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Psyllium for Cholesterol Reduction

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 98.6 million adults in the United States have blood cholesterol levels of 200mg/dL or above. Levels between 200 and 239 are considered borderline high risk, and levels of 240 and above are considered high risk. Psyllium supplements can significantly reduce high cholesterol levels.

  1. Cholesterol

    • Cholesterol is a soft substance that is found in the bloodstream among the fats. It is in every cell in the human body. Cholesterol is essential for a healthy body because it helps to form cell membranes and is need by some of the body's hormones to help them function adequately. Cholesterol is not soluble in the blood, so it needs to be transported to and from cells by lipoproteins. The main two lipoproteins are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Too much LDL circulating in the blood can lead to the formation of plaque deposits, which gradually begin to block artery walls and can lead to heart disease.

    Psyllium

    • Psyllium husk, or ispaghula, is obtained from ground seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. It has been used in herbal remedies for decades. Psyllium is used as a very gentle, bulk-forming laxative that can ease the strain of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. Psyllium is high in a soluble fiber known as mucilage. Mucilage absorbs water and becomes thickened and jelly-like. It increases intestinal passage time and also has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels.

    Psyllium and Cholesterol

    • According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, adding 3 to 12 grams of psyllium to your diet each day can reduce the risk of heart disease. As a powder, one teaspoon of psyllium is added to an 8 ounce glass of water, stirred and drunk before it begins to thicken. Psyllium also is available in capsule form if you prefer. Some breakfast cereals contain psyllium. According to the American Heart Association, psyllium husk can help lower low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL), or bad cholesterol.

    Warnings

    • A number of side effects have been reported by psyllium users, including allergic skin reaction, anaphylaxis, blockage of the gastrointestinal tract, bloating, swelling of the lips, face and tongue, chest pain and difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking psyllium immediately and contact your physician.

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