When compared with other dietary fibre sources, psyllium appears to be one of the most effective for bowel-related issues whilst also being associated with fewer side-effects such as bloating and gas. Because of its effects on the gut microbiome, taking psyllium can boost immune function, reduce inflammation and help your body maintain healthy tissues and cells. Does psyllium husk affect vitamin absorption? Our Psyllium Husk Powder is suitable for anyone looking for a convenient way to increase their fibre intake and maintain healthy digestion, ideal for mixing in with your favourite everyday formula. Benefits But how exactly does psyllium help? As a bulk-forming laxative, psyllium works by helping your bowels retain more water. By binding to food, more liquid is absorbed in the intestines. This helps your body to form a heavier, softer stool that’s easier for you to pass. 1 Summary Psyllium can also be used to help relieve mild to moderate diarrhea. It’s beneficial to diarrhea sufferers because it soaks up a significant amount of water in the digestive tract, which helps make the stool firmer and slower to pass through the system. 2. Can Help Lower Cholesterol

The powder comes from psyllium seed, whereas the whole psyllium comes from the husk and can be mixed with many different substances. Whether in husk or powder form, Psyllium can be taken as a supplement. The recommended daily serving of psyllium is ½ to 2 teaspoons of psyllium mixed with 8 ounces of water. If you’re on medication, talk to your doctor about the proper dose and other aspects of safe use. Psyllium husk comes from a shrub-like herb called Plantago ovata, which grows worldwide but is most common in India. Each plant can produce up to 15,000 tiny, gel-coated seeds, from which psyllium husk is derived. It also sometimes goes by the name ispaghula. Per serving, whole psyllium husks (one tablespoon) and psyllium husk powder (one teaspoon) are usually both around 15–30 calories with 3.5 to six grams of dietary fiber. The high fibre content of psyllium husk has been shown to slow digestion of food, thus increasing feelings of fullness between meals.

Is psyllium husk good for weight loss?

The instructions state '10 mg daily', but give no clue how '10mg' is to be measured. Other measures,.. teaspoons, etc.,are not suggested. Few kitchen scales can accurately discrimine such small quantities. I was forced to use a miniature scientific scale to measure 5g into a clean aluminium milk bottle top. This revealed that 5g = approximately 1 very heaped milk bottle top, or slightly heaped dessert spoonful. Sold in capsule, whole, or powdered form, psyllium husk is available in many different ways for many different purposes. Where Does Psyllium Husk Come From? Your local grocery store very likely has a supplement section. It is probably near the pharmacy section. This is where you will find vitamins, medicine, supplement, and natural oils. You are likely to find the capsule or the whole version here. Bulk Section Unlike the whole psyllium husks that you usually find for sale, our finely ground pure psyllium husk powder is perfect for adding to shakes and smoothies to increase fibre consumption. Fibre is essential for healthy digestion, and our psyllium husk powder is a convenient and highly soluble way to integrate it into your diet. The Purpose Enjoy a big health boost when you start adding psyllium husk to your meals. Use this magical supplement like a multivitamin or sprinkle it in your breakfast to enjoy a wide variety of health benefits.

Summary: Psyllium husk contributes to your overall fibre intake, so it is best to slowly increase fibre over time to avoid digestive related side effects. Take home message Rossander L. Effect of dietary fiber on iron absorption in man. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. 2009. doi:10.1111/j.0954-6820.1982.tb08527.x Each teaspoon of psyllium husk contains a staggering 5g of fibre, which is around 15% of your daily fibre requirements and the equivalent of 200g steamed broccoli. Given that the average fibre intake within the UK is 10-15g lower than recommended values8 (Institute of Medicine recommends 14g per 1000 kcal), especially for those consuming low-carbohydrate diets, it’s important to keep on top of daily fibre intake. Many customers use our psyllium husk to relieve constipation, diarrhea, and other digestion issues. Some choose psyllium because the fiber helps slow the food absorption process, thereby improving the glycemic response and possibly supporting weight loss. FujimoriS, et al. (2007). High dose probiotic and prebiotic cotherapy for remissioninduction of active Crohn’s disease. DOI:For adults and children over 12 years of age, it’s one tablespoon mixed into eight ounces of a liquid of your choice (water, juice, milk, etc.) one to three times daily. A healthy colony of good bacteria in the digestive system is essential for healthy immune function. Your body is better able to fight infection, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy tissue and cells. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04535.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false

You should speak with your doctor should you feel your symptoms have not improved after several days. Can you take psyllium husk on an empty stomach? The side effects of psyllium husk are similar to any high doses of fibre. Possible side effects include: SebelyP, et al. (2010). The effect of a fibre supplement compared to a healthy dieton body composition, lipids, glucose, insulin and other metabolic syndrome riskfactors in overweight and obese individuals. DOI:

A few tips to help it work better

Cheng J, Tennila J, Stenman L. Influence of lactitol and psyllium on bowel function in constipated Indian volunteers: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1130. doi:10.3390/nu11051130 Bruma Jose M. Satiety effects of psyllium in healthy volunteers. Appetite. 2016;105:27-36. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.04.041 That being the case, psyllium is often the main ingredient in fiber supplements that support digestion health and reduces constipation.

To this end, psyllium has been demonstrated to provide a clear laxative effect and help to improve the regularity of the bowel and is highly recommended for those suffering with chronic constipation.10 Benefits of taking psyllium husk include helping meet daily fibre recommendations, promoting natural bowel movement and glucose control. Psyllium husks provide a great source of soluble fibre and can provide an array of health benefits ranging from weight loss to improvements in cardiovascular and digestive health. So, regardless of your goal, psyllium husk can offer an inexpensive and efficient way to support a healthy diet and active lifestyle. FAQs What is psyllium husk?Pastors, J. G., Blaisdell, P. W., Balm, T. K., Asplin, C. M., & Pohl, S. L. (1991). Psyllium fiber reduces rise in postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 53(6), 1431-1435. The useage instructions state 'mix 10 g with 500 ml water or juice'. I'm moved to enquire whether anyone at Holland and Barret has ever tried this? In my innocence I dropped approx. 5g into 250 ml of cold water and stirred. The result?.. A lump of congealed powder being chased around, but steadfastly refusing to be 'mixed'. After about ten minutes of stirring, prodding and accompanying cursing, I threw that mess away and decided upon another approach. I took another approx 5g and attempted to mix it to a paste with a small quantity of water, before 'diluting'. Again, the Psyllium steadfastly refused to be mixed and again, fearing horrific consequences should it be consumed, I threw it away. Rich in soluble fiber, psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative that can assist with a range of health issues. The supplement soaks up water in your gut, making bowel movements easier and more regular without increasing flatulence. And by slowing digestion and transit time, psyllium gives the large intestines a chance to absorb additional water [2]. Does psyllium husk cleanse your colon? Yui Kau Fong S, Gao Q, Zuo Z. Interaction of carbamazepine with herbs, dietary supplements, and food: A systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 898261. doi:10.1155/2013/898261