A Complete Overview Of Isabgol (Psyllium Husk)

If you haven’t heard about Isabgol anytime before, then it’s nothing but a natural product found in India. Even though the name sounds a bit strange, it has a lot of health benefits. So, as you scroll ahead, you can check out more about the substance and the health benefits as well as the side effects.

What is Isabgol?

Known as Psyllium husk, Isabgol is a seed of a plant called Planovate. Generally, the seeds are used to produce mucilage on a large scale. The Psyllium seeds are sourced from the flowers and have a structure similar to wheat grains.

The plant, Planovate is usually grown in regions of North India where the weather is cold and dry. Whenever Psyllium products are sold in the market, they may also be known as Lunelax, Konsyl, Fybogel, and Metamucil.

In colloquial language, the husk is commonly referred to as ‘horse flower’. India is the only country that has been leading in the production and export of Psyllium. Soon after harvesting the crop, the Isabgol seeds are dried properly for making it suitable for storage and milling.

Health Benefits of Isabgol (Psyllium Husk)

Keeps Constipation Under Control

Owing to the laxative properties, Psyllium husk can certainly help to pacify the person if he is unable to manage bowel irregularities. The bowel movement is brought back to normal because the gelatinous substance doesn’t absorb nutrients and is not unaffected by digestive enzymes.

Apart from lubricating the walls of the intestine, the husk has the ability to absorb bacteria and harmful toxins in the intestine. As the husk is hygroscopic in nature, the consistency of the excreta is also improved.

So, to get rid of constipation, adults need to consume two to three teaspoons of Isabgol at least once or thrice during the day. The person should always remember to soak the seeds overnight before consuming the extract.

In case you would be taking Isabgol husk powder, then you should soak the husk in water for five to six hours and drink it along with lukewarm milk.

For controlling diarrhea, the powder could be mixed with curd and can be consumed just before you are having a meal. While curd helps in alleviating the infection, Isabgol tends to make the stool hard.

Isabgol can also control constipation in toddlers and children. According to a renowned pediatrician, the parent should start feeding infants with 1 teaspoon of Asabgol powder every day. Alternatively, they can also sprinkle Psyllium husk flakes on cereals or recipes prepared from fruits and yogurt.

How to Take Isabgol for Constipation in Pregnancy?

If you are a woman who is pregnant, then you should take Asabgol powder along with yogurt. You could probably sprinkle Psyllium husk flakes on the yogurt and consume it slowly for a particular time span.

Offers Relief from Acidity

Isabgol works wonders if you are having acidity. As the effect of the acid is neutralized considerably, Psyllium husks protect the stomach and reduce the excess secretion of the digestive acid.

So, to control the problem, you need to mix Asabgol powder with cold water and have it soon after the meal. Make sure you follow the remedy till you are relieved from acidity.

Cleanse the Colon

Since the husk is hygroscopic in nature, Isabgol absorbs the harmful toxins as it passes through the intestine. Once the colon is cleaned in the most effective way, there’s nothing to worry about health-related issues.

Ideally, you should take the powder with lukewarm water at least three to four days in a month. Ensure that you consume Isabgol powder just before you fall asleep.

Helps to Lose Weight

If you wish to accomplish your fitness goals and lose weight, then Isabgol can always curb food craving. Apart from cleaning the colon, the husk also helps in digesting food properly.

To enjoy the benefits of Isabgol for weight loss, you first need to prepare a mixture by adding Isabgol powder to lemon juice or water. Later, you need to drink the solution on an empty stomach early in the morning.

In case you can’t resist eating food, then drinking the husk with water can fill your stomach and stop the intake of extra calories.

Keeps the Heart Healthy

Besides being hygroscopic in nature, Isabgol contains a lot of fibers. This helps to absorb cholesterol, flush out excess toxins, and keep the stomach as well as the intestine clean. Moreover, the husk also helps to absorb fat that may enter the body through food.

If you don’t know how to consume the husk, then you should take it with water soon after you have finished your meal. Make sure you consume the powder at least twice a day.

Promotes Digestion

If you are facing problems associated with digestion, then you could surely consider consuming Isabgol. Due to the presence of fiber, the husk removes excess toxins and aids in passing food right from the stomach to the intestine.

