Psyllium Husk Benefits in Weight Loss

Psyllium husks, also known as ‘isabgol‘ or ‘isphagula’, are portions of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata, (genus plantago). They are indigenous to India and Pakistan. Psyllium husk is the outer shell of the seeds from this plant that frequently ground to extract a clear, glue-like substance called mucilage. This mucilage contains a high-level of soluble fiber and other beneficial constituents that are frequently used to treat a variety of ailments. A psyllium husk was introduced to the United States as herb to relieve constipation. Psyllium husks are extremely rich source of fibers and so now they are considered as an effective fiber supplement.

Oat bran, a good source of fiber, provides about five grams of fiber per 1/3 rd cup while psyllium husk provides up to 71g of fiber for that same one-third of a cup. So, the psyllium husks are the favorite of many manufacturers who make dietary fiber supplements and powders. Psyllium husk are soluble in water and expands and becomes mucilaginous on wetting. Also, they are indigestible which makes it useful to promote healthy bowels, and other gastrointestinal functions. Nowadays, people are interested in using psyllium husk for purpose of weight loss.

Appropriate intake of daily dietary fiber can help to improve your digestive health. After the ingestion of psyllium husks, they travel through the human digestive system and absorb water and toxins. On coming to contact to water, psyllium seeds swell 10-20 times their size. This results in bulkier as well as softer stool that leads to fewer problems with passing stool. It is recommended to drink adequate amount of water if you are taking a fiber supplement. It is beneficial for those people who suffer from obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. The main focus of this article is on how psyllium husk is used for weight loss.

Psyllium for Weight Loss:

• Soluble Fiber:
  • The husk of the psyllium is derived from mucilage or soluble fiber which is easily dissolved but not readily digested and absorbed in the digestive tract. As the fiber component is responsible for decreasing appetite and so weight loss with the consumption of psyllium husk is possible.
• Stomach full Sensation:
  • Intake of psyllium husk supplement also raise the sensation of fullness in an individual. Thus, consumption of smaller portion of meal helps in consuming fewer calories, resulting in weight loss.
• Eliminate old fecal matter:
  
  • Psyllium husk also helps to eliminate the fecal matter from your body on consumption, resulting in weight loss. The size of the stomach decreases after the removal of fecal matter from your body. Also, an individual acquires lighter body. Psyllium husks are also recommended by the dietitians for weight loss.
• High Fiber Diet:
  
  • High fiber diet has an important role to maintain the weight. Regular intake of high fiber diet helps to control cholesterol level thus resulting in weight loss. It has been proved by the studies that even with a higher fat diet, regular and appropriate eating of psyllium husk can lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL), known as ‘bad cholesterol’ by about 7%. And so helps in maintaining weight.
• Psyllium Husk Supplements:
  
  • Psyllium husk supplements help to pass more fats in stools and so help in weight loss. Also, they push the ingested food out of the body. In order to lose weight fast, doctors also prescribe psyllium husk supplement.

Psyllium husk also enhances lipid and sugar levels in the blood and so effectively reduces body weight. Psyllium husk acts as laxative and so gives the benefit of weight loss.

Consumption of Psyllium husk:

To promote weight loss, take this herb in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. As it is full of fiber, it is best to take with half of the manufacturer’s suggested dosage. Consume this herb 10 to 20 minutes before meals as an aid to weight loss. Start by mixing the psyllium husk to an 8-oz. glass of cow’s milk, juice, or soy milk. You can increase the dosage by one-eighth over three weeks. Psyllium is also available as chewable tablets or wafers. Ensure that these are completely chewed and instantly followed by a glass of liquid.

Precautions:

Psyllium husk is better than other chemical powders or tablets available in the market as it is a healthy natural colon cleanser that helps in weight loss. Remember that it is not an actual fat burner. Along with the intake of psyllium husk, balanced diet and exercise are necessary to lose weight. It can be a part of a low fat detox diet. Generally, it is suggested for overall improvement in health and for raising your fiber intake. Mainly, it helps in natural bodily waste removal, which in turn enhances colon condition and increases body metabolism. Psyllium helps to boost your feeling of fullness and decreases hunger cravings. As per doctors recommendation, Psyllium husk should not be consumed if you:

• Have diabetes
• Have difficulty swallowing
• Are pregnant
• Are under 7 years old
• Have/had stomach problems before

Side Effects of Psyllium Husk:

• Pregnant women and children should not eat psyllium husk.
• People who are inclined to allergies should not eat psyllium husk.
• Allergic reaction can cause mild rash and in severe cases one can experience vomiting, hives and wheezing.
• People, who are already consuming laxatives, should not eat psyllium husk.
• Those who have suffered from serious bowel conditions have experienced further trouble with the consumption of psyllium husk. For example, those who have/had a bowel surgery or problems with the colon have shown these side effects of taking psyllium husk.
• As it absorbs lots of water, make sure that you take plenty of other fluids along with the intake of psyllium husk. Otherwise, it will lead to dehydration.

Other benefits of Psyllium husk:

• Psyllium husk is considered as best remedy for mild and moderate cases of diarrhea, as it firms up stools and allows for its slower passage.
• It works great for constipation and relieves pain related with hemorrhoids.
• Psyllium husk sucks up toxins and works like friendly bacteria in your stomach.
• It reduces bloating and flatulence.
• It works great for stomach and intestinal ulcers.
• It is used to treat heartburn.
• It is considered as a safe natural laxative.
• It helps you to maintain normal blood pressure levels.
• Also, it helps to lower blood sugar levels in patients diagnosed with diabetes.
• It stabilizes the imbalance in hormones.

Psyllium husk tip.wmv video from Youtube:

Fibre Boost – Psyllium Husk video from Youtube:

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