Natural fiber questions

When to use Konsyl

When is the best time for me to take my Konsyl product(s)?

Konsyl psyllium fiber supplement powders can be taken anytime day or night, with or without food, though you must drink plenty of fluid: 8 glasses daily for overall good health. If you take it too late in the evening you will not allow yourself time to consume adequate fluid. Not to mention, if you drink a lot of liquid at night you may be up urinating in the night. Another consideration for night time dosing is that when you go to sleep, your body slows down to a "rest mode;" body systems are not operating as efficiently as during the day when you're up and moving around. The longer waste stays in the colon; more water is being drawn out. We suggest nighttime dosing to those individuals who are taking it for diarrhea or loose stools, because too much fluid in the stool is actually a problem for them. For constipation we suggest that Konsyl fiber supplements be taken early in the day when you will be active and moving around and your body systems are functioning at a higher rate. Also, you have more time to consume additional fluids throughout the day.

Can I take Konsyl more than 3 times per day?

No. The FDA approved labeling allows a maximum of 3 teaspoons a day. The labeling also counsels, "Stop use and ask a doctor if you fail to have a bowel movement". It could be the sign of a more serious condition.

Can I take Konsyl with hot tea/coffee/beverages?

No. Hot liquids are not recommended for two reasons:

  1. It will splatter if shaken in a closed container.
  2. One may not be able to drink it all before it begins to thicken, due to the temperature of the liquid.

Can I take Konsyl on the Atkins/another low carb diet?

Konsyl Original fiber supplement contains only natural psyllium husks fiber (no sugars or chemical sweeteners). It is allowed during all phases of Atkins, including induction. Each teaspoon of Konsyl contains .05 g of available carbs. (That's 1/20 of 1 gram - far less than half a gram.) For more info on Atkins low carb diet plan, visit http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/.




Why Konsyl

What does Konsyl do?

Konsyl products contain psyllium fiber, a soluble fiber that has multiple health benefits. In addition to supporting good digestive health, it also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.

Adding Konsyl Fiber to your daily healthcare routine will help to reduce blood sugar absorption, thereby assisting in the management of diabetes.

It also helps you to achieve and/or maintain a healthy weight.




About the formulas

How many calories and carbohydrates are in Konsyl psyllium?

Konsyl Original has 3 calories and 0.05 grams carbs per teaspoon dose.

Konsyl Easy Mix has 10 calories and 5 grams carbs per teaspoon dose.

Please see individual product pages for additional formula information.

How to use Konsyl

Can I take Konsyl Powder products with other medications?

Separate taking your Konsyl and your medications by at least 2 hours. The concern here is absorption in the stomach. Since psyllium is a hydrophilic product, some physicians are concerned that it may absorb other medications that are in the stomach at the same time and carry them out of the body without the patient getting the full benefit. If you are taking Coumadin, Warfarin or other similar medications, check with your physician before taking Konsyl products.

What is the normal dose for Konsyl?

Adults 12 years and older: 1 rounded teaspoonful in 8 oz. of fluid, 2 times daily. Follow with additional fluid to aid product action, before or after meals, morning or evenings. Children under12 years: consult with their doctor.

How do I mix my Konsyl?

Konsyl Original fiber supplement provides 6 grams of psyllium per dose, more than any other brand. Psyllium does not dissolve into water like sugar and other inactive ingredients; psyllium actually absorbs the water around it. The fact that it absorbs quickly and there is 6 grams makes it a bit more difficult to stir. That is why we provide FREE Konsyl Shaker Cups with purchase to facilitate easier mixing. "Shake, Don't stir". Konsyl Easy Mix fiber supplement has 4.3 grams of psyllium and dispersing agents like maltodextrin to help make it easier to mix than Original.

Does Konsyl/Konsyl Easy Mix have to be mixed with water?

No. Both powdered fiber supplement products may be mixed in a variety of beverages. We do not recommend carbonated drinks because carbonation is not desirable when shaking the product. Some popular choices for mixing: pulpy fruit juices, iced tea, milk, lemonade, diet beverages like Crystal Lite and Diet V-8 for people with diabetes.




About fiber

What is dietary fiber?

Dietary fiber is the part of a plant that cannot be digested by humans. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble.Your digestive system needs both types to function optimally.

What's the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber?

Soluble fiber acts like a sponge in the intestines, absorbing water. It forms a thick gel which lubricates throughout the entire intestinal tract. This makes it easier for waste to pass more quickly through the intestines (bowel motility), which reduces incidences of constipation.Recent research suggests that increasing soluble fiber in the diet may be beneficial for:

Insoluble fiber acts like a broom sweeping through your digestive system. It absorbs little water but it adds bulk in the lower intestinal tract. Though less effective than soluble fiber in promoting bowel regularity, it is a necessary part of your diet. It aids in moving waste through the colon quickly and since insoluble fiber isn’t digested, it isn’t converted into calories. Insoluble fiber tends to help:

What are the best sources of soluble and insoluble fiber?

