People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium. A potential side effect from any fiber product is gas and bloating. People with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking psyllium.
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.
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.
Intestinal obstruction can result from Psyllium usage in patients who are habitually drinking very little water or other fluids.
People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium. A potential side effect from any fiber product is gas and bloating. People with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking psyllium.
If you have any chronic disease, talk to a doctor before you start using a fiber supplement. The sugar and salt in some supplements, particularly powders, might be risky for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. People with diabetes may want to choose a sugar-free powder or another form of 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.
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 ).
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.
If you don't drink enough fluids in addition to the psyllium you take, you also may experience constipation. This is because soluble fiber must soak up water to be effective. Without enough water, your stool can become hardened, dry and difficult to pass.
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.
Psyllium (Metamucil) is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. It helps your stool absorb and hold onto water. This makes your stool bigger and softer so it's easier to have a bowel movement.
For an adult, a dose of psyllium husk is taken once, twice or three times a day. The powder or granules should be mixed into a full glass (8 ounces) of water or fruit juice before swallowing. 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.
The husks or hulls are what you need to help with constipation — which means that either the powder or the hulls are the most suitable options. The powder is simply the hulls ground more finely. Some people prefer the finer texture, but you can rest assured that both the powder and hulls will work equally well.
Yerba Prima Psyllium Whole Husks contained the least lead per 5 grams (g) whole psyllium product, at only 0.4 micrograms (mcg) of lead. Interested consumers can check out Yerba Prima Psyllium Whole Husks at this link to the brand's official Amazon listing.
You may want to take the supplements earlier in the day to prevent uncomfortable symptoms close to when you go to sleep. Additionally, taking fiber supplements before meals may make you feel too full to eat. So it may be best to consume them in between meals to promote a healthy diet.
Too much fiber can cause bloating, gas, and constipation. Fluids, exercise, and dietary changes may help the body manage more fiber. These uncomfortable side effects of excessive fiber can occur when someone eats more than 70 grams (g) of fiber a day.
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).
By activating the farnesoid X receptor, psyllium may have anti-inflammatory effects.
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.
No interactions were found between Lipitor and psyllium.
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.