Side Effects Of Psyllium

Psyllium is a fibrous material typically used as a gentle and bulk-forming laxative. Since the substance is a soluble fiber, it can pass through the digestive system without being totally absorbed or broken down. Throughout this process, it absorbs water in the body and turns into a viscous compound. This compound has benefits for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, diarrhea, and constipation. The fiber is derived from the seeds of an herb native to India. Individuals can purchase it as a dietary supplement, and it is usually formed in powder, capsules, granules, or a husk. There are also some baked goods and fortified breakfast cereals that contain it. Psyllium is one of the most well-tolerated sources of fiber available, but there are some potential side effects individuals should be aware of.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a potential side effect of psyllium, especially if individuals take a dosage that's too high. There are varying signs of intestinal distress individuals might experience if they take psyllium as a laxative because of the way fiber bulks up the stool. It's also possible for psyllium to lead to blockages in the bowel if individuals don't have enough water alongside it. This can lead to abdominal distress and be a potentially serious problem that requires emergency treatment. The best way for individuals to prevent abdominal pain is to start at a small dose of the product until they see how their body tolerates it. From there, individuals can slowly add more until constipation or other symptoms are alleviated. Patients should always talk to a doctor before introducing any new and regular supplement to their diet. If individuals experience severe abdominal pain that doesn't go away, they should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The pain might feel like aching in the stomach or a throbbing or cramping sensation in the abdomen.

Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of psyllium now.

Nausea And Vomiting

Other signs of intestinal distress that might accompany psyllium usage are nausea and vomiting. Many dietary supplements have the potential to cause nausea, especially if they work as laxatives. Any substance that affects the way the digestive system works can lead to certain feelings of digestive upset. Like with other digestion-related problems, the best way to mitigate these is by starting with small dosages of the supplement. Nausea occurs when individuals have an overpowering feeling of discomfort or illness in the stomach. Some patients report nausea feels similar to the dizziness right before fainting. Vomiting occurs when the body expels the contents of the digestive system through the mouth. If an individual's body has an intolerance to psyllium, or if they take too much psyllium, they might end up throwing it up before it can pass through the digestive system. Vomiting once or twice isn't generally cause for concern, as it's just the body's way of purging an irritating substance. But if individuals continue to be sick, they should see a doctor.

Get the details on more side effects of psyllium now.

Diarrhea

Psyllium is often used to help treat diarrhea due to its fibrous laxative properties. However, some individuals might find the supplement actually causes diarrhea. Like other digestive issues, this is more likely if individuals take a high dose without letting their body get used to the substance. Different individuals will react in different ways, and so it's important to use low dosages first. Psyllium is used by some patients to help relieve mild and moderate cases of diarrhea, though it won't be effective for all cases. The mechanism of action is the soaking up of water inside the digestive tract. This firms the stool and causes it to be passed through the bowel more slowly. However, if individuals have too much psyllium in their bowels, the waterlogged material can cause loose stools. Patients should take care when taking any digestive supplement for the first time and make sure they're in an environment where they can handle any potential digestive distress.

Discover additional side effects of psyllium now.

Increased Gas

One of the potential issues many individuals note when they increase the fiber in their diet is the amount of gas they pass. Many patients taking fibrous dietary supplements find their gas also increases. Psyllium doesn't actually increase the amount of gas the body produces. The same is true of fiber that comes from methylcellulose, another common dietary supplement. With that said, it's still common for individuals who take psyllium to experience bloating. A bloated feeling occurs when the stomach feels like it's full of more gas, water, or solid matter than it should be. While there hasn't been a great deal of research regarding the reason for this, some experts theorize it's because the fibrous material slows gas from being transported through the intestine. This leads to increased feelings of discomfort because the gas seems to be trapped in the abdomen. Some individuals might experience bloating and intestinal discomfort when first taking psyllium, but these feelings may taper off as their bodies become used to the dose.

Read more about the potential side effects of taking psyllium now.

Swelling

Individuals must take psyllium with at least eight ounces of water, because if they don't drink enough water when consuming the laxative, it will have trouble passing through the digestive tract. Individuals may experience swelling in their throat or blockages in the bowel. Before taking psyllium, individuals should always read the label and make sure they take the dosage exactly as it's written. There have also been rarer cases in which patients have an allergic reaction to psyllium. This might lead to swelling that causes respiratory distress, along with typical allergy symptoms like hives, flushing, itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. Most patients with this type of allergy are allergic to the inner component of the seed, rather than being allergic to the husk. If patients think they might be allergic, they should talk to a doctor before taking psyllium.