Functions of psyllium husk, proper way to eat, and side effects to be aware of.

Psyllium husk(hull) is famous as one of the dietary fibers. The following two functionalities have been recognized by many people and reputable medical institutions.


1. Containing good dietary fiber, it can help to facilitate bowel movements

2. May help improve blood cholesterol and diet


So, let’s take a closer look at the correct way to take psyllium, people to be aware of, and side effects.


How much psyllium is good to eat per day?


Psyllium hull is a food you can try to supplement dietary fiber. How much psyllium is needed depends on how much fiber a person consumes per day. People who already get enough fiber through their diet will not need to eat a fiber supplement such as psyllium hulls.


However, people who do not get enough fiber in their diet from vegetables, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits should eat more than others. In general, the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber is about 25 grams. Therefore, if you look back on your diet and your fiber intake is insufficient, or if you do not have a smooth bowel movement, I think it is good to consume 5 to 15 grams of psyllium per day.


How to eat psyllium husk most efficiently


It is best to drink it with bottled water. Pour cold water into a water cup, add psyllium hull product to it, stir it, and drink the water. And drink one or two more glasses of water. Psyllium hulls must be consumed with plenty of water.


Spinach hulls are not completely soluble in water. When it is well stirred, you can drink it. If left for too long, it becomes jelly-like (think of this jelly-like form being excreted during bowel movements). At that time, it became uncomfortable to eat, so

 Stir and then just drink.


The psyllium hull itself is tasteless. You should think of eating for health, not taste. Is there something that doesn't taste bitter?


Do you eat before meals or after meals?


Those who take it not because of blood sugar or cholesterol, but because of bowel improvement, can take it before or after a meal. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach.


When taken before or with a meal, it can help to maintain a feeling of fullness after a meal and to suppress the rapid rise in blood sugar after a meal. It can also help with diet. Consuming psyllium with large meals may also make some people struggle with excessive satiety.


When should you start taking psyllium if you are already taking other medications?


If you are concerned that the psyllium hull may affect the absorption of other drugs, leave an interval of 1 to 2 hours from the time of taking the drug.


Which is better, a powder product or a pill product?


Psyllium hull is a food that takes effect only when it absorbs water and increases in volume. For psyllium hulls to absorb water, it is best in powder form. It is difficult to absorb water with a ring.


What is the recommended daily intake of psyllium husks to improve blood cholesterol?


The daily dose for cholesterol-lowering function is 7 grams per day as dietary fiber based on the US FDA standards.


There are ready-made psyllium hull products that contain not only psyllium hull, but also other beneficial ingredients. Therefore, check how much psyllium hull is contained in it and how much dietary fiber is in the product.


Which of the psyllium skin products should be noted?


I think you should be careful about the psyllium hull products that have been released to improve bowel movements and contain aloe. Aloe contains anthraquinones, which stimulate the intestines to expel feces. If used for a long period of time, there is a concern that the intestines may become incapacitated due to decreased sensation of the intestines, and long-term use may cause melanosis of the colon. Please look at the ingredient list of the product.


Can children and the elderly also consume psyllium hulls?


Available. For children and the elderly, it is recommended to start with 2-3 grams per serving based on the raw material of psyllium hulls. For example, if the product contains 5.5 grams of psyllium hull, take 1/2 packet of half the normal dose in two divided doses in the morning and evening. .


Can pregnant women eat psyllium?


There is no reason why pregnant women shouldn't eat during pregnancy. However, there are special circumstances during pregnancy, so please consult with your doctor in that case. After childbirth, it is often difficult for mothers to defecate, but psyllium helps to facilitate bowel movements.


Does psyllium husk help people with loose stools?


Psyllium husks do not have the function of thinning the stool. It absorbs water and increases stool volume. Therefore, people who have loose stools and inconspicuous stools will usually have clear and shapely stools when they consume psyllium hulls.


How long does it take to start taking psyllium husk?


Psyllium hull is not an ingredient that will cause you to have a bowel movement within a few hours of eating. Just because you take it in the evening doesn't mean you'll see the effect the next morning. It is not an ingredient that stimulates the intestines.


In general, it takes about 24-48 hours for the food you eat to be excreted in the feces. The psyllium hull eaten today will take 2-3 days to experience the effect. Drink it regularly and consistently every day.


Do you not develop a tolerance if you keep eating?


Psyllium does not cause tolerance or withdrawal. Psyllium hull is a food ingredient. They do not function as stimulant or osmotic laxatives, they simply suck up water, increase stool volume, help curb spikes in blood sugar, and may help improve blood cholesterol.


Those who have difficulty passing stool due to insufficient fiber intake can improve their bowel movements by consuming psyllium hull. However, if you stop this product without changing your eating habits at all, the same situation may be the case again.


Are there any side effects of psyllium husk?


For those who have significantly reduced intestinal motility, it may be more difficult to transport stools that have increased in volume due to psyllium. The elderly who are severely depleted in physical strength, those who have difficulty moving their intestines due to a severe loss of energy after a major illness, or those with intestinal paralysis due to a stroke, please be cautious and consult with your doctor.


Some people may overreact to the fibrous component in the psyllium hull, causing a feeling of gas and bloating in the stomach. This is a phenomenon that appears differently for each person, so if there are any side effects, it is recommended to stop taking it or reduce the amount. If side effects persist, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.