Why Is Psyllium Good For Your Heart?

Native to India and Iran, psyllium is a plant that’s used in medicinal remedies for its seeds and seed husks to treat constipation, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, diabetes and many other health conditions. You should consult your physician before taking psyllium for heart health to establish a proper dosage and discuss any potential health risks or drug interactions.

Benefits

Psyllium is sometimes recommended for helping to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, to prevent or treat atherosclerosis, to promote weight loss and to treat or prevent obesity, according to the University of Michigan Health Systems. You might also take psyllium to help treat diabetes, high blood pressure, constipation and inflammatory bowel conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You should talk to your doctor before taking psyllium to treat any medical condition, however.

Function

Psyllium seeds contain high amounts of fiber and mucilage, which may account for its beneficial effects on your heart. Psyllium’s soluble-fiber content might reduce your risk of developing heart or cardiovascular disease. The fiber content may also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are additional benefits to your heart, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Dosage

You might take ½ to 2 teaspoons of psyllium seed mixed with eight ounces of warm water to promote heart health, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. But you should follow your doctor’s dosage instructions, because most label directions on psyllium products describe the recommended dosage for treating constipation or general use, not specifically for heart health or heart-related conditions.

Scientific Evidence

Double-blind clinical trials published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 1999 have found that taking psyllium can reduce total cholesterol levels and LDL or “bad cholesterol,” according to the University of Michigan Health System. Another trial published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in 1997 found that cereals containing psyllium reduced total and LDL cholesterol but didn’t reduce HDL, or “good cholesterol” levels. Reducing cholesterol levels can decrease your risk of heart disease. A six-month-long medical study published in the journal "Hypertension" in 2001 found that taking psyllium supplements substantially reduced blood pressure in overweight individuals with hypertension, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. A 2007 medical study published in the journal "Cardiology Review" also linked psyllium’s water-soluble fiber to reduced risks of heart and cardiovascular diseases.

Warnings

Although taking psyllium is generally thought to be very safe, some people may have negative effects. If you have chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or bowel obstructions, taking psyllium could worsen your condition, warns the University of Michigan Health System. Because psyllium acts as a bulk-forming laxative and may cause you to lose fluids, you should drink a minimum of six glasses of water every day while taking psyllium. Psyllium may also interfere with the absorption of certain medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, the anti-seizure medication Tegretol, the heart medication Digoxin and the drug lithium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Psyllium could increase the effects of medications for treating diabetes and high cholesterol. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you’re currently taking before beginning a psyllium regimen.