The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Digestive Issues
Posted by Des (Dubai, Uae) on 02/21/2012
★★★★★
I have been consuming Psyllium husk on a daily basis after breakfast, about 1 tablespoon in fruit juice for the past 8 months. Since then, I never have an issue of gas, indigestion or constipation, which I had prior to taking Psyllium husk. I really do deem it fit to consume daily as a dietery fibre supplement as our life style and food habits are getting bad by the day.
Weight Loss
Posted by Kintana (Ottawa, Canada, Ontario) on 08/05/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi ive been using psyllium husk fiber (1 big table spoon) every night for the past year mixed with yogourt its delicious this way. Its been helping me in losing wait (12 pounds in 2 weeks plus 40 min to 1 hour of walking every day )other benifits included no more gas nor bloating during the day. But my main concern is whenever I stop taking psyllium husk fiber it seems my bowels aren't working as they should, very slow bowel movement (going to the washroom evry 2nd day and whatever comes out is so small (size of a pencil in width) not normal. So the intestines really do get used to psyllium fibre. It took me 2 weeks to have regular bowel movement again, after stopping the fiber. My mom has also been using it for a bit longer than me and she said it does the same thing when you stop using the fiber. Its too bad, I'll just find fibers elsewhere cause I do not want my intestines to stop working or become lazy. And tha'ts what I'm feeling whenever I stop using psyllium.
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by Jamie (Danville, WV) on 12/17/2008
One thing that I am seeing is those that are having problems with acne/rosacea (sp?)and headaches, need to do a little more research on what a cleanse involves. During the cleanse your kidneys are working very hard. Breaking loose of old fecal matter is returning toxins etc. briefly back to the bloodstream. Because the skin is like a second set of kidneys these irritations will present themselves through the sebaceous glands (a secondary) excretory organ.
Also the headaches are caused by the same problem, toxins in the bloodstream, most likely from previous prescription drug use, or anything foreign to the body (like nicotine etc.) If you are inexperienced with herbs and/or individual herb treatments, you need to consult an alternative medicine specialist. Using an herb willy nilly without understanding it in its entirety can cause problems.
Long-Term Usage
Posted by Anonymous (Dublin, Ireland) on 11/01/2010
★★★★★
As it says above, what you are thinking of is chemical laxatives. Due to its hydrophilic affects, psyllium husks causes more water to be retained in the gastrointestinal tract, and faecal swelling. This in turn STIMULATES peristalsis in the GIT, so rather than it causing muscles to become dormant and eventually atrophy, it INCREASES contractions of your intestinal musculature. It is not dangerious in any way, it is 100% natural and safe to use, the only exception being if you drink inadequate amounts of fluids, leading to intestinal blockage. So drink lots of water people!!!
Psyllium Tips and Advice
Posted by Jong (Manila, Philippines) on 11/08/2007
★★★★★
About Halitosis caused by psyllium husk--It is not true that psyllium causes halitosis. In fact, it should have the reverse effect. If you notice, even your stool will start to become almost odor free when you take psyllium regularly. What likely could have happened is that the sufferer could have ingested a contaminted psyllium. These can be contaminated more often with yeasts and molds if left in a container or place where moisture can penetrate. These could also probably the source of the candida in the stomach. So, be careful when buying psyllium which are stored in open container or shelves. Best to buy those tightly packed.
Detoxification
Posted by ELIZABETH (LONDON) on 02/20/2007
★★★★★
We came back from a spa in Thailand a few weeks ago. My husband & I were fasting for 7 days. We were taking detox drinks 5 times a day (Psyllium, Bentonite clay, lemon juice)& 5 times herbal supplements and intestinal cleansers. We were also allowed 2 cups of vegetable broth, 2 coconut waters and carrot juice or herbal tea. Our programme also included 2 colemas daily. During this period, we were feeling fine, no hunger pangs, no tiredness. I lost 9 pounds & my husband 10. We now fast for 1 or 2 days a week & instead of colemas drink a senna tea before bedtime.
IBS
Posted by KC (Columbia, South Carolina) on 07/02/2006
★★★★★
I have tried and am still using this for constipation and bloating. This only cost me $6 for 1 lb. and it has been a miracle for me. I had tried Colonix for colon cleansing and it was a very dramatic experience for me. I believe it was more or less a laxative with additives to get you addicted and it gave you close to diarreah. I felt like had to go to the bathroom all of the time. So I had developed even more anxiety which lead to IBS I believe. Anyways- It has been a few months and I tried this cheap natural remedy and it works! I've been using it a little more than a week and I've seen greater results than Colonix had ever promised. I just followed the recipe on this site which had led me to the road of happiness. Thanks!
