Psyllium husk is very popular worldwide as a natural fiber-rich supplement. It has gained significant popularity in the past few years because of its potential health benefits. The benefits include low cholesterol and blood sugar levels, constipation prevention, and diarrhea treatment. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the connection between psyllium husk intake and cancer. That's why you might be here with a doubt, "Why take psyllium husk cancer warning with caution." This article will help you know the science behind the psyllium husk and the associated cancer warning. Moreover, it will help you explore what psyllium husk is, the potential benefits, and how to use psyllium husk supplements. Let's get started!
What is psyllium husk?
Before discussing psyllium husk and potential cancer warnings, let’s first understand what it is. Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, commonly used as a dietary supplement. Rich in fiber, it absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the gastrointestinal tract, softening stool and preventing constipation. Additionally, it serves as a prebiotic, nourishing gut bacteria that support digestive and overall health. Psyllium husk is available in powder form, mixed with water, or as capsules. It is effective in promoting regular bowel movements and relieving occasional constipation. Beyond digestive health, psyllium husk offers several other benefits.
Also Read: The Gut Health Guide: How To Identify Problems & Improve Your Digestion
From Where Does Psyllium Husk Cancer Warning Concern Arise?
In 1986, California passed the act known as Proposition 65, which alerts the country's consumers regarding the significant exposure of products to toxic chemicals. It instructs the manufacturing companies to openly reveal if any of their products contain contaminants above specific thresholds. The state government declares that if the brand of psyllium husk is found with heavy levels of metal toxins such as arsenic or lead above Proposition 65 limits, the brand must post a cancer warning statement on the physical packaging label of the products. This will help the consumers know the warnings while buying products and decide accordingly. Avoiding carcinogen-rich products is an effective way to protect your health from compounds that can cause cancer.
Why To Take Psyllium Husk Cancer Warning With Caution?
A study shows that the fiber of the psyllium husk absorbs water and toxins. This ability makes the product a valuable supplement that significantly benefits your health, but this absorption also occurs during its growth period. Lead is found in the soil of agricultural lands because of certain factors such as fertilizers used, air deposition, and buckshot from hunting in neighboring forests.
If lead is absorbed from the soil during growth, it can cause severe issues like cancer. So, manufacturing companies need to use lead-free fertilizers to minimize this situation. But for the other two factors, they have to strategically plan a farm placement before the plantation of psyllium husk.
If you ever notice a psyllium husk cancer warning in the product's packaging, it means that the product might have been absorbed or exposed to lead from the soil. The products may have subtle amounts of lead due to the fertilizers or farm location. The right brand researching and following the instructed psyllium's serving sizes can make it easy and safe for you to enjoy the health benefits of this natural supplement.
According to a study, lead is a potential carcinogen. Ingestion of lead can cause cancer, and the risk of cancer depends on how frequently and how much quantity of lead a person is exposed to. This means an individual can consume a moderate amount of the psyllium husk supplement, have a lead warning, and still experience its benefits. However, it's essential always to consult the licensed healthcare providers who can help with the proper dosages and required lifestyle changes.
How To Use Psyllium Husk?
Psyllium husk is available as a capsule as well as powder. You can take the psyllium husk capsules, such as supermucil or metamucil fiber capsules, by mouth as instructed by the doctors with a full glass of water(8 oz.). If you have psyllium husk wafers, munch them completely before swallowing them. On the other hand, the psyllium husk powder form can be taken by measuring the doses directed on the packaging label. Mix the powder in a full glass of water(8 ounces/240 milliliters), stir it thoroughly, and then drink it in one go. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add more water. Remember, be careful when preparing the mixture; if you mistakenly breathe in the psyllium powder, it may cause an allergic reaction. The dosage the doctors suggest depends on the age, treatment response, and medical history. Remember that only take this supplement occasionally or overdose it other than recommended. This is because it might lower the absorption of other medicines you may be taking. Have the fiber-rich psyllium husk at least two hours before other medications.
What Are The Benefits Of Psyllium Husk?
The psyllium husk fiber helps with many health issues. Here are some potential advantages of psyllium husk:
1. Reduces High Cholesterol
If you are struggling with high cholesterol, adding soluble-fiber-containing psyllium husk to your everyday diet can be helpful. This psyllium dietary fiber supplement will, in turn, prevent the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and thus reduce the high cholesterol levels. How? Bile acids present in the intestine support digestion. When you take psyllium husk, the soluble fiber in them interferes with the absorption of bile acids and makes them unavailable. When bile acids are inaccessible, the body uses cholesterol instead. This causes a decrease in high cholesterol levels.