In order to enhance digestion, you should take Isabgol with buttermilk on a regular basis. The right time to have buttermilk is when you have finished eating your meal.

Controls Diabetes

People who have diabetes can always take Isabgol with water. Since it slows down the breakdown of glucose in the body, the intake of glucose is reduced and the person would be able to control the blood sugar level.

Aids in Curing Piles

Due to the presence of insoluble and soluble fibers, Isabgol can help to relieve the person from piles and fissures. As the husk works towards softening the stools, the food can pass through the digestive system with ease.

So, if you have piles, then you should drink the powder with water before going to bed.

Lowers the Risk of Cancer

As Asabgol is a rich source of dietary fibers, there are fewer chances of esophagus cancer once the person starts eating the husk. Moreover, once the level of dietary fiber increases, the person doesn’t have to worry about colon cancer.

Helps to Combat Kidney Diseases

Since an adequate amount of fiber is supplied to the body, Isabgol always keeps the gastrointestinal tract healthy. This surely helps the person to cope up with chronic kidney diseases.

If your doctor is completely fine with the decision of taking Isabgol, then you should select a brand that contains minerals in sync with the recommended diet.

Good for the Skin

If you are wondering about the benefits of Isabgol for skin, Isabgol can always help the person to deal with acne. The husk should be taken with warm water every morning. While you are using Isabgol, you should source the husk by the brand name ‘Metamucil’. In India, this substance is also called Sat Isabgol.

How to Use Isabgol for Acne?

If you have acne on your face, then you should eat Asabgol 15 minutes before lunch. Besides, you should also drink a sufficient amount of water to stay hydrated.

Isabgol Side Effects

Even though it’s safe to take Asabgol, there are many side effects the person may have to deal with.

Absorption of Medicines

According to a well-known university, regular intake of Psyllium husk can lead to the absorption of medicines. The husk has the power to react with digoxin, bile acid sequestrants, tricyclic antidepressants, and carbamazepine.

So, before thinking about taking a dose of Asabgol or Psyllium husk products, you should consult the doctor as quickly as possible.

Stomach Cramps & Gas

If you are taking the husk more than the usual quantity, then stomach cramps may occur. On the other hand, bloating may be one of the side effects associated with Psyllium husk.

In case the condition persists and becomes unbearable, then you should get in touch with a doctor and seek the best remedy.

Obstruction

Intake of laxatives can block the gastrointestinal tract at certain positions. This side effect is observed when Psyllium husk is not properly mixed with water. The blockage may arise if the person has recently undergone bowel surgery.

So, in order to keep you away from the risk, you shouldn’t think about using Psyllium husk products. In the end, throat conditions and difficulties in swallowing may tend to block the digestive tract at a certain location.

Allergic Reactions

Consuming Asabgol can also lead to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. In such a kind of condition, the person may suffer due to low blood pressure and difficulties in inhaling air.

An allergic reaction can also be indicated by nausea (vomiting sensation), rashes on the skin, and chest tightness.

In case you come across a skin allergy like hives, then it’s could be caused by Asabgol. Once the skin condition worsens, the hives may come together and form large reddish areas known as plagues.

As hives appear anywhere on the body, the person may have to bear the itching sensation and skin burns.

Effects on Warfarin

If the person has been taking an anticoagulant like Warfarin, then he should never consume Psyllium. This is because the husk alters the Vitamin K levels and can have an impact on the dose of Warfarin. In fact, regular intake of Asabgol can change the absorption capacity of the digestive system.

Affects Blood Pressure

If you are suffering from low blood pressure, then you shouldn’t take Psyllium husk. In case it’s necessary, then you should consult the physician and check out the appropriate dose.

Worsens Phenylketonuria

If you have a birth defect like Phenylketonuria, then you shouldn’t be taking Isabgol. Due to the presence of an artificial sweetener, the person may observe a hike in the level of amino acids.

So, to be on the safer side, you should speak with the doctor right away and know how you mitigate the allergic reaction. It’s better to take an injection of epinephrine, but if you fail to do so, then the condition can become worse and aggravate health-related issues.

We hope you have learned everything about Isabgol. As you can see there are many benefits of consuming Asabgol. Let us know what you think about the husk through your comments.