Psyllium is a type of fiber that comes from the outer husks of seeds of psyllium plants. This beneficial fiber helps keep you regular and creates normal bowel movements, but ingesting too much can have adverse effects. While you don't actually become sick from consuming too much psyllium, you may suffer from a temporary bout of diarrhea or some other type of gastrointestinal distress. Certain psyllium triggers allergies in some people, which can be mistaken for an illness. If you notice problems after consuming foods with psyllium, talk with your doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious issue.
Dietary Fiber
Fiber is an important part of your diet; it helps move food through your digestive tract so nutrients can fully absorb. On average, Americans consume a minimal 14 g of fiber daily, which is far less than the recommended amount, reports Colorado State University Extension. Keep your digestive system moving by ingesting 14 g of fiber for every 1,000 calories you consume. For example, if you normally follow a 2,000 calorie diet, you need around 28 g of fiber from your diet. Psyllium is often marketed as a type of functional fiber, since it can be made into supplements or added to foods to boost your overall fiber intake. Adding psyllium fiber to your diet won't make you sick, but it causes gastrointestinal distress in some people.
Negative Effects
If you don't normally consume adequate amounts of fiber, suddenly upping your intake may lead to gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Psyllium fiber absorbs fluid from your digestive tract, creating a slow-moving gel-like substance. Failing to drink enough water throughout the day may cause psyllium to drastically slow down your bowels, resulting in constipation. These uncomfortable gastrointestinal effects should go away on their own, but if you experience any of these, cut back on your psyllium intake.
Allergic Reaction
One type of psyllium, called blond psyllium, causes allergic reactions in some people. Blond psyllium often comes in an over-the-counter supplement to treat hemorrhoids by creating soft, loose, easy-to-pass stools. You may find blond psyllium as an ingredient in your ice cream or other frozen dessert, since it acts like a thickener. While blond psyllium is generally safe for healthy adults, having a hypersensitivity to this herb may cause sneezing, swelling in the face, hives and difficulty breathing, notes MedlinePlus. These symptoms are related not to an illness, but rather to an allergy. If you experience any of these effects after consuming blond psyllium, contact your health care provider immediately or head to the emergency room.
Preventing Problems
Increase your psyllium fiber intake slowly over a period of weeks, suggests MayoClinic.com. Gradually increasing your intake gives the natural flora in your digestive tract time to acclimate so you are less likely to feel ill or have gastrointestinal problems. Boost your intake by a few grams per day. As long as you can tolerate the increase in fiber, gradually up your intake every few days until you reach the recommended amount. In addition, psyllium fiber may interact negatively with certain medications, so be sure to inform your physician if you take a psyllium fiber supplement.
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