Also Read: 10 Foods That Lower Cholesterol Naturally
2. Treat Diabetes
Diabetes is a common chronic condition that is marked by high levels of blood sugar, which is also known as hyperglycemia. Soluble psyllium husk fiber can help treat type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin and blood glucose levels. It also improves cholesterol in diabetic people. Consuming psyllium before the meal can reduce fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1C levels in cases of type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, this fiber supplement provides mild benefits to a person with prediabetes or shows no results in people having no signs of diabetes.
3. Prevents Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a poor and irritating condition that leads to several digestive issues, including constipation and diarrhea. The soluble fiber in psyllium husk is believed to treat the latter type, constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). According to a study, 14 trials on the use of psyllium husk in 906 participants showed a reduction in the severity and frequency of IBS-D symptoms. It was also seen that the psyllium fiber supplement prevents gut inflammation that is linked with IBS. This proved that psyllium husk is far superior to other fiber supplements used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment—taking psyllium husk powder relieves constipation and diarrhea.
4. Help With Weight Loss
The soluble fiber in psyllium husk promotes satiety, which means it keeps you full for a long time after eating. This lowers the chances of frequent carvings, which reduces the risk of overeating and helps maintain a healthy weight. Taking the psyllium husk before breakfast and lunch reduces the desire to eat more food. Also, it leads to increased fullness between meals which helps you intake small portions of food. This makes you fuller throughout the day and eases your fat loss journey.
Though psyllium husk benefits significantly, it is also linked to an increase in the risk of some types of cancer. Let's get deep into this statement!
What are the Side Effects of Psyllium Husk?
Always closely take the psyllium husk cancer warning with caution, indicating you need more research. So, check if the particular brand of psyllium husk has gone through a lead test and if any alternatives are available that contain low lead content. Though psyllium fiber significantly benefits, the side effects are also a concern.
The severe side effects of psyllium husk include:
constipation lasting more than 7 days
extreme stomach pain
rectal bleeding
The common side effects of psyllium husk may be:
little changes in your bowel movements
stomach bloating
However, if you notice the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling on your throat, face, lips, and tongue, seek emergency help from licensed medical professionals.
Summing Up
This article explains why you should approach Psyllium Husk Cancer Warning with Caution. We learn how it has been associated with cancer. Psyllium is a good source of soluble fiber available as a potent supplement to benefit your health. The psyllium supplements may help control blood sugar levels, improve lousy cholesterol levels, reduce IBS symptoms, and prevent constipation. To help you remember, only overdose on supplements or use up to seven days unless advised by the doctors. If your health condition stays or worsens, consult the medical professionals immediately. Also, if you have any medical condition, do discuss it with doctors, as psyllium husk can disrupt the effectiveness of the medications you are already taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to take psyllium husk?
Take psyllium husk at least 1 hour before eating meals or 2-4 hours after having other medicines. Always have it with a full glass of water( 8 oz).
How much psyllium husk per day should be taken?
The dosages of psyllium husk for constipation include 5 to 10 grams with well-balanced meals and at least once a day.
Is psyllium husk good for you?
Yes, psyllium husk is good for you as it helps lower harmful cholesterol levels, preventing risks of heart disorders.
How to take psyllium husk?
Use psyllium husk with a full glass of water. Remember to drink around 6-8 full glasses of water daily to help avoid constipation.
How to drink psyllium husk?
Dissolve the psyllium husk in a full glass of water or juice and drink. You can also blend it with fruits to prepare a smoothie, providing the psyllium serving and the needed fluids.
Is Metamucil good for you?
Metamucil is good for you as it is a potent, non-stimulant laxative that helps treat occasional constipation. It eases the bowel movement within 12-72 hours.
Does psyllium husk cause cancer?
No, psyllium husk does not cause cancer. Some research shows that the regular intake of this supplement in the proper doses lowers the risks of colon cancer.
Can psyllium husk cause bloating?
Gas and bloating are the potential side effects of the fiber-rich psyllium husk. If you have kidney diseases or digestive issues, talk to your doctor before taking it.
Is psyllium husk fiber soluble?
Yes, psyllium husk is a soluble fiber used as a bulk-forming laxative. The soluble fiber helps prevent constipation and improve digestion.
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