Psyllium
Psyllium Husk Benefits
1. A source of soluble fiber is psyllium husk.
2. Psyllium husk can encourage regularity and relieve constipation.
3. Psyllium husk may assist in lowering cholesterol.
4. Psyllium husk might assist in controlling blood sugar levels.
5. Psyllium husk may aid in weight loss by boosting satiety and lowering calorie intake.
6. The husk of psyllium is a prebiotic.
7. Psyllium husk may benefit those who suffer from IBS.
8. Psyllium husk may help with diverticulosis treatment.
9. Psyllium husk could lower colon cancer risk.
10. Psyllium husk contains no fat and few calories. It is also free of gluten.
Psyllium Husk Side Effects
1. People generally tolerate psyllium husk well. Bloating is the most frequent adverse reaction.
2. Some people may experience allergic reactions to psyllium husk.
3. Some drugs and psyllium husk may interact.
4. Some people, such as those who have bowel obstructions or swallowing problems, may not be able to use psyllium husk.
Consult your doctor to determine whether using psyllium husk is a good idea for you if you're thinking about it.
Mechanism of Action
Soluble fiber is found in psyllium husk. A gel-like substance is created when soluble fiber dissolves in water. This gel-like substance aids in promoting regularity and slowing down digestion. Additionally, psyllium husk absorbs water and thickens, keeping stools soft and easy to pass.
Dosage
Psyllium husk should be taken in doses of 5 to 10 grams daily. To reduce side effects, start with a lower dose and gradually increase it over time.
There are powder, capsule, and wafer forms of psyllium husk. Some breakfast cereals, bars, and baking mixes also contain it. Psyllium husk can be added to smoothies, yogurt, juice, and water. You can also incorporate it into hot dishes like soup.
Pharmacokinetics
Psyllium husk is excreted in the stool unaltered because it is not absorbed by the body.
Half-Life
The half-life of psyllium husk is 12 hours.
Alternatives to Psyllium Husk
Several substances can be used instead of psyllium husk. These consist of:
A fiber supplement made from psyllium husk is called Metamucil. It comes in powder, capsule, and wafer varieties.
Citrucel: Citrucel is a fiber supplement made of cellulose. You can purchase it as a powder or capsule.
Fibercon is a fiber supplement made of calcium polycarbophil. You can purchase it as a tablet or capsule.
Benefiber is a fiber supplement made from wheat dextrin. It is available as a powder.
A psyllium husk-based fiber supplement called Konsyl is available. You can purchase it as a powder or capsule.
If you're looking for a psyllium husk substitute, discuss your options with your doctor to see which one might work best for you.
Psyllium Husk Drug Interactions
Some medications may interact negatively with psyllium husk. The effectiveness of the medication may be increased, decreased, or adverse side effects may result from these interactions.
Always let your doctor know if you are taking any dietary supplements or herbal remedies to prevent drug interactions. Inquire about the presence of psyllium husk on the labels of over-the-counter products like laxatives and fiber supplements.
Psyllium Husk and Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar levels may be regulated by psyllium husk. Psyllium husk was found to lower fasting blood sugar levels by up to 29% and post-meal blood sugar levels by up to 18% in a study of people with type 2 diabetes.
Psyllium Husk and Weight Loss
By increasing feelings of fullness and lowering calorie intake, psyllium husk may aid in weight loss. 60 overweight adults participated in a study where those who took psyllium husk before meals lost more weight than those who did not. Additionally, psyllium husk may lessen the amount of calories that are absorbed from food.
Psyllium Husk and IBS
By easing the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, psyllium husk may aid in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In a study with 120 IBS patients, those who consumed psyllium husk three times per day for eight weeks experienced a significant improvement in IBS symptoms.
Psyllium Husk Side Effects
In general, psyllium husk is well tolerated. Bloating is the most frequent adverse reaction. Some people may experience allergic reactions to psyllium husk. Some medications may interact negatively with psyllium husk. Some people, such as those who have bowel obstructions or swallowing problems, might not be able to use psyllium husk.