Health Benefits of Isabgol: Psyllium Husk Uses & Side-effects
Isabgol (Psyllium Husk) Benefits & Side Effects
Although known to be an effective home remedy for constipation, the wonders of Isabgol are not just limited to its role as a laxative. Read on to learn more about how Isabgol benefits us!
What is Isabgol or Psyllium Husk?
A form of fibre that is made from the husk of the Plantago ovata seeds, Isabgol, or Psyllium Husks, is a gluey and oily textured laxative that is popularly used as a digestive remedy for our body. The Plantago ovata, also known as desert Indianwheat, blond plantain, and blond psyllium, is a medicinal plant with long and narrow leaves found majorly in Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region.
The term ‘Isabgol’ derives from the words ‘asp’ and ‘ghol’, which in Sanskrit mean ‘horse flower’. Are you curious to know its benefits and why it has remained a trusted go-to remedy for digestive issues? Keep reading!
Isabgol or Psyllium Husk Uses
Isabgol has been an old-time home remedy for treating constipation, weight loss, diabetes, and many other health conditions. Now let’s check out some of the most commonly known Isabgol benefits.
Isabgol Benefits for Constipation
By being a bulk-forming laxative and rich in fibre, Isabol benefits constipated individuals by making their stool soft and easy to excrete, making it an extremely effective cure for constipation. As it adds unfermented gel to the stool, Isabgol contributes to its easy passage as it acts as an emollient and lubricant.
Isabgol Benefits for Diarrhoea
Isabgol can also benefit those suffering from diarrhoea or faecal incontinence from liquid stools by blocking the calcium ion channels. It also has antisecretory and antidiarrheal properties, which can help get relief from diarrhoea.
Isabgol Benefits for Irritable Bowel System
By undergoing anaerobic fermentation in the intestines, Isabgol fibre produces metabolites that are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, which makes it helpful in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is an intestinal disorder.
Isabgol Benefits for Healthy Gut
Isabgol can also be our gut’s best friend because of its prebiotic properties. Prebiotics are compounds that promote the growth of healthy microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in our gut, which further helps in improving our immune system, making our body strong enough to fight infection, maintain healthy cells, and prevent inflammation.
Isabgol Benefits for Cholesterol Regulation
Studies show that the consumption of soluble fibre can be helpful in managing cholesterol. It has been proven in a study that Isabgol can form a thin layer on our intestines which further prevents the absorption of cholesterol.
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Isabgol Benefits for Heart Health
Isabgol has also proven to be helpful in the prevention of heart diseases. Consuming it as a part of our diet can lower our blood pressure, improve lipid levels, and strengthen our heart muscles.
Isabgol Benefits for Diabetes
Isabgol has also been found to be effective for people with diabetes. The gelatin that Isabgol contains slows down the process of glucose breakdown and absorption into our bodies. Doing so, it can help us in controlling blood sugar levels in our bodies.
Side Effects of Isabgol
Due to its laxative effects and ability to create intestinal bulk, psyllium might have adverse side effects. So, before you decide to go ahead with a daily dose of Isabgol, you might want to consider some of its most common side effects, which include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gas, frequent bowel movements, and nausea.
Make sure to check with your doctor if you start experiencing symptoms like itchiness, difficulties in breathing, rashes appearing on your skin, swelling of the face and throat, and vomiting.
How to Consume Isabgol or Psyllium Husk?
It is highly recommended that Isabgol must be taken in moderation. If you are unsure of whether to add Isabgol into your daily diet or not, consult with your doctor and do as advised.
One of the most common and convenient ways of consuming Isabgol is its powdered form. Just 1-2 tablespoons a day with warm water, and you are good to go.
The powdered form is also used by adding into curd and eating it after a meal.
Isabgol Bhusi, or the pulverised form of Isabgol, is also commonly used for treating different conditions. Isabgol Bhusi are the collapsed layers that are removed from the seeds. The consumption of this form needs to be limited to 5-10 grams of it added into milk, water, or even fruit juice and should be ideally consumed twice a day.
For aiding weight loss, Sat Isabgol is said to be effective. Just 1-2 seeds of Isabgol seeds mixed into 240 ml of warm water with lemon can be extremely helpful in shedding those extra kilos off.
One of the most common and convenient ways of consuming Isabgol is its powdered form. Just 1-2 tablespoons a day with warm water, and you are good to go.
The powdered form is also used by adding into curd and eating it after a meal.
Isabgol Bhusi, or the pulverised form of Isabgol, is also commonly used for treating different conditions. Isabgol Bhusi are the collapsed layers that are removed from the seeds. The consumption of this form needs to be limited to 5-10 grams of it added into milk, water, or even fruit juice and should be ideally consumed twice a day.
For aiding weight loss, Sat Isabgol is said to be effective. Just 1-2 seeds of Isabgol seeds mixed into 240 ml of warm water with lemon can be extremely helpful in shedding those extra kilos off.
One of the most effective ways of treating constipation with Isabgol is by adding it into milk and consuming it before bedtime.
Precautions
If you are consuming Isabgol, please make sure to take the precautions mentioned below that can prevent a few side effects.
- It is best to be avoided if the patient has trouble swallowing or has issues with their throat.
- Isabgol should only be consumed in the recommended dose and time.
- It is also advised to keep track of blood sugar levels since Isabgol has a tendency to lower your blood sugar levels completely.
Conclusion
Being used for centuries for treating various health conditions, Isabgol has constantly maintained its reputation as an effective household remedy. Isabgol is undoubtedly considered one of the best additions to a high-fibre diet.
FAQs
Q. Can Isabgol be taken daily?
A. Yes, a dosage of 10-20 grams of Isabgol can be consumed on a daily basis. However, make sure to drink water with it to avoid any complications.
Q. How does Isabgol benefits us?
A. Isabgol benefits us by fighting constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, cholesterol, etc.
Q. How long does Isabgol take to work?
A. Isabgol mostly takes around 12 to 72 hours to produce a bowel movement. It is recommended to consult a doctor before deciding to continue the consumption of Isabgol for more than seven days.
Q. Is consuming excess amounts of Isabgol okay?
A. No, consuming Isabgol more than recommended can cause side effects, including diarrhoea.
Q. Where can we find Isabgol?
A. Isabgol husk is easily available in the market from brands such as Organic India, Dabur, Patanjali, and a lot more.
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