With increasing frequency, unhealthful ingredients are creeping into recipes labeled as Paleo or food products catering to the Paleo community. Part of the problem, is that when we define the Paleo diet over-simplistically (as avoidance of grains, legumes, dairy, refined oils, refined sugars, and processed food chemicals), we lose the critical thinking part of defining an optimal human diet. Plenty of ingredients could be classified as Paleo based on not falling into any of the off-limits categories, but that doesn’t make them a good or nutritious food. It doesn’t even imply that it’s harmless. Instead, when it comes to determining whether a food should have a place in our diets, I prefer to look at what the science says.
I think it’s important to consider the nutrients that a food contains versus the potential for a negative health impact. Sometimes this approach yields results that are contrary to Paleo principles. For example, I recently supported blackstrap molasses as a nutrient dense food (see here). But, I recently criticized the use of guar gum and xanthan gum, which are sneaking their way into Paleo-labelled recipes and foods (see here). And it’s time to tackle another ingredient being used when it shouldn’t be: psyllium husk.
Psyllium husk has long been used to treat constipation and promote regularity (psyllium is the “magic” ingredient in Metamucil!) due to its ability to increase stool bulk. It’s also a common component of colon-cleanse programs promoted in some alternative health circles (which, like coffee enemas, I recommend steering clear of!). And, thanks to its texture and culinary chemistry properties, it’s becoming a common ingredient in Paleo recipes that call for gluten-free (or low-carb) flour substitutes.
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But, are psyllium husks really beneficial for our health? The answer isn’t so rosy! There are actually some major downsides to psyllium that should make us think twice before adding it to our diets.
What Are Psyllium Husks?
Psyllium husks (also called ispaghula, isabgol, or just psyllium) are the protective sheath around the seed of the Plantago ovata plant, which grows naturally across certain parts of Asia and Africa. Due to their high content of mucilage, psyllium husks are hygroscopic, which means they expand by attracting water and forming a slippery gel (which is part of what makes them a useful ingredient-binder in recipes!). They’re also about 70% soluble fiber and 30% insoluble fiber, the majority of which isn’t fermentable by our guts.
What Are the Benefits?
Most of what we hear about psyllium are its benefits. Not only does psyllium husk effectively soften stools (which makes it beneficial for people with constipation, hemmorhoids, anal fissures, and related conditions), it’s also been shown in clinical trials to improve IBS symptoms, reduce cholesterol levels, reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics (both adults and children), and potentially assist with weight loss. In people with diarrhea, psyllium is sometimes prescribed to help soak up the excess fluid and improve bowel function. So, thanks to all those potential perks, psyllium husks are usually touted as being beneficial.
But, we should keep in mind that none of these effects are unique to psyllium husks! Whole-food sources of soluble and insoluble fiber can exhibit these same health-promoting properties, while also delivering fatty acids, amino acids, and micronutrients (all of which psyllium husks are practically devoid of, since they’re merely the thin fiber layer around the more-nutritious seed). And, whole foods contain a mixture of fibers that feed beneficial gut flora, in contrast to the limited fiber composition of psyllium husks.
The Dark Side of Psyllium
Despite some proven, albeit not unique, benefits, psyllium husks do pose risks as well!
In an earlier post, I discussed how the mucilagous fiber in psyllium (and in other foods like flaxseed and chia seeds) can potentially aggravate autoimmune conditions, feed overgrowths of pathogenic bacteria, and worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. For psyllium husk in particular, studies show it also fails to improve levels of beneficial bifidobacteria in the gut, except in people who have extremely low counts to begin with (unlike resistant starch, which is easily gobbled up and fermented by bifido species!).
But, it doesn’t end there! Due to psyllium’s ability to bind with water, mix with other substances, and dramatically expand in size, it can form what’s called bezoars—not the magical poison antidote in the Harry Potter universe, bezoars are masses of material that obstruct the gastrointestinal tract and can cause serious damage. As early as 1938, reports were being published about psyllium causing intestinal obstruction and perforation, in some cases requiring surgery. Small bowel obstructions continue to occur even today in susceptible individuals taking this fiber. And, psyllium husks (and psyllium-based products like the laxative Perdiem) have been shown to cause esophageal impactions as well, especially when consumed with insufficient amounts of water. Umm, how’s that for scary?
