5 Best Psyllium Husk Supplements For Constipation & Weight Loss 2023
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- Written by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by
Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD
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Colon Broom
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, sugar-free
- Multi-buy and subscription discounts
Colon Broom Discount: CBOFF10
Yerba Prima Psyllium Whole Husk
- Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO
- Organic psyllium is the only ingredient
- ConsumerLab approved
Organic India Psyllium Organic Whole Husk
- Vegan-friendly
- Organic psyllium is the only ingredient
- ConsumerLab approved
If you don’t get enough fiber in your diet, you may experience constipation, fatigue, elevated cholesterol, and other symptoms. As research continues to support the importance of a healthy gut, more of us are searching for the perfect fiber supplement.
While there are many options available today, psyllium seed husk fiber is quickly taking the market by storm. This soluble fiber supplement is said to help promote bowel regularity and overall health. In this article, we will review five of the best psyllium husk supplements to help you choose the right supplement for your needs.
Best Psyllium Husk Supplements On The Market In (September. 2023)
- Colon Broom – Editor’s Choice
- Yerba Organic Psyllium Whole Husk – Best For Constipation
- Organic India Psyllium Organic Whole Husk – Best Supplement Made Outside USA
- NOW Psyllium Husk Caps 500 mg – Most Affordable
- Peak Performance Psyllium Husk Capsules – Best Capsules
What Is Psyllium Husk?
Psyllium supplements are made from the seed husk, or the viscous coating around the seed, of the Plantago ovata plant. It is often used for chronic constipation relief as the husk is about 90% fiber, most of which is soluble fiber. However, it boasts other benefits as well.
You might be on the search for the best psyllium husk for cholesterol control since a healthy gut can promote a healthy heart. Or perhaps you are looking for a fiber that can help regulate your blood sugar. Psyllium husk has these purported benefits and more, and we’re going to explore them below.
Health Benefits Of Psyllium
While psyllium is primarily used for digestive health, it can translate to other health benefits throughout the body:
Digestive Health
Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative, soaking up water in your digestive system and promoting more effortless bowel movements. The water, paired with the husk’s soluble fiber, creates a gel that occupies volume in the gut and also slows digestion, ultimately helping to keep you feeling full and regulating blood sugar levels[1] (but we’ll get to that later).
The soluble fiber in psyllium can soften hard stool, providing a laxative effect or, alternatively, firm loose stool in diarrhea[2]. It can be used case-by-case to relieve constipation or incorporated into your balanced diet to promote regularity and overall healthy digestion.
Heart Health
Fiber’s effects on cardiovascular health have long been studied, repeatedly showing that adequate fiber intake can help support a healthy heart[3]. In addition, psyllium supplementation has been shown to help lower blood pressure[4] in people with hypertension.
Furthermore, it can help lower cholesterol levels. Psyllium can bind to fat, helping the body remove it from its system. A 2018 systematic review found that psyllium dietary fiber effectively improved lipid markers[5], potentially delaying the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blood Sugar Support
Taking fiber supplements, especially soluble fiber supplements that slow the absorption of sugars can help control the body’s glycemic response[6] to food. Whether you have a history of diabetes or simply want to maintain a healthy glycemic balance, a soluble fiber supplement may improve blood sugar levels and insulin response[1], thereby impacting blood sugar levels.
Appetite Control
If you are trying to lose weight, adding more fiber by taking supplements made from psyllium seed husks can help with appetite control. A recent study found that psyllium supplementation contributed to greater feelings of fullness and less hunger[7] between meals.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief
While there is still room for more research, preliminary studies suggest that psyllium may be helpful for some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For example, participants of a 2017 study experienced fewer pain episodes[8] after taking psyllium daily for four weeks.
5 Best Psyllium Husk Fiber Supplements In 2023
Colon Broom
Colon Broom Discount: CBOFF10
ColonBroom is quickly gaining popularity for its purported benefits. With its serving of psyllium husk, it stands to help improve your overall health, beginning with your digestive system.
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, sugar-free
- Multi-buy and subscription discounts
- Has not been third-party tested
- Only comes in one flavor
ColonBroom is one of the latest psyllium husk supplements to hit the market, and it’s quickly gaining popularity for its role in weight loss and overall health. The ColonBroom supplement is said to help improve the body’s natural detoxification processes by ridding the gut of accumulated toxins via regulating bowel movements. With an improved digestive tract comes potential weight loss, constipation or diarrhea relief, and even improved blood pressure.
