How do Psyllium husks work?

 

Psyllium husks contain approx. 85% fibers. These water-soluble fibers can absorb water in large quantities – up to 40 times their own weight. 

 

When psyllium husks mix with water, or any other liquid, they start absorbing the water immediately. So when ingested with water, they swell up in the gut and make a lot of mucilage. The result is a jelly-like mass in the gut that provide fullness in the stomach and gut, stimulate the movements in the gut (the peristaltic movements), and stimulate normal bowel elimination. In addition, the mucilage formed from the fibers have a lubricating effect. 

 

All together, the fibers in the psyllium husks provide you with a soft stool that may easily pass through your gut and the psyllium husks thus help you to smooth and regular visits on the bathroom. Psyllium husks can also help stabilize the blood sugar. 

 

Daily intake of dietary fiber is beneficial to health and may help regulate bowel function. According to the official nutritional guidelines from the Danish National Board of Health, women should consume 25 g of dietary fiber daily, while men should consume 31.5 g.

It is therefore advisable to eat foods rich in dietary fiber or to use dietary supplements with high levels of water-soluble fiber, such as psyllium husks.