Frequently Asked Questions
What is NuSyllium?
- NuSyllium is a new natural psyllium fiber supplement that is available at select major retailers in the U.S. and Canada.
What Type of Fiber is NuSyllium?
- NuSyllium contains psyllium that is 100% USDA certified organic. Each serving of NuSyllium contains 2gm of soluble fiber.
What is psyllium fiber?
- Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. It sometimes goes by the name “ispaghula” and is also known as “Desert Indian wheat.” Psyllium is a natural and soluble form of fiber known to promote regularity and act as a laxative.
How is NuSyllium different from other fiber products?
- NuSyllium is the first and only USDA certified organic psyllium fiber blend available at major retailers. USDA certified organic means the contents should be 95% or more certified organic, and that it is free of synthetic additives, such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers and dyes, and must not be processed using industrial solvents. To have the seal the ingredients must also be listed on the package. In addition to the USDA certification, NuSyllium is free from preservatives, artificial flavoring and artificial coloring, is peanut- and tree-nut free and contains no trans fats.
Is NuSyllium gluten free?
- Psyllium husk is naturally gluten-free, though it’s important to make sure the brand you buy is specifically labeled as such to ensure there was no cross-contamination during production. NuSyllium has the gluten free designation on the label.
What are the health benefits of adding NuSyllium as a part of your everyday diet?
- The psyllium fiber that is in NuSyllium can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, promote and maintain overall digestive health and is clinically proven to lower cholesterol. Talk to your doctor before taking NuSyllium if you are taking medication to control blood sugar levels or if you are using NuSyllium as part of a cholesterol lowering program.
Is NuSyllium powder flavored?
- NuSyllium comes in two versions: Natural Orange -- made with natural flavoring and natural citric acid -- and Unflavored. Both are made with organic brown cane sugar.
What is “Perfect Grind For Easy Mixing™” that is on the NuSyllium package?
- This refers the NuSyllium’s patent-pending technology that is used in the manufacturing process to ensure a smooth mix with water or the liquid of your choice.
Can I take NuSyllium if I am taking medications?
- Consult your health care provider if you are taking medications as some laxatives and dietary supplements can affect how some medications work. Your health care provider may tell you to wait 1-2 hours before or after taking your medications.
Can I take NuSyllium if I am pregnant?
- We advise talking to your health care provider if you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant before taking NuSyllium. High levels of iron, which are in some prenatal vitamins, can be a major cause of constipation during pregnancy, as can higher levels of progesterone, which can slow the movement of food through the digestive tract. In addition, the uterus increases in size, putting pressure on the rectum. Psyllium fiber supplements are considered safe to take during pregnancy as they can help soften bowel movements and reduce constipation. The American Pregnancy Association has given psyllium a rating of "likely safe or possibly safe" for use during pregnancy. MedlinePlus has also rated psyllium as likely safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women. (Source: Livestrong.com)
Why should I take a fiber supplement?
- Taking a fiber supplement won’t make up for poor eating habits, but you can take NuSyllium for promoting and maintaining digestive health, including for occasional constipation and to maintain regularity. For most people, especially those who want to take advantage of fiber’s heart-protective properties, it’s best to get fiber from foods. You can find it in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. However, taking NuSyllium soluble fiber may help lower cholesterol and promote heart health. Talk to your health care provider for advice on using NuSyllium as part of a cholesterol-lowering program.
What’s the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber?
- Most people don’t realize that there are two different types of fiber and we need both to have a healthy digestive system. Insoluble fiber is what’s known as “roughage:” It doesn't dissolve in water, isn’t broken down by the gut, nor is it absorbed into the bloodstream. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to waste in the digestive system, which helps keep you regular and prevent constipation (as well as any related problems, like hemorrhoids). Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains, nuts, and fruits and veggies (specifically in the stalks, skins, and seeds). Soluble fiber, on the other hand, is soft and sticky, absorbs water to form a gel-like substance inside the digestive system and helps soften stool so it can slide through the GI tract more easily. Soluble fiber is believed to also bind to substances, such as cholesterol and sugar, preventing or slowing their absorption into the blood, helping regulate blood sugar levels, and protecting against heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol. Soluble fiber boosts the population of good bacteria in the gut, which is believed to be linked to improved immunity, anti-inflammatory effects, and even enhanced mood. Soluble fiber is found in beans, peas, oats, barley, fruits, and avocados and makes you feel full for longer, which some experts believe helps with weight management. Psyllium fiber, such as the kind found in NuSyllium Natural Organic Fiber Supplement, is considered a soluble fiber: One serving of NuSyllium contains 2 gm of soluble fiber.
How much soluble fiber do I need on a daily basis?