This psyllium husk powder comes in a delicious strawberry flavor and can be taken up to twice daily. To take ColonBroom, simply mix one scoop with 8 ounces (oz) of water and drink either–one hour before or 30 minutes after–a meal. You will need to drink an additional 8 oz of water after taking the supplement to ensure you are hydrated enough for the supplement to do its job.
ColonBroom is gluten-free and contains no genetically modified organisms (non-GMO). Unfortunately, however, ColonBroom does not advertise third-party test results on its website, and ConsumerLab has not yet tested the product, either.
Yerba Prima Psyllium Whole Husk
Yerba Prima’s organic psyllium husk powder offers many benefits as one of the longest-standing fiber companies in the industry.
- Gluten-free, non-GMO
- Vegan-friendly
- Organic psyllium is the only ingredient
- ConsumerLab approved
- Must be mixed in 12 oz of water
Yerba Prima was founded in 1980 and has since grown to manufacture and sell a wide range of dietary fiber and internal cleansing supplements. As one of the best psyllium husk powder supplements, Yerba Prima keeps it simple with just one single ingredient– certified organic psyllium.
As the soluble fiber absorbs water, it helps promote regular bowel movements and feelings of fullness. It is the daily regularity of bowel movements that is responsible for what they claim is “cleansing.” Yerba Prima also notes its potential to improve heart health.
The Organic Psyllium Whole Husk supplement is easy to mix. Simply mix one tablespoon with 12 oz of water and enjoy. Yerba Prima recommends drinking the mixture immediately before the powder absorbs all the water. You can also drink an additional glass of water to help digestion.
While there are no third-party testing results on the Yerba Prima website, ConsumerLab completed extensive testing and found the results satisfactory. This Yerba Prima psyllium dietary supplement can be purchased as a one-time buy or set up as a subscription delivery for additional savings.
Organic India Psyllium Organic Whole Husk
Organic India offers various dietary supplements, including psyllium husk capsules and powders. While they offer flavored psyllium powders, their psyllium organic whole husk fiber provides many benefits.
- Vegan-friendly
- Organic psyllium is the only ingredient
- ConsumerLab approved
- Must be mixed in 10 oz of water
If you’re looking for a fiber supplement, Organic India has got you covered. They have some of the best fiber supplements on the market. For example, the husk psyllium Organic India sells has received the ConsumerLabs stamp of approval and the praises of their many customers.
Organic India proudly markets the psyllium supplement as a digestion support that helps with gastrointestinal functionality. It also acts as a prebiotic source to support the beneficial bacteria in the gut, and it helps keep you full between meals.
The only ingredient in the psyllium husk powder is organic whole-husk psyllium, so you don’t have to worry about additives or fillers. You can find other psyllium products on their website, but they contain more ingredients.
Organic India recommends taking one serving of the psyllium supplement daily, providing 4 g of dietary fiber. Mix one tablespoon with at least 10 oz of water and drink immediately. It’s best to take the dietary fiber supplement before or between meals.
NOW Psyllium Husk Caps 500 mg
While NOW’s Psyllium Husk Caps may not provide as much fiber as a psyllium powder, they are convenient and can offer the same benefits.
- Vegan-friendly
- Kosher
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
- Serving is three capsules
- Recommended 2-3 doses per day
- Only 1.1 g of dietary fiber per serving
NOW has been a family-owned brand since it was founded in the late 1960s. They sell a variety of dietary supplements to meet the needs of many different people. Their psyllium husk capsules are easy to take and can provide a wide array of health benefits.
One dose, or three capsules, provides 1500 mg of psyllium husk powder and 1.1 g of dietary fiber. NOW recommends taking two to three doses daily to gain from its full effects.
NOW, as a company, completes many in-house tests to ensure the quality and safety of their products, but they do not use third-party testing. However, ConsumerLab tested these psyllium capsules and gave them its stamp of approval.
You can purchase NOW Psyllium Husk Caps in bottles of 200 or 500 capsules. Of course, buying in bulk can save you on cost if you don’t mind storing approximately two months’ worth of psyllium husk capsules.
Peak Performance Psyllium Husk Capsules
Peak Performance uses only high-quality sources when it comes to its ingredients. The same applies to their psyllium husk capsules.
- Vegan-friendly
- Third-party tested
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
- Only 1.5 g of psyllium husk per serving
Peak Performance was created after founder Talor Zamir faced his own health concerns and found that change started from within. He researched endlessly to find the foods and supplements that would serve his health.