(Aside: I have personal experience with severe constipation and bowel impaction arising from taking Perdiem. In my mid-20s, I tried first Metamucil and then switched to Perdiem for mild constipation on the advice of my roommate, who happened to be an RN. Instead of helping, it made the situation far, far worse and I ended up not being able to have a bowel movement for 2 weeks! Severe abdominal pain finally brought me to the ER where I was helpfully diagnosed as “full of sh*t” and given a fleet enema which not only rectified the situation but demonstrated just how dire it was when I lost 8 pounds overnight. My doctor then told me that this was a known possibility with this class of stool softeners and I was instructed never to take them again.)
Even more concerning is the possibility that psyllium husks can spur colon cancer progression in people already at risk. One trial gave a group of 665 patients with a history of colorectal adenomas (precursors to cancerous colon tumors) a daily calcium supplement, a daily psyllium husk supplement, or a placebo, all for three years straight. By the end of the study, it turned out that the people taking psyllium husk had a significantly higher rate of adenomas than everyone else! As revealed by colonoscopies, 29.3% of the psyllium group developed adenomas by the three-year mark, compared to only 15.9% for the calcium group and 20.2% in the placebo group. That translates to an odds ratio of 1.67 for the study participants who took psyllium (or a 67% higher risk!). Although other studies have produced contradicting results (some rodent studies show that psyllium should benefit intestinal cells), this news is concerning for anyone who has a history of colorectal adenomas, or who has colon cancer running in their family.
And, psyllium can interact with a number of medications, including antidepressants/tricyclics (psyllium can interfere with their effectiveness), the antiseizure medication carbamazepine (psyllium reduces its absorption), the heart medication digoxin (psyllium reduces its absorption, too!). On top of that, allergic reactions have sometimes been reported for psyllium husks, both from occupational exposure and from ingestion.
Is it Worth The Risk?
So, is it worth using psyllium husks for the potential benefits (regularity, lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and maybe appetite suppression and weight loss)?
The answer is probably no. While occasionally eating psyllium husks (perhaps as an ingredient in a gluten-free based good) probably won’t cause harm except in certain people with autoimmune conditions or severe digestive sensitivity, the “cons” outweigh the “pros” in this case! Psyllium husks don’t have any special properties that make them better than other fiber sources, but they do carry some legitimate dangers, and can displace far more nutritious items (like whole-food sources of fiber) from our diets. If treating constipation is a concern, it’s a better idea to address any underlying gut dysbiosis issues, get evaluated thyroid function, consume plenty of electrolytes (especially magnesium) to promote intestinal motility, eat a diverse array of plant foods, and invest in a squatty potty or step-and-go rather than to supplement with psyllium to put a bandaid on the problem. And as far as Paleo cooking goes, there are other flour substitutes we can use in recipes to support our health!
Citations:
Agha FP, et al. “Giant colonic bezoar:” a medication bezoar due to psyllium seed husks.” Am J Gastroenterol. 1984 Apr;79(4):319-21.
Bonithon-Kopp C. “Calcium and fibre supplementation in prevention of colorectal adenoma recurrence: a randomised intervention trial. European Cancer Prevention Organisation Study Group.” Lancet. 2000 Oct 14;356(9238):1300-6.
Edwards SE, et al. “Ispaghula Husk, Psyllium Husk.” Phytopharmacy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Herbal Medical Products. 20 Feb 2015.
Elli M, et al. “Evaluation of prebiotic potential of refined psyllium (Plantago ovata) fiber in healthy women.” J Clin Gastroenterol. 2008 Sep;42 Suppl 3 Pt 2:S174-6.
Fisher RE. “Psyllium Seeds: Intestinal Obstruction.” Cal West Med. 1938 Mar; 48(3):190.
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Frohna, William J. “Metamucil bezoar: An unusual cause of small bowel obstruction.” The American journal of emergency medicine. 1992;10(4): 393-395.
Fujimori S, et al. “High dose probiotic and prebiotic cotherapy for remission induction of active Crohn’s disease.” J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 Aug;22(8):1199-204.
Marlett JA & Fischer MH. “The active fraction of psyllium seed husk.” Proc Nutr Soc. 2003 Feb;62(1):207-9.
