Psyllium Side Effects

Psyllium is a common fiber laxative supplement, that helps in creating bulky and softer stools, which can easily pass out of the system, with the help of the liquids present in the intestine. Psyllium is used to treat constipation and irregularity in bowel movements. It also helps in treating diarrhea and lowers the cholesterol when included in a low cholesterol diet. Apart from these uses there are a few side effects which a person may face on consumption of this supplement, and should be aware of.

The major problem in using psyllium is, like other laxatives, it can be addictive if used very often or for a long time. This may cause damage to muscle tissues or intestinal nerves. It is therefore advised to consume psyllium by following instructions on the label, or in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Normally, doctors advise taking it for not more than 7 days in a row.

Psyllium is available in different forms like pills, powder and wafers. The pills need to be taken along with a full glass of water so that they do not cause any swelling in the throat. The powder should not be consumed directly, instead it should be mixed with water or with any other liquid. Wafers, too, need to be chewed properly before swallowing them. Generally, the dosage is 3 times a day for about a week. At times, there is a complete treatment program along with psyllium, consisting of dieting and exercising, which should be followed regularly to get best results.

Before Taking Psyllium

There are a few medical conditions which the doctor needs to be informed about before taking the medicine. These include:

• Stomach pain, vomiting or cases of extreme nausea
• Change in regular bowel habits
• Trouble in swallowing
• Problem of skin rashes while taking psyllium previously
• Allergies related to psyllium

If the patient is suffering from any of these medical conditions, the doctor does not prescribe it as it can cause the patient further discomfort. The patient also needs to inform the doctor if he is suffering from:

• Intestine blockage
• Rectal bleeding
• Ileostomy or colostomy

In case of any of the above mentioned conditions, the doctor generally changes the dose, or recommends certain safety tests for the patient before prescribing psyllium. Since psyllium products normally contain sugar, artificial sweeteners and sodium, people suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes should read the instruction label properly before taking the medicine. Women need to inform doctors about pregnancy before taking psyllium.

The Downsides of Psyllium

Psyllium is considered to be a very safe fiber supplement for long term use. Stomach cramps, bloating of the stomach, and stomach gas are some common side effects. Drinking lots of water or reducing the dosage eradicates these side effects. However, a few unusual side effects which require medical attention are:

• Skin rashes
• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Rectal bleeding
• Extreme nausea or dizziness
• Heavy vomiting
• Swelling on the tongue, lips or face
• Constipation for more than 4 to 5 days

In case any of the above mentioned side effects are experienced, consult a doctor immediately.

Formation of gas in the intestine is the most common side effect of psyllium and other soluble fibers. The gas is a result of the interaction between beneficial bacteria present in the intestine and soluble fiber. It is recommended to consume lots of fluids while taking psyllium products so that the fiber does not swell and choke the esophagus.

Precautions

There are a few things to bear in mind while consuming psyllium:

• No other medicines should be taken orally 2 hours before or after consuming it as laxatives make it difficult for the body to absorb other medicines, thus reducing their effectiveness.
• Care should be taken in not inhaling any dust particles while consuming the powder as it can cause certain allergic reactions.
• Foodstuffs high in fat and cholesterol should be avoided if psyllium is consumed as a part of a low cholesterol diet plan.
• Women who are breast feeding a baby should inform their doctor about the same, as it is not known if psyllium passes through breast milk or not.

In spite of the side effects, it is considered to be a very effective fiber supplement laxative. If consumed properly, side effects are not a concern. However, as with all medications, it is always advisable to consult a doctor regarding information on proper usage.