Curious to know what it is and how it works? You have come to the right place. Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber traditionally used in Indian medicine to ease constipation and lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. This husk also scrubs your intestines and detoxes them effectively. So, what is it made of? And how do you use it to reap its results? This article serves as a guide for all your doubts and takes you through its other benefits and potential risks. Take a look!

What Is Psyllium Husk?

Psyllium husk is derived from the seeds of plants belonging to the Plantago genus. Psyllium seeds and psyllium husk are age-old hacks for treating constipation as they are rich sources of fiber. Out of over 200 species in the Plantago genus, Plantago ovata and Plantago psyllium are widely known for their therapeutic value. They are grown in parts of Europe, Russia, Pakistan, and India. Plantago ovata husk is a source of natural, concentrated, soluble fiber. It is obtained from the outer membranous green envelope of the P. ovata seed. P. ovata husk (that contains soluble fiber) and seeds (that contain insoluble fiber) are well-accepted, safe, and effective bulk laxatives. About 55-60% of psyllium husk has gel or mucilage forming ability that is responsible for its laxative and cholesterol-lowering activities. Unlike other natural laxatives, psyllium husk survives the fermentation in the gut and increases stool output effectively (1). Psyllium husk is rich in some essential and unique monosaccharides and polysaccharides. These biomolecules work towards ensuring smooth digestion, an active metabolism, and a healthy heart.

The Indian name for Psyllium is ‘isabgol.’ It comes from the Persian words ‘isap’ for horse and ‘ghol’ for ear. Together, ‘isabgol’ describes the shape of the psyllium seed that resembles a horse’s ear. Psyllium seeds swell up on absorbing water because of their mucilage. Psyllium husk forms a clear mucilage or gel when dissolved in water. This leads to a ten-fold increase in its volume.

Want to know what other problems psyllium husk solves? Check out the next section!

What Are The Benefits Of Psyllium Husk?

1. Ameliorates Constipation And Hemorrhoids

Constipation is known to affect approximately 27% of the population and is more prevalent in children and women than in men. A low-fiber diet is said to be one of the factors that cause constipation. Using psyllium husk in your food or as a supplement can relieve constipation. The mucilage generated by the husk acts as a bulk-forming laxative that eases and fastens bowel movement through the small intestine (ileum, to be precise). As a result, the stool does not degrade, harden, or cause piles or hemorrhoids when it is forced out (2). [ Read: 25 Best Foods That Make You Poop ]

2. Facilitates Weight Loss And Cholesterol Metabolism

Obesity and hypercholesterolemia are linked to various metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Increasing the intake of dietary fiber has the potential to improve the serum lipid profile. Ingredients like psyllium husk, oat bran, and barley have abundant amounts of water-soluble fiber. Dietary psyllium fiber consumption has also been found to increase fecal fat excretion by 41.27%. This shows that psyllium can reduce plasma and liver cholesterol levels, increase the level of HDL (good cholesterol), and exhibit positive gut-modulatory effects. This reduction in appetite and LDL levels, along with enhanced fat absorption in the gut, can aid weight loss, the right and healthy way (3).

3. Cardioprotective Properties

Plasma LDL levels are major indicators of heart health. Consuming foods that contain dietary fiber reduces LDL levels and boosts HDL cholesterol, thus keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay. Having the recommended intake of fiber (about 10-25g/day) helps regulate the LDL in your body. A study conducted in 2007 found that water-soluble fiber in psyllium husk increased the HDL concentration by 6.7%, while insoluble fiber reduced the same by 3.3%. This proves that psyllium husk, in combination with a low-saturated fat/low-cholesterol diet, prevents heart diseases. Apparently, it does a better job than most of the commonly prescribed cardioprotective therapies (4).

4. Controls Diabetes And Hyperglycemia

Many studies have demonstrated the effect of dietary fiber on type 2 diabetes. Psyllium husk is one of the fiber sources that has exhibited anti-hyperglycemic and anti-diabetic effects. Oral administration of about 10g of psyllium husk per day lowers blood sugar level, increases insulin sensitivity, and improves glycemic control in the body (5). It is hypothesized that psyllium husk can alter intestinal motility to enhance the absorption of anti-diabetic or any other medication (6).

5. Protects Intestines And Excretory System

Psyllium husk has the excellent ability to maintain intestinal mucosa. Due to the ability of this fiber to fix organic and inorganic substances, their absorption by the intestinal cells is delayed, reduced, or even prevented (just like a flu-defense mechanism). The dietary fiber in psyllium husk may also protect your duodenum by decreasing gastric acid secretion. Therefore, it can reduce the intensity of duodenal or gastric ulcers if taken in the right quantities (7). You must be wondering who actually are the heroes behind the mucilage, the benefits, and all the fame that psyllium husk gathers? Good question! You can get the answers in the next section.