Moreno LA, et al. “Psyllium fibre and the metabolic control of obese children and adolescents.” J Physiol Biochem. 2003 Sep;59(3):235-42.
“Possible Interactions with: Psyllium.” University of Maryland Medical Center. September 24, 2007.
Salguero Molpeceres O. “[Esophageal obstruction caused by dietary fiber from Plantago ovata, a complication preventable by adequate information].” Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2003 Apr;26(4):248-50.
Schneider RP. “Perdiem causes esophageal impaction and bezoars.” South Med J. 1989 Nov;82(11):1449-50.
Schwartz HJ, et al. “Occupational allergic rhinitis reaction to psyllium.” J Occup Med. 1989 Jul;31(7):624-6.
Sierra M, et al. “Therapeutic effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patients.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Sep;56(9):830-42.
Ziai SA, et al. “Psyllium decreased serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly in diabetic outpatients.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Nov 14;102(2):202-7.
Roasted Broccoli
Thanks so much for the information here Sarah. Great things to consider for sure! Does ground psyllium husks have the same precautions, or since it’s ground does it flow through our digestive systems a bit easier? I’ve recently been using a couple tablespoons in some baking I’ve been doing, where the bulk of the flour is cassasva and/or potato starch. Just wanted to see what you thought on that! Thanks for all the wonderful information on your site!!
Thanks! I was wondering about that. It’s in a Gluten-free bread I buy, but I don’t have the bread that often since I stuck it in the freezer to keep it from getting moldy. I’ve also come across recipes with this ingredient. I am so glad I don’t actually have to spend the money to get this, nor have it clogged my intestines. I’m not sure what to do about making bread though, I don’t wanna use up 6 eggs or more nor really have to go with any almond milk as it contains thickeners and fake vitamins, and to buy the almonds and make the milk myself would cost. But, it’s mainly because I live with my parents, whose two sons still live here as well. we’re all in our 30s.
Someone was saying to me how it was more convenient that I found out about no gluten at home, which is b.s. because my family doesn’t understand and they’re ignorant on all of these matters. Throwing wheat flour all over the kitchen, using a colander with glutenous noodles and NOT washing the colander, but using the dish towel on that dirtied colander so everything next that touches that dish towel then gets dirtied once again. Cutting glutenous bread all over in the kitchen,… it’s all frustrating and b.s, and would be easier living on my own,… ’cause then I wouldn’t have to pre-wash everything before I use it, I could just throw it the ef out and gradually buy new stuff.
Hi there, great article thank you!
I have a few concerns. My husband has crohns. He had nearly a metre of bowel removed two years ago resulting in very loose stools. He started taking metamucil to help with this which I wasn’t a fan of given all the sugar content. So I managed to convert him to just straight pysyllium husks. He has three teaspoons with water after every main meal a day. And has been doing this for nearly two years now. I think it’s become like a security blanket for him, he insists he needs it and it’s helping him have firmer stools. Now reading your article I’m concerned this could be doing long term damage!! Can you offer any other alternative that he could be supplementing with after each meal?
Thank you!
Great article!
I totally agree – I’ve used psyllium out of desperation in the past for constipation and *no matter* how much water I drank before, with, and after it, it made things WORSE! No joke – I would drink a glass prior, the water it got mixed in, and follow up with more water; my stomach would be sloshing around from liquid, and I swear I still didn’t go for 4 days. Which was worse than what I started out with. I told my naturopath I’d been seeing at the time, that it “might as well be powdered brick, because that’s what it felt like I was pooping out 4 days later”, and he replied that psyllium does the same thing to him!
P.S. you didn’t go for 2 weeks??!! Holy blazes woman! I’d be going out of my mind! Longest for me was 5 days & I wanted to die! (not literally but YKWIM)
Hi Sarah,
Thanks so much for this article! I was quite literally just about to purchase some ground psyllium husk for the first time ever, because I recently purchased a Paleo bread recipe which calls for it. My husband is desperate for ‘bread’ and this by all accounts is basically 100% like eating wheat bread – but apparently the psyllium husk is a major factor in causing the authentic bread-like texture.
Do you have an alternative for Paleo bread that will cause the right kind of texture? 🙂
Many thanks for this and for all your articles – so helpful in decision making to have an unbiased, scientific viewpoint to consult! x
I have heard Dr. Hyman often recommending PGX. Do you think this has the same risks as psyllium?
