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Psyllium seed or husk?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/20/2016 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
So I'm interested in adding Psyllium to my treatment repertoire as I'm currently suffering with watery, informed stools as my main symptom after battling a flare as I know many of you have had success. I have seen that there has been some discussion in 2011 about what's better, psyllium seed or psyllium husk, with one person pointing to psyllium seed being better due to soluble fiber etc. However, I'm less interested in the research and more interested in people's experience, do you find psyllium powder works for you? Is it safe to take during a flare or should I wait until after the flare has subsided?
Posted 9/20/2016 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
I've only used the husks, Metamucil, citracil, and generic equivalents there of. I once took Metamucil during a bad part of a flare and never again will I do that, ouch (abdominal discomfort for hours until I passed it). I think it's best to take fiber supplements once you're on the mend, not at your worst. Fibers bulk a little and are abrasive, but are bad when you're raw, inflammed and bleeding.
Posted 9/20/2016 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Definitely seed powder. I use 2 spoons every morning. I do mix it with about 1/4 Metamucil to make it taste better. Mary
Posted 9/21/2016 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
i've used both at different times/situations - currently using the seed powder -

i would start now, just go very slow and see how your gut gets along -
Posted 9/21/2016 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Ok so my local chemist only had the psyllium husk not the seed powder so I bought that as I needed to add something asap to help pull me out of this flare. But in hindsight I think it's something I should try once I'm out of this flare - I woke up feeling ok which has been my standard, until I need to go to the bathroom and then I just can't have a proper bowel movement/get any relief. It's pretty much the consistency of fish food, one step above water but not by much. Anyway I quickly sculled a glass of water with the tablespoon of psyllium mixed in and then went back to bed to wait for miraculous things. Unfortunately I went about an hour later and it was the usual consistency, followed by two more times, with a real burning sensation - my UC was not happy. I've still had that inflamed burning sensation for the past four hours and have felt pretty crook. Although it's starting to feel like it's settled down now and I do feel empty, if a little tender. So in short I may hold off until I have things a bit more under control!
Posted 9/21/2016 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
Seed powder has the edge over husk: higher butyrate production. But again, try both and see what works better for 'you'.
Posted 9/21/2016 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Husk powder made me worse. Seed powder I could tolerate and helped a little (1 Tbsp every evening), but I can't say it is doing anything that useful. Believe it or not I kinda got used to the taste and even like it a little now :)
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