tract the same time as your meal.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
How can I lower cholesterol with diet?
Leafy green vegetables.
Whether it's broccoli, spinach, kale, or Brussels sprouts, these fiber-rich veggies lower your cholesterol and help keep your heart healthy. They also contain what is known as antioxidants, which can help your body fight against cancer and diabetes.
Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.
Exercise on most days of the week and increase your physical activity. Exercise can improve cholesterol. Moderate physical activity can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol.
1. Walking raises your “good” cholesterol and lowers your “bad” cholesterol. A brisk 30-minute walk three times per week is enough to raise your “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lower your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) a few points. This amount of exercise, even without weight loss, is shown to improve your cholesterol levels.
The average American gets 10 to 15 grams per day. 95% of us don't get enough. Chances are good that you are not eating too much fiber. 70 grams of fiber per day — double the recommended amount — could be too much, leading to bloating and even constipation.
High-fiber foods are good for your health. But adding too much fiber too quickly can lead to gas, bloating and cramping. Add fiber to your diet slowly over a few weeks. This lets natural bacteria in your digestive system adjust to the change.
Blood Sugar Control: Soluble fiber slows absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, which helps with diabetes management. Cholesterol Reduction: Fiber "binds up" cholesterol in the gut, preventing it from being absorbed, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.