I don’t think any fiber supplement is a good idea for a healthy and diverse gut microbiome. It is far superior to eat a diet rich in veggies. These types of products are designed assuming you won’t eat a healthy diet.
I actually can’t find where exactly the fiber comes from for this supplement and that in and of itself turns me off. It could be coming from psyllium husks and therefore have the same risks, it could be coming from other things. I still think your best bet is to avoid fiber supplements and increase intake of vegetables! -Kiersten
PGX is comprised of Glucomannan a natural fiber from the Konjac Yam root (what Japanese ‘Miracle Noodles’ are made of), and sodium alginate (brown algae).
I’m genetically predisposed to super low HDL, and yet I experience “normal” heart and artery health. I attribute this circumstance to good fortune, some care with my diet, and the fact that I’ve been using 25g of psyllium husks daily for about 30 years.
Socially awkward side-affects can happen occasionally, but my health trumps.
Reference the following article that addresses the health benefits I’ve experienced:
https://www.healthline.com/health/psyllium-health-benefits
Thanks for this info. I’m slightly concerned because my 8yo has suffered from encopresis for the past 5 years, and we have found he only thing that “cures” it is psyllium every day. We were able to stop the psyllium this summer for about a month, but alas the encopresis got worse again. He’s a child and as much as I push veggies, he doesn’t eat enough to loosen his stools. He otherwise eats a pretty high fiber diet (not Paleo). Any suggestions as to what can replace the psyllium? I totally understand what you are saying about avoiding stool softeners altogether, but unfortunately with his condition it’s not an option. Thanks for any ideas!
Are you working with a good practitioner? With your son’s condition, it is probably best to work with someone to determine whether or not the benefits of psyllium would outweigh the risks, or if there is something else you could try. -Kiersten
There is a lot of contradictory studies regarding fiber and colon cancer. A more recent 2002 pubmed systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effect of dietary fibre on the incidence or recurrence of colorectal adenomas, the incidence of CRC, and the development of adverse events. They looked at five studies with 4349 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria for interventions wheat bran fibre, ispaghula husk, or a comprehensive dietary intervention with high fibre whole food sources alone or in combination. The Conclusion: There is currently no evidence from RCTs to suggest that increased dietary fibre intake will reduce the incidence or recurrence of adenomatous polyps within a two to four year period. The study is: Dietary fibre for the prevention of colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12076480
Relative to legumes (and thinking about microbiome impact), this 2013 study /clinical trial/ found blue lupin kernel fibre improve colonic function and have beneficial effects on putative risk factors for colorectal cancer such as faecal mass, transit time, SCFA, faecal pH, and secondary bile acid concentration. Therefore, enhancing dietary fibre intake through blue lupin up to about 50 g/d can be recommended. Trial registration NCT01036308 The study:
Effects of legume kernel fibres and citrus fibre on putative risk factors for colorectal cancer: A randomised, double-blind, crossover human intervention trial, download full text pdf at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249649480_Effects_of_legume_kernel_fibres_and_citrus_fibre_on_putative_risk_factors_for_colorectal_cancer_A_randomised_double-blind_crossover_human_intervention_trial
And last, is this 2015 study: Conclusion This large, prospective study within a population-based screening trial suggests that individuals consuming the highest intakes of dietary fiber have reduced risks of incident colorectal adenoma and distal colon cancer and that this effect of dietary fiber, particularly from cereals and fruit, may begin early in colorectal carcinogenesis. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01696981. Elevated total dietary fiber intake was associated with a significantly reduced risk of incident distal colorectal adenoma (ORhighest vs. lowest tertile of intake: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.91; P-trend = 0.003) but not recurrent adenoma (P-trend = 0.67). Although the association was not statistically significant for colorectal cancer overall (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.70, 1.03; P-trend = 0.10), a reduced risk of distal colon cancer was observed with increased total fiber intake (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.94; P-trend = 0.03). Protective associations were most notable for fiber originating from cereals or fruit. The study: Dietary fiber intake and risk of colorectal cancer and incident and recurrent adenoma in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26269366
I am uncertain of your point. But agree that plant fibre is needed for a healthy bowel and that Psyllium fibre is not necessarily healthy and I would speculate that it may actually contain other grain contaminants or encourage cross-reactivity actions for those who have Gluten sensitive auto-immune conditions.
