Psyllium is an herbal supplement commonly used to increase fiber intake or provide relief from constipation. While psyllium does not contain any lactose, you may experience symptoms that are similar to lactose intolerance if you are allergic or intolerant to the proteins in the psyllium. Lactose intolerance and psyllium supplements have no relation aside from the potential of confusing the conditions because of shared digestive symptoms. Talk with your doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a sugar that is found in milk that causes digestive complications for many people. As you age, your body stops making as much lactase, the enzyme that helps digest lactose. If your small intestines stop making enough of the enzyme, you will not be able to digest the sugar in milk, leading to gas, bloating and diarrhea. The condition is incurable but manageable through dietary modification and lactase supplements. Psyllium is not made from milk and does not contain any milk byproducts and therefore does not contain any lactose.
Psyllium Allergy
If you're lactose intolerant and you develop similar symptoms after taking psyllium supplements, you may have a psyllium allergy. Like other grain allergies, your immune system may be hypersensitive to the proteins found in psyllium. If your immune system reacts to the proteins in psyllium as if they were threatening the body, the body will create different chemicals to fight off the allergen, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. This will trigger inflammation and swelling in soft tissues in your digestive system, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating and nausea.
Protein Intolerance
Protein intolerance is a digestive condition that is similar to lactose intolerance but is not the result of the inability to digest lactose, but rather the inability to digest the proteins in the psyllium supplement. Like lactose intolerance, the body lacks the enzyme that breaks down the proteins in the supplement. This results in the psyllium proteins remaining undigested and causing irritation and swelling in the intestines. The only way to prevent and treat protein intolerance is to avoid the consumption of the triggering substance.
Consideration
Because allergic reactions and intolerances cause closely related symptoms, it is important that you make an appointment with an allergist or gastroenterologist to determine the cause of your condition. Stop using psyllium supplements until you receive a clinical diagnosis.