Detoxification
Posted by Sharon (NYC)
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
My boyfriend started using pysllium a few weeks ago to cleanse his intestinal tract. He felt great, but my God! his breath became so foul!! After a few days of being polite, I finally figured that I needed to say something and help him find a cure. I figured it had to have been caused by a change in his intestinal flora from the pysillium. The change must have caused severe candida overgrowth. His tongue was coated in white -- a sure sign. I had him take a few capsules of ParaGone (as it was what was leftover in my medicine cabinet.) to start to kill off the candida. That seemed to help, but didn't completely stop the halitosis. The next day I had him soak his mouth in hydrogen peroxide for about 3 minutes. Once it foamed up, I had him to it again. Well, that was the cure! No more bad breath! The peroxide did make his tongue sensitive for a few days, so I would suggest to anyone trying this that they dilute the peroxide in water. I think that bad breath is often a sign of candida or yeast overgrowth so killing it in the mouth with peroxide AND taking some kind of candida cleanse is the answer. One more note: I read on the internet that it can take up to 3 weeks to cure bad breath. Well, this took a few minutes with the peroxide. Don't believe what you read! Hope this helps some of your readers. Thanks.
Detoxification
Posted by Meadowsweet (Halifax, England, Uk) on 06/23/2011
Another cause of bad breath is food, especially meat, stuck between the teeth and starting to rot. It literally smells like dead dogs or something. The remedy is to use floss. Perhaps it's possible that the young man's halitosis was caused by this and not by the psyllium husks? The hydrogen peroxide mouthwash quite possibly killed off the bacteria growing between his teeth. Just a thought ...
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by Eliot (Ny, US) on 03/30/2015
I had same problem. I discovered it's not the psylium. It's additives in psylium. I switched to organic psylium and solved the problem
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by Kennywally (Midwest) on 08/02/2016 46 posts
April w/asthma, not sure what the reaction was from, I'say it was more likely related to the asthma, and or toxic release which triggered the reaction as well, and a possible herxheimer reaction. The possibilities are almost endless, especially with our pre-existing conditions. I was glad to see plenty of replies on this reaction with positive comments for such a reliable helper of ours, that helps to move out the trash we collect inside our colons.
IBS, Eczema, Lactose Intolerance
Posted by Sunny (Ca) on 12/18/2013
Way to go!!
Digestive Issues
Posted by Dan (Palatine, Illinois) on 06/05/2010
★★★★★
I've been taking the pysllium husk for three days now and I have been taking 12 grams measured on a digital scale twice daily. Maybe I feel bloated, but that's nothing new. In fact, I don't feel AS bloated as I would without it, I think. Recently, I feel like I might be developing IBS because of my poor low-fiber diet. I've basically been eating fast food only for about 7 years straight. I'm happy I found out about this fiber supplement! Just 3 days and I'm already feeling solid!
Weight Loss
Posted by Fifi1201 (London, London Uk) on 03/24/2010
For the first time yesterday I tried Psyllium capsules. I was worried when I saw the warning on the pack about possible choking if not using with enough water, so I opened the two capsules and sprinkled them on porridge. It was fine taste wise but for the rest of the day I felt so bloated and full. It was quite uncomfortable. Does this mean I have some problem taking them or is it normal? I do drink plenty of water throughout the day, at least 2.5 litres.
Weight Loss
Posted by S (X) on 08/30/2010
You should drink a lot of water WHILE taking it in. Dilute it.
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Farmington, Minnesota) on 04/07/2008
I am writing to alert all to something I experienced twice now from a Women's cleanse containing Psyllium. At first I thought I just came down with a headcold or flu, but after it happened twice to me and reading about potential allergies, I am convinced it had to do with the psyllium.
After three days of taking my morning and evening doses I began having a very sore throat. Extreme headache, which I attributed to a sinus headache. However, I believe the absorbing action of the psyllium dehydrated my body so much that these symptoms were caused. I am not even sure how quickly they are absorbed, because as the headache worsened, I became extremely nauseated. The capsules came up completely whole.
I experienced this twice in a matter of a month and a half.
I know when I don't drink enough water I am prone to headaches. During the cleanse I continued to drink my regular amount of water however I believe that you must drink twice your normal intake when taking a product with psyllium to prevent dehydration. I have done other cleanse's that did not effect me in a negative way. However, I will be much more careful now about looking at the ingredients. If there is pysllium, I know that it's not for me. These headaches are excrutiating, the first time I was in bed for three days.
Weight Loss
Posted by Tess (San Francisco, California) on 01/07/2008
★★★★★
After a colonoscopy last month I was suffering from constipation for the first time in my life, so I started taking psyllium (bought in bulk from a natural foods store). At first I had a lot of gas and some abdominal discomfort, because I was taking too much . I found out that it is better to start slow--about a teaspoonful in 8oz of water, gradually building up to 1-2 tablespoons. I have been taking this amount daily for the past month and am noticing a significant decrease in waist size and LOSS OF ABDOMINAL CELLULITE.I am thrilled!
NB: For the past year I have also followed a low fat diet, mostly plant based, no processed foods. I also do 30-45 minutes of cardio (swimming or running) 5-6 days per week. But still couldn't completely shed a pot belly and cellulite. Then I started taking psyllium. WOW. At the age of 54 I figured I was stuck with the dreaded "spare tire" around the middle. Not so! I am not sure if the effect would be so dramatic if I were not exercising and eating such a healthy diet...
