Additional fiber intake in the form of psyllium is recommended by scientific studies to improve symptoms and provide natural constipation relief. Psyllium is recommended over magnesium-based laxatives, which should be avoided due to potential toxicity.

Whilst a sustained negative energy balance (sustained periods of time eating fewer calories than used by the body) is fundamental for weight loss, the high fibre content of the psyllium husk can be a great tool to have in your weight loss belt as its addition has been demonstrated to help slow the digestion of food within the stomach and increase feelings of fullness following a meal.5

What is psyllium?

Many popular commercial brands of fiber supplements on the market today are loaded with artificial flavors, colors and fillers.

Psyllium husk comes from a shrub-like herb called Plantago ovata, which grows worldwide but is most common in India. Each plant can produce up to 15,000 tiny, gel-coated seeds, from which psyllium husk is derived. It also sometimes goes by the name ispaghula. Benefits of taking psyllium husk include helping meet daily fibre recommendations, promoting natural bowel movement and glucose control.As with all fiber supplements, do not take within one to two hours of prescription medications. If you are taking any type of medication or are under a doctor’s care, consult a health professional before using psyllium. Final Thoughts Reissel P, Manninen V. Effect of administration of activated charcoal and fibre on absorption, excretion and steady state blood levels of digoxin and digitoxin. Evidence for intenstinal secretion of the glycosides. Acta Medica Scandinavica. 1982. doi:10.1111/j.0954-6820.1982.tb08527.x