Psyllium Husk for Constipation Relief

Research suggests that psyllium husk may offer some benefit for constipation relief, though the evidence is more nuanced than a straightforward endorsement. A 2023 randomized controlled trial found that psyllium husk supplementation did not significantly increase bowel movement frequency compared to placebo, but was associated with meaningfully softer and better-formed stools, which represents an important dimension of constipation relief beyond frequency alone. Studies indicate that individual differences in gut microbiome composition may influence how well a person responds to psyllium husk, suggesting that the fiber does not work equally well for everyone. The current body of evidence on this specific use is limited to a small number of trials, and the mixed directional findings highlight the need for further research before firm conclusions can be drawn.