Also there is some impressive scientific research, very reputable, indicating that psyllium can lower high blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and high cholesterol. It contributes to improved cardiac health by reducing atherosclerosis. Psyllium has been used for centuries in Indian and Chinese medicine to fight gout and inflammation. Wonderful stuff!
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by Melissa (Raleigh, NC) on 12/20/2006
Hi, here is a warning about psyllium husks....I wanted to do a colon cleanse so I started taking psyllium husks mixed with bentonite clay liquid in a 8 oz. glass of water. After a day or so I began to feel very bloated and was not having regular bowel movements. I was shocked because this info had come highly recommended and I was expecting the opposite effect. I always drink atleast 64 oz. of water a day or more so I know that I was consuming enough water. I had to stop taking it because it was making me very constipated. Even before trying to cleanse my colon I had atleast one BM a day. Now I was having one every two days. I eventually went to a alternative therapist to have a colonic done. She explained to me that psyllium husks suck up all your fluids and can dehydrate you immensely. She only tells people who are having diahhrea to use this. During the colonic she said that my feces were very compacted and there was a lot of thick gel that was being flushed from my colon. She explained that was the psyllium husk. This seems to work for a lot of people but it you are having issues with constipation after taking this product...stop. You would have to almost double your water intake for it not to give you constipation. Hope this helps.
Digestive Issues
Posted by Den (Toronto) on 09/26/2006
★★★★★
psyllium is an excellent source of fibre. it definitely helps me go to the bathroom when the plumbing isn't doing its job, haha. i put it in a variety of things including hot cereal (red river, old fashion oatmeal, cream of wheat) with a touch of honey to sweeten; i have added a tbsp or so to a glass of orange juice too (it almost looks like very pulpy OJ). give it a shot, trust me... it works.
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by M (Anonymous, USA) on 02/13/2010
i have had asthma since i was a kid and use psyllium regularly. i have NEVER had this reaction to psyllium.
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by Drew (US) on 07/04/2015
Unless you're allergic (which is unlikely) that was in no way caused by the psyllium.
IBS
Posted by Laura (Nova, Usa) on 07/12/2011
Oh I'm so happy to read this!!
I had an eating disorder for years and eventually abused laxatives too. Now I'm recovered, but the after effects are PAINFUL! I almost always have cramps, gas, heart palpitations, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, acne, all because I destroyed my system. I hardly ever hear of the after effects of a recovered eating disorder, so I'm grateful for this testimony! Now I know that not only am I not alone, but that there is a fix for my state of health NOW.
I'm going to try some psyllium husk right away!!
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by Joyce (Glasgow, Scotland) on 03/29/2008
I digested Psyllium and Bentonite clay for a colon cleanse. This was to ruin my whole life and caused immediate gastritis and triggered rosacea/rhinophyma. The onset of symptoms was abrupt, immediate and extremely severe. I now have blepharitis and meibominaitis as a result. I was very stupid and digesting this product has ruined my whole life. DO NOT TAKE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by Randy (Jc, Nj) on 11/29/2010
Joyce, sorry to hear about your health issues. I have tried the psyllium/bentonite mix you mention. Rather than this cleanse being the cause, I think that you may have awaken some health problem(s) you already had but weren't aware of. I also have belpharitis, and had meibominaitis which resolved itself. This occurred after a candida cleanse, but not with the bentonite or psyllium. I believe that it occurred because of toxins and bad bacteria, including staph, exiting your body. The eye conditions you mention are staph related, and I know at least one other person that developed a staph issue after a candida cleanse. I also have gastritis which is caused by candida. Who knows, maybe your rosacea and rhinophyma have a similar origin, as things such as sugar and sweeteners tend to trigger rosacea. Good luck!
Long-Term Usage
Posted by Mable (Long Beach, CA) on 02/21/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Please check into the long term effects of using psyllium on a regular basis. It's addictive in that the more you use it, the more you'll be dependant on it. Psyllium causes the colon muscles to relax and actually does the work for them - they begin to weaken & possibly atrophe (as do all muscles that aren't used). It's possible/probably that if you take psyllium long enough, you'll end up taking it the rest of your life.
Detoxification
Posted by Keith (Vancouver, BC, Canada) on 07/03/2007
★★★★★
I have used physillium for quite a few years. I take it with apple juice, and benonite clay (to remove toxins, as a milkshake). I make sure to put senna into it as a laxative to prevent constipation. I use 1/2 tsp senna, 8 oz. apple juice, 1 tbsp pysillium husk, and 1 tbsp of benonite. But you need to experiment with how much senna to use.
Psyllium Side Effects
Posted by M (Anonymous, USA) on 02/13/2010
i've used psyllium and bentonite combo many times, never had this reaction. i always drink a lot of water. if you are combining bentonite with psyllium it is IMPERATIVE that you drink more water.
