What is the difference between psyllium hulls and psyllium husks

Psyllium husk, when mixed with fluids, can produce a grainy texture, which may be unappealing if you are mixing it into juices, smoothies, soups, stews or pureed foods.

In these cases, consider grinding the husks down to a powder to create a finer, smoother texture in your finished product. However, for baked goods or to use as a binder for dishes such as meatloaf or burgers, the texture of the husks will not be a problem. Both psyllium powder and husk need to be mixed with enough water. Not enough water can cause constipation as well as pain in your digestive tract as the fiber becomes hard and difficult to pass. Drink a minimum of six to eight glasses of water throughout the day to ensure you stay properly hydrated.

Because psyllium can affect certain medications, consult with your doctor before taking any psyllium supplements and to get an appropriate dosage. Marie Dannie has been a professional journalist since , specializing in nutrition and health topics.

By Marie Dannie Updated December 12, Mix both the husk and the powder with liquid before consuming. You can mix 1 to 3 tablespoons of husk -- or roughly 1 to 3 teaspoons of powder -- with 8 ounces of liquid.

Use any type of fluid, such as water, fruit juice or soup. Or add either the powder or the husk to cereals, sprinkle it on top of fresh fruit or combine it in smoothies and yogurt. For a smoother, less grainy texture in foods, use the powder rather than the husk. It is important to consume enough fluid with psyllium. To further avoid constipation, consume a full 8 ounces of fluid when taking the psyllium, and at least 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day. If you have trouble swallowing, consult a doctor before taking psyllium because it may lead to choking.

Nutrition Nutrition Basics Food and Health. Toggle navigation Menu. Don't have an account? Sign Up Today. Psyllium seed powder and psyllium seed husk are both derived from the Plantago Ovata plant.

Today's e-Edition. Harker Heights Harker Heights. Follow us on Facebook. Most Popular. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.