What Is Psyllium Husk Made Of?

Psyllium husk is made of monosaccharides and polysaccharides like xylose and arabinose. They are collectively called arabinoxylan and account for more than 60% of the weight of psyllium husk. Essential fats like linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, erucic acid, and stearic acid are found in the husk. It is also a reservoir of aromatic amino acids. Surprisingly, psyllium husk is rich in phytochemicals like alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides. It also contains unique triterpenes like narasin, ginsenoside, and periandrin. Metabolites like sarmentine, purmorphamine, tapentadol, zolmitriptan, and withaperuvin have been identified in psyllium husk extracts, giving it various nutraceutical properties (8). We’ve discussed the benefits that psyllium husk offers and the excellent nutraceutical profile it boasts of. But could something go wrong if you had too much of it? Find out in the next section!

What Are The Side Effects Of Psyllium Husk?

Though there is little supporting evidence, the following could be the risks associated with consuming psyllium husk (9): If you have tried psyllium husk and are aware of how your body responds to it, you should take it regularly. Talk to your doctor and try to incorporate this dietary fiber in your daily meals. But how can you about doing this? Let’s take a look.

What Are The Directions To Consume Psyllium Husk?

Dosage

It is safe to have 10-20g of psyllium husk per day as a wellness supplement or in foods. If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or acute constipation, you can increase the dose to 30 g/day. It’s best to split the dose throughout the day.

Mode Of Intake

Solution: The best way to consume psyllium husk is to add it to water and drink it after it dissolves. Adding about 250 mL of water to a spoonful of husk should do. Porridge: You can have it like porridge. Add a tablespoon of husk and some sugar (optional) to 250 mL water. Wait for 2-3 minutes until the solution turns into a gel Baking: You can add psyllium husk to cookies, bars, flat fiber cakes, bread, and muffins to add some crunch and health.

Time Of Intake

It’s best to have psyllium husk right before meals (10). Always have a sufficient amount of water with psyllium husk to prevent choking on it. You can take small drinks of psyllium husk 2-3 times a day to keep your gut happy and kickin’!

In A Nutshell…

Psyllium husk is a boon for anyone suffering from constipation or digestive issues. It is recommended that you take at least 10-25g of dietary fiber a day. With over 60% fiber and unique bioactive ingredients, this husk is the best natural, gluten-free, and versatile supplement you can gift your body. If you don’t like the husk texture or gel-like consistency of psyllium husk, you can opt for psyllium husk capsules. What’s the best part? Psyllium husk has a long shelf-life and is not prone to degradation. (That does not mean you can buy expired stock!) Is psyllium husk good for hair? Yes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that psyllium husk may help protect against hair breakage and restore its shine. However, limited research is available to prove this claim. Can I use chia seeds instead of psyllium husk? Yes. Chia seeds are a better alternative to psyllium husk, and you can use them as thickeners. Is flaxseed better than psyllium? Yes. Although psyllium and flaxseed have similar benefits, like reducing constipation symptoms and lipid levels, treatment with flaxseeds is better than psyllium husk (11). What is the difference between psyllium and Metamucil? Psyllium is the outer membranous envelope of P. ovata seed that is used to treat constipation. Metamucil is a fiber supplement that may be used to improve stool consistency and treat constipation. Is psyllium husk prebiotic? Yes. Psyllium husk is prebiotic, i.e., it supports the growth of good bacteria in the colon.

References:

  1. “The gel-forming polysaccharide of psyllium…” Carbohydrate Research, Elsevier 2. “Pharmacological Basis for the Medicinal…” Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, eCommons 3. “The right fiber for the right disease…” Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, US National Library of Medicine 4. “Effects of soluble fiber (Plantago ovata husk) on…” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, American Society for Nutrition 5. “Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum…” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine 6. “Evaluation of the Association Metformin…” Journal of Diabetes Research, US National Library of Medicine 7. “Study of the protective effect on the intestinal…” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine 8. “Non-targeted Metabolite Profiling and Scavenging…” Frontiers in Plant Science, US National Library of Science 9. “Blond Psyllium” Medline Plus, US National Library of Medicine 10. “Ask the doctor: How much psyllium is…” Harvard Heart Letter, Harvard Health Publishing 11. “Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: A randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes” Clinical Nutrition.