About Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk has been used for ages to treat health problems such as obesity, high cholesterol, bowel problems and more. It is taken orally as a supplement and is available in several forms, including powder, capsule and pure extract.

How Psyllium Husk is Derived

• Psyllium husk is derived from the seed of a psyllium plant. The husk is the coating around the seed, and the husk has more absorption qualities than the seed itself. Psyllium husk is removed from the psyllium seed through a milling process and is then purified and dried or blended into a powder.

How Psyllium Husk Works

• Psyllium husk cannot actually be digested in the stomach, so they serve as fiber or "roughage" to clean out the intestines and digestive system. While psyllium husks go through the digestive tract, they expand and absorb substance from the stomach.

Health Benefits

• Psyllium husk has several benefits, most of which are related to stomach problems. Psyllium husk relieves constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Because psyllium husk absorbs substances in the stomach, it can assist in weight loss and also lower cholesterol levels.

Negative Aspects of Psyllium Husk

• Psyllium husk occasionally has some negative side effects, particularly as a person gets used to taking psyllium husk and their system adjusts to it. Gas, bloating and diarrhea are the usual side effects, and they usually decrease with time. Some people are allergic to psyllium husk, and allergic reaction usually causes anaphylactic shock. People who take too much psyllium husk or have serious stomach problems or abnormalities may experience blockage if the psyllium husk gathers in one location in the intestines. These problems are much more likely to occur if the person doesn't stay hydrated and drink enough fluids with the psyllium husk.

Supplementation

• Psyllium husk can be taken orally in capsule or powder form or the husk can be directly mixed into the diet. People usually mix a couple of tablespoons with water or juice, but some people sprinkle psyllium husk over salads or mix it with yogurt or other foods. Psyllium husk is also one of the main ingredients in fiber supplement products such as Metamucil.