Metamucil 4-in-1 fiber is a powerful supplement designed to help support healthy cholesterol levels. With 7 grams of soluble psyllium fiber in every 12-gram serving, Metamucil helps you get the recommended daily intake and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
After 3 months, the scientists found that adding psyllium fiber supplementation to a normal diet was sufficient to obtain beneficial effects in metabolic risk factors like cholesterol and glucose levels.
Metamucil may help to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol – also known as “bad” cholesterol – due to its active ingredient, psyllium husk.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.
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.
It found that a daily dose of about 10 grams of psyllium husk lowered harmful LDL cholesterol 13 mg/dL when taken for at least three weeks.
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. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
* Metamucil Capsules: Take 5 capsules 4 times per day before each meal to help lower cholesterol to promote heart health. † Or take 2 to 5 capsules up to 4 times per day to promote digestive health. * Check with your health care professional if you are using Metamucil as part of a cholesterol-lowering program.
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.
Benefiber contains fewer additional ingredients than Metamucil. Benefiber contains only wheat germ, which may make it a more natural choice.
Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage). Some people are allergic to psyllium, and Metamucil should be stopped and emergency treatment sought if hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling occurs. Not suitable for children younger than six.
No interactions were found between atorvastatin and Metamucil.
SHOULD I TAKE IT BEFORE OR AFTER MEALS ? 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. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
Metamucil typically takes 2-3 days to work and it should not be taken before bed (8).
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.
Psyllium Husk (Metamucil)
Eat 3-10 grams psyllium (either 6-18 capsules or 1-2 tablespoons powder) per day. Work up to 3 grams in the morning and 3 grams at night.
This is why it is important to eat foods to help lower your cholesterol, such as those high in soluble fiber. Fruits like avocados and apples, and citrus fruits like oranges and bananas are foods that can help lower cholesterol.
You should always take psyllium with a full 8 oz. glass of water, and you should drink at least 6 to 8 full glasses of water throughout the day to avoid constipation. Taking psyllium supplements without adequate liquids may cause it to swell, and, in extreme cases, cause choking.
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.