Good sources of soluble fiber include:

  • Oatmeal and oat bran
  • Legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils)
  • Fruits and most vegetables

Good sources of insoluble fiber include:

  • Whole grains (wheat bran, whole-grain breads)
  • Whole-wheat pasta
  • Fruits and vegetables with edible skins and seeds (apples, pears, strawberries and tomatoes)

Psyllium fiber supplements contain both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Do I need to increase my dietary fiber?

Typical Americans consume only 10-15 grams of fiber per day. The National Cancer Institute recommends eating 25-35 grams of fiber daily. Obtaining the recommended amount of fiber will assist in maintaining good digestive and cardiovascular health, and aid in weight management.

Click here for Konsyl's handy Daily Fiber Chart.

What are the signs of low fiber or fiber deficiency?

There are three main warning signs that may indicate you are not getting enough fiber:

  1. Constipation
  2. Weight Gain
  3. Blood Sugar Fluctuation

Does fiber help you lose weight?

Fiber makes you feel full. The fuller you feel, the less likely you are to snack or eat large meals. Also, if a food contains insoluble fiber, that portion is not broken down by your digestive system so it is not converted into calories.

Click here for more information on fiber and weight management.

Why do I need to drink more water when I increase fiber intake?

Adequate fluid intake, while on a fiber regimen, helps prevent constipation and assists the fiber in doing what it does best, move food through your digestive system.

Is there fiber in milk or meat?

No. There is no dietary fiber in milk or meat. Some meats may seem tough and "fibrous," but they do not contain the dietary fiber that has health benefits like helping to lower cholesterol or aiding constipation. Fiber comes from plants like fruits, vegetables, seeds and psyllium seed husks.

How do I use fiber for colon cleansing or detoxing?

Maintaining a diet rich in fiber will keep your digestive system healthy. Sometimes, however, a comprehensive colon cleansing system is recommended to remove toxins from the digestive system.

Konsyl's nouristor is a complete 4-step colon cleansing system that will purify, cleanse, restore and nourish that system.

How much psyllium fiber do I need to lower my cholesterol?

Studies show 14 grams of psyllium seed husk per day, along with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol have lowered total blood cholesterol levels.

Is fiber good for aleviating constipation? Or for diarrhea?

Fiber can help both! Fiber is a stool normalizer. It can soak up excess water in the bowels, helping diarrhea and making a firmer bowel movement. It can also help if you are constipated by pulling water into the colon, making a softer, bulkier bowel movement.

How can I check my fiber levels?

The best way to check your fiber levels is to maintain a food diary. Then you can add up the amount of fiber you are consuming every day.

Click here to download Konsyl's handy Fiber Chart.




About the products

What is the difference between Konsyl Original Formula and Konsyl Easy Mix fiber supplements?

Konsyl Easy Mix contains maltodextrin to make the psyllium easier to mix. Konsyl Original Formula contains 100% psyllium.

What is the difference between Konsyl Psyllium capsules and SennaPrompt capsules?

SennaPrompt capsules contain Psyllium + sennosides. Psyllium is a bulking agent and sennosides are a stimulant that promotes relief of constipation generally within a 12-hour period. SennaPrompt should be taken for quick overnight relief of constipation. It is not meant for long-term use.

What is the difference between Konsyl Fiber Caplets and Konsyl Powder?

Konsyl Powder fiber supplement is made from psyllium (5 grams of dietary fiber per dose). Natural fiber sources like psyllium provide both soluble and insoluble fiber. Konsyl Fiber Caplets are made from Calcium Polycarbophil (1/2 gram per tablet) and are a form of soluble fiber.

What is the difference between Konsyl Original Powder and Konsyl Psyllium Capsules?

Konsyl Psyllium Capsule fiber supplements provide a convenient alternative for traveling to the Konsyl Original Powder providing 0.52 grams of psyllium per capsule.

Are Konsyl products gluten free?

Most Konsyl fiber products are gluten free. Those with celiac disease can choose from a Konsyl fiber capsule or powdered fiber supplement, like Konsyl Original, Konsyl Easy Mix or Konsyl Orange for fiber therapy. These Konsyl products are gluten-free and safe for use by those with celiac disease. These Konsyl fiber supplements are made from the psyllium plant, which is in the dicot division. Plants containing gluten are in the monocot division of plants; the two aren’t even related. In Easy Mix, maltodextrin is used to make the psyllium easier to mix. Maltodextrin is a modified food starch derived from corn. Corn is usually acceptable to celiac patients.

Are Konsyl products Kosher?

Konsyl proudly offers many quality kosher fiber supplements. Four Konsyl fiber mixes are independently certified kosher by the OK Kosher Certification.