Fiber is an important part of your diet, and it plays a role in maintaining your digestive health. Your digestive tract lacks the enzymes to digest fiber, so it passes through your gastrointestinal tract without being absorbed. If you have trouble getting enough fiber in your diet, fiber supplements, such as psyllium, may help you increase your daily fiber intake
Soluble Fiber Identification
Fiber comes in two different forms: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and can be found in vegetables, whole grains and wheat bran. It adds bulk to the stool and may ease constipation. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, dissolves in water to develop a gel-like consistency, PubMed Health explains, slowing digestion. Soluble fiber can be found in beans, citrus fruits and apples.
Psyllium
Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber that is extracted from the Plantago ovata plant. This plant, which can be found throughout the world but is most common in India, produces up to 15,000 seeds, coated with psyllium husk, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Psyllium is added to some foods, such as cereal, to increase their fiber content, and it is an ingredient in some laxatives. Psyllium is also available in powder, capsule and wafer forms.
Uses
Psyllium interferes with cholesterol absorption by the intestines, so it is often used to lower cholesterol in people who have elevated blood cholesterol levels, Medline Plus states. Psyllium is more effective when taken with food and appears to work better in people under the age of 60. Psyllium can also lower your blood glucose levels and is used as a treatment for certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
Safety
Psyllium fiber is safe for most people to use, but should be added to the diet gradually, as a sudden increase in soluble fiber consumption may cause you to develop abdominal bloating and gas. It is important to take psyllium with water to keep it from getting stuck in your digestive tract. Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding psyllium supplements to your diet; psyllium may interact with some medications, such as certain antidepressants, and make them less effective.
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