- Both soluble and insoluble fiber is necessary for good digestive health. While there is no dietary reference intake for insoluble or soluble fiber, many experts recommend a total dietary fiber intake of 25 to 30 grams per day with about one-fourth — 6 to 8 grams per day — coming from soluble fiber. According to some sources, women under the age of 51 need 25 grams of fiber per day, while those over 51 need 21 grams; men under 51 need 38 grams of fiber per day and those over 51, need 30. Most Americans don’t get that amount from diet alone – the average is believed to be about 15 grams on average from diet.
Do I have to mix NuSyllium with water or can it be mixed with other cold liquids?
- It is best to mix NuSyllium with water, fruit juices and non-carbonated, room-temperature beverages. Hot liquids are not recommended. A single dose of NuSyllium product must be mixed with at least 8 oz. of fluid.
How long do I have to take NuSyllium before I can feel its effects?
- If you are taking NuSyllium for the first time, start with one serving per day and work your way up to the maximum of three times a day. Minor bloating and gas as you start this regimen is a normal reaction, as are changes in your bowel habits. If you are taking NuSyllium due to constipation and fail to have a bowel movement after taking it for 72 hours, contact your health care provider.
How do I take NuSyllium?
- For those over 12 years of age, mix one rounded teaspoon of NuSyllium Unflavored or ULTRA with at least 8 oz. of water, for Orange flavor the dose is one rounded tablespoon, stir briskly to mix and drink promptly. This can be done up to three times per day. NuSyllium’s “Perfect Grind for Easy Mixing” means less clumping than other fiber brands. For those under age 12, please consult with your health care provider.
Does NuSyllium contain sugar?
- NuSyllium is made with 100% organic brown cane sugar, which should not be confused with brown sugar, which is white sugar with molasses thrown back in. Organic cane sugar is unrefined sugar minus the pesticides present in conventionally grown sugarcane. Compared to white sugar, organic cane sugar has the full-bodied taste of sugarcane and is much less processed, retaining a lot of the nutrients present in cane juice.
Is there a presentation of NuSyllium Sugar Free?
- Our NuSyllium ULTRA and NuSyllium Fiber vegan capsules are Sugar Free made with natural stevia.
Can I take NuSyllium any time of the day?
- NuSyllium can be taken whenever it is convenient for you, such as before or after meals, mornings, afternoons or evenings, with or without food. Like with any supplement regimen, it’s good to do it the same time every day so that it becomes routine.
How do I know if I need to take a fiber supplement?
- Some of the signs that you are not getting enough fiber are constipation, blood sugar fluctuation and weight gain. The best way to find out if you might benefit from a fiber supplement is to learn how much fiber you are getting in your normal diet. Keep a food diary for a week and find out on average, how much fiber you are getting on a daily basis. You can then speak with your health care provider to find out if a fiber supplement is recommended.
Is NuSyllium good for constipation?
- Soluble fiber allows more water to remain in your stool, making waste softer, heavier, and thus, easier to pass through your intestines. Always drink adequate amounts of water (8 glasses a day) to help stool move through the intestines.
Is NuSyllium good for diarrhea?
- The other extreme is diarrhea, when your stool is loose because there’s too much water in your colon. NuSyllium Organic Natural Fiber can help in this case, as well, since soluble fiber can absorb excess fluid in the bowel, firming up a loose stool.
Can I take NuSyllium to help lower my cholesterol, help with diabetes and lose weight?
- According to many reliable sources, soluble fiber seems to lower cholesterol levels by binding with cholesterol in the intestines and thereby preventing it from being absorbed. According to WebMD, soluble fiber may also be useful in treating diabetes and insulin resistance (pre-diabetes), by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates, helping to improve blood sugar levels. With regard to weight loss, fiber is filling, meaning it helps you feel full without adding a lot of extra calories (fiber has very few calories) to your diet. Fiber fills your stomach, stimulating receptors in your brain that tell you to stop eating. Drinking eight glasses of water will also help with hunger.
What should I look for in a fiber supplement?
- The fiber in NuSyllium is USDA certified organic natural psyllium fiber. One dose of NuSyllium contains 2 grams of soluble fiber. Psyllium husks come from the portion of the plant that is almost all soluble fiber -- the type of fiber that provides the majority of health benefits, and NuSyllium is the first certified organic psyllium fiber supplement to be sold in major stores. It has no artificial ingredients, preservatives, flavors, colors, etc., is GMO free, gluten- and dairy free, tree nut and peanut free and has zero trans fat. It’s made with 100% organic brown cane sugar, and each serving has only 45 calories.
Are there any side effects from taking a fiber supplement?
- Some people may experience bloating, stomach cramps and gas when they increase their intake of fiber or start on a fiber supplement. That is why it’s recommended to start slowly if you’ve never taken a fiber supplement (start with one dose) and gradually work your way up to three times a day (if necessary). Drink plenty of fluids to keep food moving through your digestive tract and reduce discomfort.