Intestinal obstruction can result from Psyllium usage in patients who are habitually drinking very little water or other fluids.
Gastrointestinal. Gastrointestinal side effects have included several cases of esophageal impaction and duodenal bezoars in patients receiving a bulk laxative product containing 82% psyllium and 18% senna (commercially available as Perdiem Overnight Relief).
Digestive distress: Psyllium fiber can create bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, cramping (and even diarrhea) due to the fact that it bulks the stool. That's why it's incredibly important to drink plenty of water with it.
Bowel obstruction. A bowel obstruction (blockage) is a serious side effect that can occur with Metamucil. This is especially true if you don't follow proper instructions while using it. Metamucil needs water to work, so not drinking enough water with your dose can lead to a blockage.
Vomiting, severe stomach pain, rectal bleeding or constipation that lasts longer than seven days are potentially serious side effects of taking too much psyllium husk. If you experience these symptoms, talk to your physician immediately.
There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.
Conclusion: Psyllium can worsen the constipation if not taken appropriately. It is important to instruct patients who are receiving psyllium ingredients to drink a good amount of fluids to avoid the development of bowel obstruction especially in long-term use of such laxatives.
Is it dangerous to eat too much fiber? Eating too much fiber can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and constipation. In rare cases, people could experience a bowel obstruction or blockage.
Fibre adds bulk to your poo. Too much fibre in your diet can make your poo bigger which may increase your risk of bowel obstruction and make your partial bowel obstruction worse. Your health care team will tell you if you need a low fibre diet or a fluid diet. Remove all skins, seeds and stalks.
You should not take psyllium if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if psyllium is safe to use if you have ever had: stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; trouble swallowing; or.
Psyllium husk is a bulking fiber, which means once ingested it expands and forms a gelatin-like mass in the colon by drawing water in. Once this occurs the husks are able to "scrub" the intestines clean and transport waste through the intestinal tract.
One of the effects of psyllium is to slow your body's absorption of substances in your digestive tract. That includes many medications, notably some cholesterol drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, digoxin and blood thinners such as warfarin, which can be adversely affected by psyllium.
Although fibers like psyllium husk pack some powerful benefits for your body, if you suddenly increase your fiber consumption, it takes a while for your digestive system to adjust. Until then, it's very common to experience feelings of gas, bloating and even constipation.
Complicating conditions. Laxative use can be dangerous if constipation is caused by a serious condition, such as appendicitis or a bowel obstruction.
Too Much Fiber
And if you're not drinking enough water to help move the bulk through your system, constipation is common. If the constipation isn't resolved, it can lead to an intestinal blockage -- which is the most dangerous side effect associated with excessive fiber intake.
Identifying Bowel Obstruction Symptoms
Bowel obstruction symptoms usually come on suddenly, and they are severe — acute pain in the abdomen, along with nausea or vomiting. Most people affected by a bowel obstruction are unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement, and may have a swollen abdomen.
The doctor may suspect intestinal obstruction if your abdomen is swollen or tender or if there's a lump in your abdomen. He or she may listen for bowel sounds with a stethoscope. X-ray. To confirm a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, your doctor may recommend an abdominal X-ray.
Assess your daily water intake
Fibre needs water to do its job properly, so not drinking enough fluids can contribute to constipation. Drink 2.2 to three litres of fluid each day. Drink one to two cups of water with high-fibre meals.
This is because fermentable fiber is used as food by the bacteria in your gut, resulting in the production of gases in your large intestine. This could cause an increase in gas production in your gut, which might make your symptoms worse.
If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated. Some products may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine (phenylketonurics should avoid).