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.
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.
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.
The suggested intake of psyllium husks to treat constipation is 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 grams) three times per day.
The amount needed to lower cholesterol is 10 to 20 grams a day. Psyllium is generally taken three times a day, just before each meal, either in a capsule or as a powder that you mix with water or juice.
Because psyllium slows down the digestion of food, people should take it with food, rather than on its own, so it has a greater effect on blood sugar levels ( 13 ).
The doses need to be individualized over time. It is important not to take too much at one time, however, as it will result in bloating, abdominal cramping and gas. It does not matter whether psyllium is taken with a meal or not.
Consuming psyllium husk in the morning can help to regulate the digestive system and prevent constipation throughout the day. Taking psyllium husk at night may be beneficial for those who want to promote regular bowel movements during the night.
Taking smaller doses of psyllium, taking it an hour or two before or after meals, eating nutritious well-balanced meals, and supplementing with a multivitamin should resolve any absorption issues. Hydration is essential when supplementing with psyllium husk.
Laxatives may be habit-forming if they are used too often or for too long. Psyllium can swell in your throat and cause choking if you don't take it with enough liquid. Drink plenty of fluids each day to help improve bowel regularity. Take psyllium with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of water or other liquid.
The main psyllium husk side effects are: abdominal cramps. constipation. flatulence.
How long does psyllium husk take to work? It can take two to three days to see improvements in bowel activity. However, some people prefer this more gradual laxative action because it initiates a steadier improvement in constipation symptoms than stimulant laxatives.
Psyllium husk is the super fiber in Metamucil powders , best known for supporting gut health*. Even better, psyllium husk can also provide other health-related benefits such as supporting heart health by lowering cholesterol† and supporting healthy blood sugar levels*.
Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 240 mL of water or liquid per serving) is consumed.
To ensure proper absorption, we'd highly recommend taking a fiber supplement before mealtimes, which will also provide you with additional benefits, including fat loss and keeping you fuller for longer!
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Choking—chest pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, vomiting.
Using psyllium husk
Usually you'll need to take it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. When you take your evening dose you'll need to make sure you wait an hour before you go to bed – if you go to sleep too soon, this can cause a blockage in the gut.
Take 1 teaspoon of finely ground psyllium husk once a day in the morning, mixed with at least 8 ounces of liquid and followed by an additional 8-ounce glass of water. You may feel full and even more bloated the first few days, but after a week your body should be used to the increased fiber.
There is lead in all organic, natural foods. Our psyllium is grown in fertile soils which naturally contain heavy metals. Each daily serving (5g) contains approximately 4 mcg of lead. The daily limit for lead is 10 mcg.
Psyllium and psyllium husks are both products of the same plant. The difference arises in the manufacture. With psyllium, the complete seeds are used. As the name suggests, only the outer shell is used for psyllium husks.
For weight loss, studies recommend taking psyllium husk about 20 minutes before meals with a glass of water. Your brand will also list on the bottle the recommended dosage for the day. Since psyllium absorbs water, drinking more with the supplement can help prevent intestinal issues.
Psyllium is found in whole husk or powder form. Psyllium powder is made from grinding down psyllium husks into fine dust. This powder instantly dissolves in liquid, reducing the fiber's benefits, while the whole husk absorbs water and expands up to 10x, providing more of the fiber's benefit.