The Power of Psyllium Husk: Benefits and Uses

Psyllium husk as part of your health routine

Fiber is probably one of the most controversial topics in the nutrition and healthcare world. Some people are adamant we need more of it all day long. Some don’t think we need any. How can this be?

The dirty little secret of the nutrition field is, we don’t really know what we’re talking about. Some things work wonderfully for some people and don’t work at all for others.

Take carnivore diets for example. Some people have excellent results. They drop weight like a stone, reduce chronic inflammation, and feel excellent. Others can’t handle it. They have a difficult time consuming that much protein and fat and never hit their stride. If we are all humans, we should in theory have the same reaction to food, right? Clearly not.

This is very much the case when it comes to fiber intake.

Fiber is a component of plant material that cannot be fully broken down by the body. There are different types, grouped depending on the solubility and other factors. In general, we talk about soluble and insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber

This stuff dissolves in water, meaning it can be broken down in the body. When it reaches the intestines it is fermented and turned into gas by our gut bacteria. This is the stuff that can give you gas and can also be bulk-forming. It’s found in a bunch of different foods including psyllium husks. This is the topic of this article so we’ll get into greater detail in a moment.

But first…

Insoluble Fiber

This does not dissolve in water and cannot be broken down in the body - at least not completely. It’s predominantly bulk forming and can actually be quite constipating. Or, it can be used to relieve constipation. You can find this in foods like cauliflower, almonds, beans, berries, and so on.

This isn’t the topic of this article. Maybe another day.

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Psyllium Husk: What is it?

Psyllium husk is a source of soluble fiber that comes from the Plantago plant. It is simply the husk of the psyllium seeds. It is an excellent source of soluble fiber which has been used for hundreds of years as a form of medicine. It is said to traditionally treat constipation and a multitude of digestive ailments.

In recent years psyllium husk fiber has regained popularity. In the late 1990s, the FDA allowed food companies to call something “heart healthy” if it contained enough soluble fiber. They claim this helps lower cholesterol which is good for your heart. That’s why Cheerios can call themselves heart-healthy.

Putting aside the ridiculousness of calling sugary cereal healthy, we’ll get into those claims. The reality is, you probably don’t need psyllium husk in your diet. However, it can be a powerful tool and a weapon in your arsenal against chronic disease.