Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hi, I have a few questions about psyllium husk as a fiber source. I have hypothyroidism and tend to get jammed up, I've taken psyllium husk for years to keep things moving, is that totally going to defeat the paleo purpose? Also, my husband had most of his colon removed, and he takes psyllium for the same reason, he has to keep things moving. I am trying to get him to get into this way of eating, but he will not give up his fiber.....he is struggling with no beans too. Any ideas on this, is it ok to take psyllium?

Thanks Sue

flag	asked May 24 2011 at 12:48 Sue Holt 831●4●9

Psyllium really messes me up you are lucky it works for you. – Uggla May 24 2011 at 13:11

I'm sorry, in what way does it mess you up? – Sue Holt May 24 2011 at 14:44

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Psyllium can be a gut irritant (think sandpaper) that scrapes off endothelial cells. Go for soluble fiber, fruits and veggies, if you think you need it. Also work on gut repair: pre/pro-biotics, pectin (apples) and the fermented foods (kimchee, etc) are also great. Beans are not the worst thing you can eat, but I would see if you can just work on cutting back. (I don't look for beans, but sometimes they find me!) – Dave S. May 24 2011 at 17:02

ben61820 · Answer 1 · 2011-05-24 12:54:41Z UTC

Anythings OK to take. Take psyllium if you think you have to. Personally I've heard horror stories about it. People take too much and conversely get clogged up, etc.

It sounds like yours is a very specific condition though - having hypothyroid and your husband with colon issues, etc. So take what you read here with a big grain of salt.

I would only put forward that a high intake of vegetables offers a pretty good hit of fiber. I mean, how about carrots, broccoli, cauliflower. And what about eating fermented veg regularly: kimchi, unpasteurized sauer kraut, etc. These things are amazing for digestion. Only suggestions.

Mark · Answer 2 · 2012-08-09 03:44:15Z UTC

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What a crappy post

answered Aug 9 at 3:44

Mark
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Claudia · Answer 3 · 2011-05-24 14:00:11Z UTC

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I take it too as well as kefir a couple times a week. I have colon cancer in my immediate family and I think a clean colon and a healthy gut far outweighs the issue of not having it because you are on a paleo diet. You need to do what is right for you, so I say keep it up if it works!! :)

answered May 24 2011 at 14:00

Claudia
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hahaha, thats funny, as I am reading your post, I am drinking my own home-made kefir......so I think psyllium is ok then, thanks – Sue Holt May 24 2011 at 14:40

monet · Answer 4 · 2011-05-24 14:38:27Z UTC

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Have you tried Magnesium? like Natural Calm's powdered magnesium?

answered May 24 2011 at 14:38

monet
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Thanks, I have not taken Magnesium in a while, is that supposed to help with being stopped up? I do take liquid chlorophyll and eat lots of leafy green vegetables tho. I know its a very important mineral for lots of stuff, just hadnt heard about help with constipation – Sue Holt May 24 2011 at 14:44

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Magnesium is great because it draws water into the gut so expands the stool that way. Basically psyllium provides bulk that then encourages a mass movement in your intestine because it presses against the walls, which stimulate the nerves and muscles. By making your stools "wetter" magenesium can have the same effect. Some people take epsom salts as a "purge," you ever heard of that? – sophie May 25 2011 at 4:46

ahhhhh, I see, I have heard of the epsom salt thing. I guess I should do Magnesium again, thanks for the tip and the info. I had no idea it drew moisture into the IT. Thanks Sophie – Sue Holt May 25 2011 at 13:03

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Monet, I wanted to thank you for reintroducing me to Magnesium.....it works wonders. I have cut psyllium out and am using Magnesium and lots of veggies. No problems whatsoever!!! – Sue Holt Jun 7 2011 at 12:30

Lauren · Answer 5 · 2011-05-24 15:06:56Z UTC

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I also take psyllium...I actually started taking it when I went Paleo because I lost the "bulk" and well formed bowel movements I was used to when I was eating grains. I eat tons of cruciferous vegetables but they don't provide bulk or form so I have to supplement with the psyllium. I'd say that's been the one downside of this diet for me. My digestion is actually better, less bloating and no gas, but the loose stool (sorry TMI!) is a bummer (hey! no pun intended). I still feel like my colon is not healthy because of the lack of form and bulk but who knows if that equals "healthy" anyway... -L

answered May 24 2011 at 15:06

Lauren
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	Why not add more potatoes into your diet? I have similar problems but more starch can sort it out! – sophie May 25 2011 at 4:45
	@ Sophie, been reading that potatoes are too carbie.....I guess yams are ok in small moderation. Good recovery after a workout. @ Lauren, I will have to admit that my BM's are better on their own since Paleo, but still want to keep my colon healthy. I think I will try Sophie's advice and try the Magnesium. If that doesn't do the trick, I will go back to psyllium. As Claudia said earlier, a clean colon and all is important! – Sue Holt May 25 2011 at 13:08
	I only do the psyllium husk a couple times a week, and alittle less then one tsp. Since starting Paleo or some version that resembles it, my digestion just wasn't working and let me tell you, I have kinda always had a problem with it (BM's that is) so when I found it works for me, I was beyond excited!! Good Luck – Claudia May 29 2011 at 15:59
	If you cool potatoes in the fridge some of the starch recrystallises into resistant starch which is a dietary fibre so it's not as carby. I wouldn't be too worried about the carb content of potatoes, they are a real food, and I think some people, especially those prone to constipation, need more starchy and fibrous foods for their gut health than others. – eimearreclaimedhealth Oct 8 2011 at 22:22

johnilee · Answer 6 · 2013-03-24 06:20:55Z UTC

I am a huge fan of Psyllium husks. The carbs in psyllium are not digested and therefore I do not count them, and I do not think that they are contrary to Paleo eating.

Things to know though: you must drink lots of water or you won't have the desired effects. Also, expect at first to have some issues, gas, bloat even--don't give up, maybe back off the amount a bit, but keep with it for 6 weeks and you will find that you have beautifully formed BMs with no strain. The odor of your elimination will diminish. And, as an added bonus, I lose weight with Psyllium. The bulk it creates in my stomach and intestines increases my satiety with meals.

If you have IBS, Chrone's disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (which I did/do) psyllium is a natural remedy for the symptoms, and whether your symptoms are constipation or constant diarrhea or both, psyllium husk is extremely effective in helping to manage your symptoms--but again give it 6 weeks and trust me, it works better than any drug they tried for me.

Psyllium husk and paleo

6 Answers