Psyllium is a dietary plant fibre obtained from broadly categorized genus Plantago. Now dietary fibre or better-known roughage is a fibre that isn’t digested by small intestine and works and passes through the large intestine. Psyllium is available in form of husk, powder, capsules or liquid medication. When co-ingested with ample water, this Psyllium husk becomes a magic potion with below-listed benefits:
Bye-Bye Constipation: Ok, I didn’t mention but Psyllium is also known as Isabgol. Yes, the very same one we commonly heard in our homes. It is a bulk forming laxative. It along with digested food from the small intestine absorbs water increasing the bulk and moisture, making it easier to pass stools. A sufficient dosage of it relieves constipation.
Treat Diarrhoea: Interestingly, even though it is commonly used to remove constipation, the same water absorbing capability of this fibre, makes it capable of helping to remove mild diarrhea. It slows down the stool passage by absorbing water and making it bulky, hence you end up with lesser trips to the washroom.
Promotes Healthy Heart: Well more than tummy friendly, this potion works its magic on heart too. It lowers LDL Cholesterol level. It also works to reduce glucose levels in the body. That’s not all it’s also seen that adding it to your diet can help lower blood pressure, triglycerides level, all conducive to a healthy heart.
There are some more yet to be proven benefits, like it leaves a person more satiated hence you eat less, it also aids bowel movement, so it is considered an aider with your weight management. Also, it is considered a good prebiotic and helps flourish the probiotics in the gut, so overall better for the digestive tract.
Precautions:
These days people are into trying new stuff. As long as it’s believed to give them their desired result, we jump the wagons too quick. Also for faster result, overdoing it is in fashion too. This brought us to the next segment if you should take it without proper consultation. When brewing a potion, the right ingredients and the right quantities are paramount for it to work. So don’t go with half knowledge, Psyllium has a few side effects as well.
Although, we admit not many, a few. Continuous usage of it can create flatulence or bloat. It also makes absorption of certain medication difficult or delayed. So if you are on some medication, make sure to consult your physician before adding it to your diet. Again, if you suffer from low blood pressure or low glucose levels, then steer clear of them especially without consultation. Rarely, but in some cases, it can cause allergy, rashes, shortness of breath. Some problems may worsen instead of getting better, so again consult. Now if you are a healthy person, and face no such dilemmas then you may add it to your diet in small portions. Normally about 5gm three times a day is enough for you to start with and for it to work its wonders. Also if you do not wish for it to choke you, make sure to drink enough water with it. Rest follow the instruction provided on the box.
When it comes to health, no one size fits all works. Based on yourself and your requirements, look for your own special ingredients and develop your own magic potion.