Psyllium Husks Side Effects

Your body needs fiber and psyllium is one of the most common forms of soluble fiber. Specifically, you should be getting about 35 grams of fiber per day, but that doesn't mean you won't experience side effects. When you increase your fiber intake rapidly, you may experience some side effects. You may feel:

• Some minor bloating
• Gas
• Loose stools
• Abdominal discomfort

To prevent these side effects, introduce psyllium fiber slowly to your body. You don't want to take the full dosage on the first day. Gradually increase when you feel ready. After a week or two, you should be able to take the full dose. Also, to decrease side effects, drink a lot of water.

You should drink plenty of water with your psyllium husks. You should be getting 8 glasses of water per day. Take at least a glass of water with each dose of psyllium capsules. If you are mixing psyllium powder in water, you should use a whole glass and possibly drink extra water afterwards.

You can never have enough water when you are taking fiber. It will increase the effectiveness of the fiber supplement and also it will help to get rid of any side effects.

Those with diabetes are urged to monitor their blood sugar while taking psyllium since it may cause changes. If you take prescription medications, take them a few hours before taking psyllium. This is because psyllium can actually decrease the absorption of medicines.

For those who are pregnant and nursing, psyllium is said to be perfectly safe and fine.

If you start to feel symptoms of an allergic reaction and you believe psyllium is causing it, discontinue taking the psyllium supplement until you find out what the cause is. Typical allergy symptoms include rashes, swelling, itchy eyes, etc.