Disclaimer: This article by Wonder Foods is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. Always consult your healthcare practitioner for personalised guidance.

If you’ve struggled with constipation, bloating, slow digestion, or irregularity, you’ve probably heard of psyllium husk — one of the world’s most researched natural fibres. 

But what many people don’t know is that psyllium does much more than “bulk up” your stool. It also changes your gut microbiome in ways that support long-term digestive health.

A landmark clinical study published in The International Journal of Molecular Sciences explored how psyllium affects the gut bacteria of both healthy adults and people with chronic constipation. 

The results were surprising — and incredibly promising for anyone wanting deeper gut support.

(You can read the more information here.)

Below, we break down what the research found — and how products containing psyllium, such as Gut Health Relief, work to soothe the gut, improve regularity, and support a healthy microbiome.

What Psyllium Actually Does Inside Your Gut

Most fibres are either highly fermentable (like inulin fibre) or mostly bulking (like cellulose).

Psyllium is unique:

It works as both a bulking agent and a prebiotic, supporting several aspects of digestive health.

Here’s what the clinical research showed.

1. Psyllium softens stools by increasing stool water

The study confirmed that psyllium:

• Pulls water into the intestine
• Softens the stool
• Makes bowel movements easier to pass
• Increases colonic hydration

This explains why psyllium is one of the most effective natural constipation supports used by health professionals.

2. Psyllium changes the microbiome, especially in constipated individuals

Healthy adults experienced only minor shifts.

But constipated adults showed significant improvements in microbial composition.

Psyllium increased several beneficial genera such as:

• Lachnospira
• Faecalibacterium
• Phascolarctobacterium
• Roseburia
• Veillonella
• Sutterella

These bacteria are known for producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — vital compounds that:

• Support gut lining health
• Reduce inflammation
• Fuel colon cells
• Promote regular motility

SCFA production is one reason psyllium often leads to more comfortable and predictable bowel movements.

3. Psyllium supports butyrate-producing bacteria

The study found that increases in stool water were directly linked to increases in:

• Roseburia
• Lachnospira
• Faecalibacterium

These genera are the gut’s main butyrate producers.

Butyrate is one of the most important molecules in gut health because it:

• Nourishes the intestinal lining
• Helps tighten the gut barrier
• Reduces bloating and inflammation
• Supports smooth bowel function

Psyllium doesn’t just regulate — it nourishes.

4. Improvements in transit time = better microbiome balance

Researchers found that:

• Faster gut transit
• Softer stools
• Higher SCFA levels

…all correlated with healthier bacterial diversity.

In other words, psyllium can help shift the gut environment from “stagnant and sluggish” to “active and balanced.”

How Gut Health Relief Uses Psyllium to Support a Healthier Gut

Gut Health Relief combines psyllium husk with a blend of soothing and prebiotic ingredients designed to calm, balance, and nourish the digestive system.

This premium formula includes:

✔ Psyllium Husk

Supports regularity, softens the stool, and encourages beneficial bacteria — reflecting the exact benefits seen in the Jalanka et al. study.

✔ Slippery Elm Bark

Slippery Elm bark forms a soothing gel that coats and calms the digestive tract; traditionally used for IBS-type discomfort.

✔ Yucca Root

Yucca root may reduce digestive inflammation and support cleansing.

✔ Organic Inulin (Jerusalem Artichoke)

A fermentable prebiotic fibre that feeds good bacteria.

✔ Sunflower Lecithin

Sunflower lecithin may help reduce bloating and gas; supports fat digestion.

✔ Roasted Carob & Sprouted Brown Rice Protein

Carob provides antioxidants, plant nutrients, and extra fibre.

This combination works synergistically to support:

• Softer, easier-to-pass stools
• Nourishment of gut-lining cells
• A more balanced microbiome
• Reduced bloating and discomfort
• A calmer, more regular digestive rhythm

How to Use It

Add 1 teaspoon (approx. 4g) of Gut Health Relief to:

• Water
• Juice
• Smoothies
• Yoghurt or cereal

Stir and drink immediately, then follow with a glass of water.

The Bottom Line

The research is clear: psyllium is not just a laxative — it’s a microbiome-modulating, stool-softening, gut-nourishing fibre with unique benefits for people experiencing constipation, bloating, or irregularity.

When combined with soothing botanicals like slippery elm and prebiotics like inulin, psyllium becomes even more effective at supporting long-term digestive health.

For those wanting a natural, plant-based approach to gut comfort and microbiome balance, Gut Health Relief offers a well-rounded, research-aligned option.