It may reduce total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, also known as “bad” cholesterol, contributes to clogged arteries and may lead to stroke and heart attack. Psyllium is believed to help absorb waste, bile acids, and cholesterol, which are removed from the body during bowel movements.
After 3 months, the scientists found that adding psyllium fiber supplementation to a normal diet was sufficient to obtain beneficial effects in metabolic risk factors like cholesterol and glucose levels.
Picco, M.D. There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.
Metamucil and its effect on cholesterol
Metamucil may help to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol – also known as “bad” cholesterol – due to its active ingredient, psyllium husk.
The study pooled findings from 28 trials in people with normal and high cholesterol levels. It found that a daily dose of about 10 grams of psyllium husk lowered harmful LDL cholesterol 13 mg/dL when taken for at least three weeks.
Metamucil is the only leading fiber supplement brand that contains psyllium—and when taken daily, you can get all of the benefits psyllium fiber has to offer from it. ^ One of the main benefits of taking the psyllium fiber in Metamucil daily is that it helps lower cholesterol.
The king of dietary fibre is psyllium husk. It's cheap, plentiful and super easy to consume - and it can radically ease the strain on your arteries by reducing the amount of cholesterol that your gut consumes. This is because it's rich in beta glucan, which has been proven to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease.
When you are looking for a fiber supplement for the purpose of lowering your cholesterol, start with psyllium or methylcellulose. Both have that have research supporting their use to slightly reduce LDL.
A: Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil fiber as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 8 ounces of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil between one and three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
Can this be harmful to kidney? Metamucil is safe for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
For digestive health:Metamucil can be used for occasional constipation and to promote and maintain regularity. If your constipation persists beyond seven days, consult a doctor because it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
While both are important for your health, soluble fiber is the one that helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. It dissolves in water to form a gel, which moves slowly through the intestines “grabbing” up fat, dietary cholesterol, bile salts, and sugar to be excreted.
In addition to treating constipation, Metamucil may also help lower your cholesterol levels, and may improve your blood sugar control if you have type 2 diabetes. Benefiber, on the other hand, is not approved for these uses. Fiber can also decrease your appetite by making you feel fuller for a longer time.
Foods like oatmeal, apples, prunes, and beans are high in soluble fiber, which keeps your body from absorbing cholesterol. Research shows that people who ate 5 to 10 more grams of it each day saw a drop in their LDL. Eating more fiber also makes you feel full, so you won't crave snacks as much.
For example, a diet rich in soluble fiber, plant sterols, and vegetable protein sources, such as soy and nuts, reduced LDL cholesterol by an average of 28.6% in just 4 weeks. These effects continue over the long term.
If you're taking a statin medication to lower your cholesterol, you will need to keep taking your prescription, or your cholesterol will likely go back up. Stopping your statin can put you at risk of having heart disease and other preventable health problems like stroke and heart attack from high cholesterol.
According to a research review people who take simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol) may experience fewer side effects.
You can “unclog” your arteries with natural methods, including diet, exercise, and stress management. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, can also help reverse plaque.