The soluble fiber in the herb psyllium may relieve diarrhea caused by ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that can leave inflamed, raw patches in the lining of your colon and rectum. In ulcerative colitis, chronic inflammation may prompt your colon to empty digestive wastes too frequently, resulting in loose, often bloody stools that may put you at risk for dehydration, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. A natural psyllium fiber supplement can solidify watery stools and reduce their frequency.
Significance
Abnormalities in your immune system or genetic factors may contribute to ulcerative colitis, but the exact cause of this inflammatory condition is unknown, the NDDIC states. Diarrhea and bleeding in the ulcerated areas of your colon may lead to dehydration, malnutrition, loss of potassium and other electrolytes, iron-deficiency anemia, weight loss and fatigue. In addition to dietary modifications and anti-inflammatory medications, your health-care provider may recommend psyllium fiber supplements to prevent diarrhea and maintain your fluid balance and nutritional status.
Prevention
Psyllium seeds and their husks contain soluble fiber, which forms a large, gelatinous mass when combined with a liquid such as water or juice. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, psyllium may correct diarrhea in people with mild-to-moderate cases of ulcerative colitis. Psyllium is a gentle supplement that may absorb water from digestive wastes and slow their passage through your colon without irritating its inflamed lining. However, clinical evidence has not confirmed that psyllium is effective at alleviating diarrhea associated with ulcerative colitis, the UMMC notes.
Recommendations
Psyllium is available in a variety of forms, including dry husks or seeds, wafers, tablets or capsules. For relieving diarrhea caused by ulcerative colitis, MedlinePlus recommends that you take 10 g of psyllium seeds twice daily. When mixed with the recommended 8 oz. of water or juice, seeds and husks form a gel that thickens quickly. To prevent gas or bloating, you may need to start with a smaller dose and work up to the amount that your health-care provider prescribes. If you have difficulty swallowing, your health-care provider may ask you to avoid taking psyllium in liquid form. According to UMMC, psyllium can worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms if you take the wrong amount. Before trying psyllium, consult your health-care provider to find the proper dosage to correct your diarrhea.
Safety
Psyllium may lower blood sugar levels and cause bloating, constipation or respiratory reactions. This herbal supplement interacts with a number of medications, including cardiac and blood-pressure medications, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering medications and diabetes medications, UMMC cautions. As you're taking psyllium, work closely with your health-care provider to monitor fluid and electrolyte balance, and report increased abdominal pain or bloody stools immediately.