I think the point was clear…you can’t pick one study and scare people into thinking they are going to get cancer. Well you can and you did….but that’s not how you science.
If anyone has leaky gut syndrome, please read this:
I have very bad leaky gut which causes such bad inflammation that I can no longer walk for a 10 minute walk for exercise. I have all kinds of inflammation in my body. I started doing leaky gut protocol a little over a year ago and I was on low carb, organic, and grass fed meat and chicken eggs. I have been doing a butyric acid & probioticenema every 4-5 days because I suffer from severe constipation. I was doing well and inflammation has been down for the last year. However, I used 2 tablespoons of physillium in a coconut flour pizza crust recipe that I found in Pinterest. Within a few hours of eating a normal portion of the crust, I started to feel depressed and emotional and the inflammation jumped up super high and caused all kinds of health issues associated with leaky gut. I’m on day 5 since I ate it and I’m still feeling terrible. I did research on the intetnet and have not been able to find the nutritional breakdown of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in physillium husk, but I’m positive it damaged my gut lining in some way. So i think even if you are healthy that you should not eat physillium husk ground up or in any form. I used an organic very popular brand of ground physillium husk imported from India. It took me three years to start feeling a little better again and bring down the inflammation through an extremely strict diet and supplement routine and now I feel I have erased all the healing I have done in the past 3 years.
I came here looking for info re gluten -psyllium cross-reactivity. Whilst I cannot get that confirmed for myself, it seems to me that you also may possibly have Auto-immune issues too. Have you looked into that?
Re “very leaky gut” means the Gut is STILL under constant attack otherwise healing would be taking place. That lining replaces itself every 3 days – so it is being attacked by something in your gut within that time frame…That if not caused from Gluten then another frequently consumed product source/s is responsible.
Re the Indian product and your dismay at losing the healing benefits gained over last 3 years i want to give you hope that the comment stems from the depression /anxiety /mood disturbance that i think accompanied the other symptoms. It would not surprise me that the product may have been contaminated with Gluten itself given the reaction you’ve stated. And that hopefully now you have healed from that issue. (?)
I have started to suspect that the whole product I have been using at a teaspoon /day over 10-15 years is possibly a source of contamination too – re psoriasis. But most www sources say it is Gluten Free. I have now decided to discontinue using any “product” unless it is stated to be 100% Gluten free on label as even smallest amount can elicit the Auto-Antibody attack of auto-immune conditions or related conditions such as… “Leaky Gut’.
Constipation can be a result of inflammation elsewhere and you need to find that cause. Enemas also are only addressing symptoms and point to a dysfunctional gut ( yep I know you know that) but also it means that you are needing more than introducing bacteria enemas to “eat out” the fecal mass so it can leave the body….you need to be feeding “prebiotic fibre” to sustain that probiotic bowel bacteria. That is- resistant starch. (Google natural sources and products ) I.e Probiotics just die off without appropriate foods too.
This is not rocket science: the bacteria we need to proliferate in the bowel, need non-sugar non-starchy carbs to feed off and to produce those medium chain fats (found also in butter and coconut oil) that you mentioned. So if your digestion at the small intestine is less than optimal, partly digested foods even from low carb -Paleo diet passes to the bowel . This means that other bacteria /yeast colonies are thriving in the bowel on what is being consumed without being controlled by what should be the more beneficial probiotic colonies e.g., the Bifidobacter species.
I get it that in the meanwhile u need help for the constipation symptom. You may be undersupplying vegetable matter particularly greens. Also more fluids may be needed?
Re P/ Husk itself there would be very little “nutrients” available from it or its products as it is poorly absorbed and resists breakdown in the gut – which is why it absorbs fluids and expands and moves out the gut… It is horrendous to guess the borderline quantity of too much and the blockage potential that it gives rise to – it is potentially constipating itself.
One thing about “true” Paleo theory is in the consumption of that which our bodies recognise as “evolutionary survival” foods. PH may be ethnic food (?), it may be medical, but I don’t think it was ever previously used the way Westerners have adopted it for use. Thats the problem. And it definitely needs increased fluids contingent with its use. It is entirely inappropriate for baking use ! I had never thought of that before but I now agree with Paleo Mum on this..
