The husks or hulls are what you need to help with constipation — which means that either the powder or the hulls are the most suitable options. The powder is simply the hulls ground more finely. Some people prefer the finer texture, but you can rest assured that both the powder and hulls will work equally well.
The important thing to know is how many grams of fiber are in each form. For example, a teaspoon of psyllium husk powder has about 3.4 grams of fiber, while a capsule of the same fiber only has 0.4 grams of fiber. So it would take 8 psyllium capsules to get the same fiber as 1 teaspoon of psyllium powder.
Psyllium husk is the super fiber in Metamucil powders , best known for supporting gut health*. Even better, psyllium husk can also provide other health-related benefits such as supporting heart health by lowering cholesterol† and supporting healthy blood sugar levels*.
Psyllium is found in whole husk or powder form. Psyllium powder is made from grinding down psyllium husks into fine dust. This powder instantly dissolves in liquid, reducing the fiber's benefits, while the whole husk absorbs water and expands up to 10x, providing more of the fiber's benefit.
People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium. A potential side effect from any fiber product is gas and bloating. People with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking psyllium.
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.
Common dosages of psyllium are 5–10 g, with meals, at least once per day. However, when it comes to fiber, more is not always better. It is important to take it with water and then drink water regularly throughout the day.
There is lead in all organic, natural foods. Our psyllium is grown in fertile soils which naturally contain heavy metals. Each daily serving (5g) contains approximately 4 mcg of lead. The daily limit for lead is 10 mcg.
Soluble fiber found in beans, oats, flaxseed and oat bran may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol levels. Studies also have shown that high-fiber foods may have other heart-health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and inflammation.
Consuming psyllium husk in the morning can help to regulate the digestive system and prevent constipation throughout the day. Taking psyllium husk at night may be beneficial for those who want to promote regular bowel movements during the night.
The closest substitute of psyllium husk you can find is flaxseed or linseed. It suits gluten-free and vegan diets for making dishes, drinks, and baking.
For an adult, a dose of psyllium husk is taken once, twice or three times a day. The powder or granules should be mixed into a full glass (8 ounces) of water or fruit juice before swallowing. Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. It is best if you take your doses just after a meal.
Any time of day is appropriate to take Metamucil as long as an adequate intake of fluids (at least 240 mL of water or liquid per serving) is consumed. We recommend taking Metamucil three times per day at mealtimes as a convenient way to get the benefits of Metamucil.
When compared to psyllium husk, flaxseed had a better mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. Flaxseed contains more insoluble fiber, whereas psyllium husk contains more soluble fiber. This is why psyllium husk is often used as a laxative because it transforms into a gel-like substance quicker than flaxseed.
Avoid breathing in the dust from psyllium powder when mixing. Inhaling psyllium dust may cause an allergic reaction. If you take psyllium as part of a cholesterol-lowering treatment plan, avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol or your overall treatment will not be as effective.
The main side effects of psyllium products are related to stomach disturbances, including passing more gas, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. If you notice other symptoms while using psyllium, such as bleeding from the rectum, seek immediate medical attention.
Taking smaller doses of psyllium, taking it an hour or two before or after meals, eating nutritious well-balanced meals, and supplementing with a multivitamin should resolve any absorption issues. Hydration is essential when supplementing with psyllium husk. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
Psyllium can worsen the constipation if not taken appropriately. It is important to instruct patients who are receiving psyllium ingredients to drink a good amount of fluids to avoid the development of bowel obstruction especially in long-term use of such laxatives.
How long does psyllium husk take to work? It can take two to three days to see improvements in bowel activity. However, some people prefer this more gradual laxative action because it initiates a steadier improvement in constipation symptoms than stimulant laxatives.
Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse, or if bleeding from the rectum occurs. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Many doctors recommend taking 7.5 grams of psyllium seeds or 5 grams of psyllium husks, mixed with water or juice, one to two times per day.
However, when probiotics are taken together with psyllium husks, the quality of life of IBD sufferers was markedly improved. In other words, taking probiotics and psyllium together yielded good improvements but taking these two ingredients on their own, did not.