Psyllium and acacia fiber are both naturally occurring supplements that are used to treat digestive issues. The National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus website states that blond psyllium is an herb whose husk is used to make supplemental psyllium products, such as Metamucil. According to Purdue University, acacia fiber is derived from the acacia senegal plant. Acacia fiber is also known as gum acacia or gum arabic.
Forms
Psyllium typically comes in powder form. The husks of psyllium seeds are ground down to make psyllium supplements. To ingest psyllium powder, you mix the powder with a glass of water, then drink the water. You can also find psyllium supplements in pill form.
Acacia fiber also comes in powdered form. To take acacia fiber, you can stir the powder into any liquid for drinking or sprinkle the fiber on top of moist foods, such as applesauce.
Usage
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that psyllium is most frequently used as a bulk-forming laxative. When taken with water, psyllium supplements draw water into your intestines, causing the psyllium to swell. This creates more bulk in your intestines, which helps encourage your intestines to contract and push through impacted stool.
Acacia fiber is often used to soothe irritated mucous membranes, according to Drugs.com. Taking acacia fiber may help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, although studies on the effectiveness of acacia fiber are ongoing.
Dosage
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that adults mix anywhere between 1/2 and 2 tsp. into an 8-oz. glass of warm water and drink the mixture daily to add fiber to your diet and relieve constipation. It's best to start with a small dose of psyllium daily and work your way up as needed. Taking large amounts of psyllium when you begin supplementation can cause gas and bloating.
Drugs.com states that acacia fiber can be taken in a daily dosage of 15 g per day to reduce cholesterol levels. However, if you are using acacia to treat constipation or diarrhea, talk to your doctor about how much you should take.
Benefits
Daily psyllium supplementation has been found to reduce digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea and hemorrhoids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. By taking psyllium daily, you may also reduce your risks of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Purdue University states that acacia fiber has been used in traditional folk medicine to treat coughs, colds and sore throats as well as topically to soothe burns.
Considerations
Both psyllium and acacia carry a risk of allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor before starting a regimen of either psyllium or acacia fiber to treat any digestive problems you are experiencing.
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