“I am a huge advocate for fiber because high fiber diets have shown to lower your risk of colon polyps and colon cancer. And as I mentioned earlier, can also help with irregularity,” said Dr. Sonu. “So, I do usually encourage a lot of my patients, if they can tolerate it, to take it.”
Psyllium husk might also help lower cholesterol and can be used in people who have both diarrhea and constipation. Additionally, it may decrease some of the inflammation associated with irritable bowel syndrome.7
It’s also safe for most people to use if they are interested in giving it a try, said Dr. Sonu, so long as they are using it as directed.
Of course, some side effects are possible—some people may have bloating and gas, said Dr. Sonu, which might be an indicator that they are taking too much. Others need to avoid it altogether or check with a doctor before taking it.
“If you have underlying digestive diseases, though, it can worsen symptoms,” said Dr. Sonu.
“There’s a condition that I see very frequently in my practice called gastroparesis, where people will have slow stomach emptying. And so in those situations, taking a lot of fiber can really exacerbate their symptoms,” said Dr. Sonu.
Taking psyllium husk can also affect the absorption of medications, said Dr. Sonu. The fiber may be unsafe for people taking antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering medications, and a handful of other drugs.
When it comes to TikTok health recommendations, it’s always best to check with a doctor first to make sure that the product is helpful, and “it’s not just a craze,” said Dr. Sonu.
“[Psyllium husk] is good in a lot of different ways,” said Dr. Yancy. “I just don’t think I would use it for weight loss, or expect major weight loss benefits from it.”
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