I appreciate this article – and agree that it’s probably not the best ingredient for breads and other Paleo foods. But in my case, a teaspoon of psyllium husk every night with a good amount of water does WONDERS for my IBS-D. It in no way constipates me, and keeps me very regular. I feel so conflicted!
I’m wondering if using such a small amount (aka not in my recipes) and me having such great results by it means that it’s not so bad in my case.
Psyllium has similar benefits and hazards to other foods high in fiber. News at 10.
Yawn.
Hi,
What about just the whole seeds itself and not the husks? Like chia seeds, if left in water they get a little membrane around them. I take a teaspoon every other day and find it helps regulate stool consistency towards the firmer side. The seeds look like this https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41M9RZXOfLL.jpg
Thanks.
T.
My former gastroenterologist told me to use metamucil because I have IBS-C. Not only did it make my constipation worse, the constipation caused much more pain than it did before the metamucil. When I told the doctor this, he told me to take MoM to counteract the pysyllium-induced constipation! For the rest of my life. What?!!!
Thank you for the information! I won’t be using Psyllium Husk Powder! I see it in recipes for low carb bread and I had a bad feeling about using it. You have to stick with what humans eat naturally.
This article is misleading. Using whole psyllium seek husk is very effective and safe. Using these mixed brands with other ingredients definitely are not very useful, safe or healthy. But WHOLE PSYLLIUM SEES HUSK in natural form works great for around 80% or more of people. It is all natural and easy to digest. If it doesn’t work in the first few days discontinue use. But if you use it right… Which means one heaping spoonful in half a glass of water every morning. Slam immediately. Up to 2x per day. And although you don’t want your body to become dependent on anything. Most people can use this for at least two weeks at a time. Must only be WHOLE PSYLLIUM SEED HUSK 100%! MUST BE TAKEN PROPERLY AND ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN.
For chronic constipation I finally found my answer. A tablespoon of unrefined cold pressed organic coconut oil in my 1st cup of coffee in the am. Keep a spoon so you can keep stirring it up. No taste difference at all. Good luck to all.
This article did give me pause but it also left me with questions. I take a small amount (less than one t daily in yogurt) to feed my akkermansia, the gut microbiota associated with lean body mass and an amazing ability to disrupt inflammatory processes in the gut. So I wonder if the studies establishing a link between psyllium use and cancer were done with organic psyllium. If psyllium is conventionally produced, I would imagine that it is heavily contaminated with glyphosate, a known carcinogen that is used to kill the plant just before harvest to facilitate the threshing of most conventionally grown grains, seeds, and legumes. Since we use the husk, it would seem to be the part of the seed with the most contamination.
Secondly, I would agree that we should be wary of having psyllium creep into the processed food industry as a “substitute” grain for the gluten-free market. Just as the use of gluten concentrate has caused problems for people consuming industrially produced bread and other gluten foods, an overexposure to psyllium might also cause problems, but a small dose as has been advised for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition would probably not cause harm, especially if one uses organic psyllium husk.
Finally, the vegetable group that packs a good prebiotic punch for akkermansia is the under-appreciated mucin-rich chicory family. Eating lots of bitter greens such as endive, escarole, dandelion greens, frisse, and radicchio is great for you and is probably one of the real strengths of the so-called Mediterranean diet. I am currently living in Italy and note that Italians have huge heaps of wilted chicory greens with their meals, dressed with a good drizzle of olive oil and lemon. It’s a kind of bitter pleasure that becomes quite compelling.
Hi, just read the comments on Psyllium husks. I am a celiac, and cannot do dairy either. I use psyllium husks for gluten free baking, cheaper and better than xantham gum, and I put a quarter tea spoon in my dairy free hot chocolate before I put it in the blender. Most non dairy milks are too thin to be satisfying, a tiny bit of psyllium husks does the trick. it thickens the liquid just enough to coat your palate with pleasure.
As for the problems of people ingesting psyllium by the spoonful, Seriously, what are they thinking? it probably has the same effect as gluten on the intestinal lining: makes a paste, sits there and festers with bad bacteria, damaging the intestinal wall further. This is such a culture of excess this and excess that.
Psyllium: a tiny bit goes a long way!
I meet my neighbor when she backed up her sink by tossing metamucyl down the drain….
Like everything else, people, more is seldom better….