Psyllium is capable of relieving a wide range of ailments. The medicinal plant is also a natural ingredient in conventional medications for regulating digestion. Psyllium husks therefore offer several benefits. However, caution is advised in some cases when using them. Most side effects develop due to insufficient fluid intake. Other ailments caused by psyllium do exist, but their occurrence is extremely rare.
Possible side effects of psyllium husks
The healing effect of psyllium husks is mostly due to their swelling properties. When stirred into water, it is noticeable within a few minutes that they double in size and bind liquid to themselves. The same thing happens in the stomach and intestines. In this way, psyllium husks can regulate digestion or alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, for example. However, when treated with psyllium husks, a fluid intake of at least 1.5 liters is necessary. If too little is consumed, the husks have no liquid available and cannot swell sufficiently. The psyllium husks draw the remaining water from the stool, causing it to take on a hard consistency. This can lead to abdominal pain, flatulence, and constipation. With long-term use without sufficient fluid, intestinal obstruction cannot be ruled out.
These side effects are extremely easy to avoid with correct use and are not necessary. Each dose of psyllium should be followed by at least one glass of water to prevent symptoms. Abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness are rare side effects during the first few days of treatment, regardless of individual water intake. Flatulence is also rare. However, these side effects subside on their own over time. Furthermore, sensitive people can experience allergic reactions to psyllium husks. Hypersensitivity manifests itself, for example, in a runny nose, conjunctivitis, and skin reactions. A distinction must be made between purified and non-purified psyllium husks. Allergic symptoms generally only occur with psyllium husks that have not been purified by the manufacturer. Professional purification by some manufacturers can further reduce the risk of such a reaction. Sensitive people or those who already have problems with other allergies should therefore inform themselves about the production process of psyllium husks before purchasing.
If you are dependent on other important medications, you should not take them together with psyllium husks. The active ingredients of the medicinal plant can reduce the absorption of medications through the intestines. Therefore, a gap of 30 minutes between taking psyllium and other medications is recommended. Further caution should be exercised in individuals with difficult-to-control diabetes, those who have previously experienced intestinal obstructions, or those suffering from narrowing of the stomach or esophagus. In such cases, you should not take psyllium without medical supervision. Further complications may develop.
Overall, psyllium husks have relatively few side effects. Compared to conventional medications, psyllium husks are generally well tolerated. Symptoms are often related to their use and pre-existing physical limitations.
Can psyllium be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Doctors often recommend psyllium husks for digestive problems, especially during pregnancy. The seeds' constituents are well-tolerated, even for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. None of the active ingredients poses any risk to the unborn child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Conclusion: The number of side effects is low, despite the variety of active ingredients. In most cases, correct use alone helps to avoid unwanted effects. Compared to conventional medications, psyllium husks represent a natural and well-tolerated alternative that can also be used by pregnant women.