What to Do to Avoid Choking After Taking Psyllium Husks

Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet. The bulk in fiber helps prevent constipation, diarrhea and hemorrhoids, and may help prevent such serious conditions as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, colon cancer and heart disease. Psyllium fiber, a type of soluble fiber that comes from seeds and husks of the Plantago ovata plant, becomes a gel-like substance when mixed with water. Because the mixture is so thick, it presents a risk of choking for many people.

Soluble and insoluble fiber aid healthy digestion and prevention of disease. Soluble fiber such as psyllium husks partially dissolve in water and are also found in such foods as seeds and nuts, legumes, oat bran, apples, strawberries, pears and blueberries. Soluble fiber slows the movement of food through the intestines, which may lower blood cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber, found in such foods as whole wheat bread, brown rice, wheat bran, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes and celery, do not dissolve in water. Insoluble fiber provides bulk and has a laxative effect by speeding up the elimination of waste.

Choking results when psyllium husks aren't consumed with an adequate amount of water. To prevent the substance from swelling in the throat and esophagus, mix psyllium husks with a full 8-ounce glass of water or other liquid, and then drink the mixture immediately. If the mixture still seems too thick, add additional liquid. Drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water throughout the day to keep the bulk of the psyllium moving through your digestive system.

Any dietary supplement should be used only after discussing the matter with your physician. This is especially true if you have kidney disease, or if you have any narrowing of the esophagus or obstruction of the intestinal tract. Fiber supplements such as psyllium husks may interact negatively or reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, including some types of antidepressants, seizure medications, cholesterol-lowering medications, diabetes medications, lithium, or digoxin. Often, medications are compatible with fiber supplements, but the two should not be taken at the same time.

There are alternatives for those who experience difficulty swallowing psyllium husks mixed with water. Psyllium is available in capsule and tablet form, and for people who prefer not to take pills, it is available in chewable wafers. Psyllium is also found in some breakfast cereals. Soluble fiber similar to the fiber found in psyllium is available from other sources that may be easier to ingest. Wheat dextrin or inulin, which is fiber from chickory root, do not thicken when mixed with water. Instead of stirring into water, they can be mixed with foods such as pudding, soup or ice cream.

Article reviewed by Craig Sanders Last updated on: Feb 15, 2012

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