Psyllium Husk Fibre Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

What is the downside of psyllium husk? ›

3 side effects associated with psyllium

Diarrhea. Flatulence. Increased bowel movements. Nausea and vomiting.

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.

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.

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.

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*.

Together, these results demonstrate the potential of PSH supplementation for treating CKD, including by improving intestinal microecology, reducing uremic toxin levels and systemic inflammation, and delaying disease progression.

Abdominal computed tomography scans (coronal view) in the emergency department. The scan shows a granular dosage form in the bowel due to the presence of psyllium powder: (A) plain view; (B) contrast-enhanced view. Psyllium, a laxative, may cause intestinal obstruction if taken without adequate fluid intake.

Other gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, intestinal gas, cramps, mild diarrhea, rectal pain, constipation, and irritation.

Why can't I poop after eating fiber? ›

Inadequate water intake

Fiber absorbs water as it moves through the digestive system, which can help prevent constipation. Without adequate water, the fiber can become dry and hard, making it difficult to pass stools. You should drink at least 8-10 glasses a day and consume fiber-rich foods alongside fluids.

Psychological traits. Psyllium significantly improved two of the domains; obsessive compulsiveness (p= 0.0016) and anxiety (p=0.0006), while mixed fiber had no effect on the psychological traits (p>0.0056).

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. An easy habit to get into is to have Fybogel after you've eaten breakfast, and after you've eaten dinner.

If you don't have any psyllium husk fiber powder or don't like using it, try replacing it with: Chia seeds or flax seeds. For a recipe that calls for a 1/3 cup of psyllium husk fiber powder, a 1/3 cup of ground chia seeds or ground flax seeds will work.

Fiber supplement especially psyllium decreases inflammation in the gut. Epidemiological studies have shown that psyllium supplementation decreases CRP levels in IBS patients.

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.