Psyllium Husk Cancer Warning: What To Know!

You are probably aware of the significance of fiber in our diet, both soluble and soluble. You also must have heard of consuming more fiber as the best and natural solution to a bunch of health problems such as those associated with digestion, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. But how much of it is true? 

Fiber does play a role in all these stated issues and is, in fact, vital in maintaining a healthy body. But is it the same for all fiber sources? Do any of them pose any serious threat with regular use? Psyllium husk is one such fiber source widely used as a natural laxative in different parts of the world and is most commonly seen in India. This article discusses the potential threat of a serious health condition, cancer, associated with psyllium husk and everything you need to know about it. Read on!    

What Is Psyllium Husk?

Psyllium husk is a type of soluble fiber extracted from the herb Planatgo ovata. It specifically is the outer covering of the plant’s seeds called psyllium. Psyllium, as stated above, is a natural laxative, and besides its direct consumption, is also part of drugs like Metamucil, that treat the same issue.

The working mechanism of this gluten-free ingredient to facilitate easier bowel movements is to absorb more water to form a gel-like substance. That being said, its functions are not restricted to digestion and the gastrointestinal system but rather extensive, supporting other areas of health as well.

A single Plantago ovata plant produces around 15000 psyllium seeds which are covered in a substance that later forms the husk. Psyllium husk is usually extracted by crushing the seeds which are then mixed with distilled hot water or any alkaline substance as part of processing.

It then involves stirring the mixture at an optimum temperature, separating the husk from the solution, and then storing it under extreme cold temperatures for later use. But what has it got to do with cancer?     

Potential cancer risks associated with psyllium husk

Have you heard that psyllium husk reduces the risk of colon cancer? Although not conclusive, several studies suggest this property of this fiber source, especially with its role in improving gut health. But why do certain psyllium husk supplements come with cancer warnings? Does it prevent and cause cancer? Seems rather contradictory, doesn’t it? 

The reason why these supplement labels display a cancer warning is the lead content of psyllium husk. Normally, the seeds contain high levels of lead and prolonged exposure to this potential carcinogen could result in developing cancerous growth inside the body. Increased lead content in your diet, which later enters into the bloodstream is discovered to have a direct link with lung cancer, stomach cancer, and even brain cancer. 

However, the risk levels of lead exposure from psyllium husk and its consequences are not the same for everyone. While people who belong to certain demographic groups and health statuses possess a high risk of developing cancer from the intake of this fiber, some others do not. The risk is higher in those with certain bowel conditions and metabolic disorders, those who are allergic to the seed, children, and obviously, those who possess a risk of developing cancer genetically. 

Benefits and uses of psyllium husk

So, psyllium husk, if not consumed with caution, might cause cancer. But is that all there is to it? Not exactly. This plant-based fiber has an array of medical properties that will greatly benefit your health.

• Aids digestion: Just like any other fiber source, psyllium husk promotes healthy digestion while taking care of health issues in the gastrointestinal tract. It improves bowel movements, deals with constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome, and even treats hemorrhoids.
• Reduces cholesterol levels: Regular consumption of psyllium husk in the right amounts will reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. This function also benefits the heart as it lowers two other lipid markers besides cholesterol and reduces the risk of clots.
• Regulates blood sugar levels: This water-soluble fiber also works to regulate elevated blood glucose levels by reducing the absorption of glucose in the intestinal tract. It slows down insulin responses by creating a barrier in the intestine while trapping sugar and releasing it slowly into the bloodstream.
• Supports weight loss: Psyllium husk, similar to any other fiber, promotes a feeling of fullness after a light meal. This reduces the intake of calories, which when paired with limited glucose absorption, can result in healthy weight loss. 

Is psyllium husk safe?

The safety factor with psyllium husk depends on several different factors. Although there exists a possibility of the ingredient causing cancer, not everybody is at risk of this threat, and not all kinds of psyllium husk pose it, especially the variety with low levels of lead content. So rather than completely cutting this fiber off your diet, the wiser move would be to choose one that doesn’t have a lot of lead in it. 

That being said, it is not safe for everyone either, even with lower levels of lead. People who already have cancerous growth or are at risk of developing one should entirely stay away from it. Similarly, psyllium husk is not recommended for individuals under eighteen years of age or those with serious health conditions in the gastrointestinal tract.  

Consuming psyllium husk also has certain mild side effects like bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritated bowel movements. If you are allergic to it, you could experience itching, choking, trouble breathing, swelling of the throat, face, or tongue, and the like. The key is to understand your body first and consume the fiber only in proper quantities, keeping the consequences in mind. 

Conclusion

Psyllium husk is the coating of psyllium seed and is a water-soluble fiber that is popular for its medicinal properties. The ingredient promotes healthy digestion, gut health, weight loss, and regulated health markers. It stabilizes blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels and even improves cardiovascular functions. 

However, even with all these health benefits, psyllium husk poses a potential threat of developing cancer with its lead content. Overconsumption of this fiber could lead to cancer in the stomach, lungs, and brain. This can be counteracted by consuming psyllium husk varieties with lower lead content and by limiting the intake. That being said, people who are at higher risk of developing cancer should stay away from the husk completely, or at least seek medical opinion before taking it at their discretion. Similarly, individuals with allergies to psyllium husk should not attempt to try it and if ingested accidentally, should go to the doctor immediately.

Ultimately, it’s all about being mindful of what and how much you are consuming along with being aware enough to avoid what your body rejects, no matter how good it in theory is. 

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