Among many of their other supplements, Peak Performance’s Psyllium Husk capsules aim to improve overall health from the inside out. This soluble fiber mixes with the water in the gut to help reduce blood sugar spikes, improve digestion, and enhance the gut’s microflora.
These capsules are vegan-friendly, allergen-free, and contain no gluten. In addition, like all other Peak Performance products, they are third-party tested for safety and quality. Every batch of Peak Performance products is tested for quality and purity.
Lastly, Peak Performance is an active supporter of Vitamin Angels, which allows them to donate a year of vitamins to a young child in need for every Peak Performance product purchased. And if you aren’t satisfied with your experience with your chosen product, Peak Performance offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How We Selected Our Picks
With so many fiber supplements available on the market today, you’re wise to do your research before making a purchase. Not all fiber supplements are created equal. Our research found that some of the best fiber supplements are derived from psyllium husks.
We carefully reviewed each product’s supplement label and nutrition facts panel to understand the ingredients and nutrition provided per serving. We also considered customer reviews based on experience with the product.
Lastly, since most fiber supplements are not third-party tested, we looked for products that had received the stamp of approval from ConsumerLab, a non-biased testing company whose mission is to review dietary supplements objectively.
Who Should Not Take Psyllium Husk Supplements?
Those with abdominal pain, bowel spasms, or sluggishness of the bowels, intestine, or stomach should avoid fiber supplements, including psyllium husk supplements. And those who experience esophageal strictures or any other narrowing within the gastrointestinal tract should also avoid taking psyllium.
Furthermore, psyllium husk supplements may delay the absorption of some medications, such as diabetes medications, antidepressants, and others. Therefore, psyllium should not be taken at the same time as your medications. It’s important to discuss potential medication interactions with your doctor before starting a psyllium husk supplement.
And, of course, if you have had an allergic reaction to psyllium husks, you should not take psyllium supplements.
Potential Side Effects
Most people tolerate psyllium without difficulty. Occasionally, psyllium supplementation may cause gas, cramping, or bloating, and although uncommon, some people may experience an allergic reaction[9] to ingesting or even handling psyllium.
According to consumerlab.com, some psyllium fiber supplements can contain alarming amounts of lead. So, it’s essential to look for products that undergo third-party testing to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Final Thought
If you’re worried you’re not getting enough fiber in your diet, you might look for some digestion support from trusted fiber supplements. But finding the right product can be overwhelming with so many choices on the market. Include soluble and insoluble fiber, and you’ve got hundreds, if not thousands, of products to research. Insisting on third-party testing will certainly narrow down the task.
Psyllium husk fiber is an excellent way to increase your fiber intake. In addition, it has been shown to improve gut health (not just treat constipation), which can ultimately improve other areas of health.
If you have questions about your gut health and fiber needs, discuss them with your doctor or registered dietitian before starting a new supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer to that question may look different for everyone. There are certainly psyllium products that don’t offer the same quality and safety as others. ConsumerLab found several brands that contained alarming amounts of lead. However, among the top choices we’ve researched, psyllium husks made into powder supplements appear to provide more fiber than psyllium capsules.
If adding fiber is your priority, consider psyllium husk powder, since those products typically provide more fiber per serving. However, if you find taking capsules more convenient than drinking 8-12 oz of fluid, you may prefer taking psyllium capsules more often throughout the day. Just be sure to drink adequate fluids throughout the day to support the supplement as it works.
Most people can tolerate psyllium husk supplements daily, and most fiber companies suggest daily use. However, discussing fiber supplementation with your doctor before starting a brand-new supplement is important.
You can take your psyllium husk supplement first thing when you wake up or before you go to bed at night. However, some supplement companies specify taking their psyllium with or without food. For example, some products suggest eating an hour before or waiting until 30 minutes after eating.
Research indicates psyllium husk can aid in weight loss through multiple mechanisms. As the soluble fiber absorbs water, it produces a feeling of fullness, leaving you less inclined to overeat; also, fiber tends to slow digestion, so fewer sugars are absorbed into your system.
+ 9 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
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- Clark, C.C.T., Salek, M., Aghabagheri, E. and Jafarnejad, S. (2020). The effect of psyllium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, [online] 35(6), pp.1385–1399. doi:10.3904/kjim.2019.049.
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- Abutair, A.S., Naser, I.A. and Hamed, A.T. (2016). Soluble fibers from psyllium improve glycemic response and body weight among diabetes type 2 patients (randomized control trial). Nutrition Journal, [online] 15(1). doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0207-4.
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Written by:
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
