Isabgol or psyllium – 8 reasons to have it everyday

Isabgol just doesn't treat constipation it does you a whole deal of good..

Pavitra Sampath | Updated: August 28, 2015 4:02 pm

In India, isabgol or psyllium husk is found in almost every household as it is an effective home remedy for treating and relieving common gastro-intestinal troubles. However, its health benefits are not just limited to digestive health. Among the numerous benefits that it offers, here are top 8 of them that will compel you to include this husk in your diet.

1# It relieves constipation: Isabgol is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, which makes it a great remedy for constipation. It expands in the stomach on consumption and helps push its contents out of the body. Being hygroscopic in nature, it absorbs water from the digestive tract, improves consistency of stools, thereby relieving constipation. Want some more home remedies to treat constipation? Read about how lemon juice relieves constipation.

How to use: For relief from constipation, mix two spoons of isabgol in a glass of warm milk and drink it just before you go to bed. Here are eight foods that would help you to detox naturally and improve your metabolism.

2# It treats diarrhea: A home remedy that can relieve both constipation and diarrhea? Sounds unbelievable right? Well, isabgol can help with this problem as well. When consumed with curd, isabgol effectively relieves upset stomach by adding bulk to stool. Curd gives your stomach the right amount of probiotics to heal the infection and isabgol helps harden runny stools treating diarrhea in a jiffy. Here are five simple tips to control diarrhea in children.

How to use: For relief from diarrhea, mix two spoons of isabgol with three spoons of fresh curd and eat this mixture right after a meal. Make sure you eat it about two times a day for effective results.

3# It treats acidity: Acidity is a problem that most people suffer from and isabgol is the best natural remedy for the condition. When consumed the husk coats the stomach lining with a protective layer and in turn protects it from the irritation due to acidity. Moreover, since it helps in proper digestion and secretion of stomach acids, isabgol also reduces the number of acidity episodes one might suffer from.

How to use: Have two spoons of isabgol mixed in half a glass of cold milk after your meals. It will help nullify excessive acid production and stop the occurrence of acidity.

4# It helps in weight loss: Isabgol is a great tool that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. It makes you feel full for a longer time and curbs cravings. Apart from that, it is also known as a great colon cleanser. It helps clean out all the waste products inside the stomach, making your digestion more effective and keeps you healthy. Moreover, according to Ayurveda, it also helps clear out the ama (toxic waste products often lining the walls of the stomach) which also helps keep other digestive disorders at bay. Here are five best strength training exercises for weight loss!

How to use: Mix isabgol in warm water with lemon and drink the it right before your meal. You could also have it the first thing in the morning to help with weight loss as well.

5# It improves digestion: It not only promotes cleansing of the stomach contents but also enhances peristaltic movement (contraction of stomach to help in movement of food through the intestine) and bowel mobility. Now get your digestive system in order with these home remedies that improve your appetite

How to use: Give your digestion a boost by drinking a glass of isabgol water on a regular basis. Alternatively, you could have it with chaas or buttermilk after your meal. A word of caution – make sure you drink it as soon as you add the isabgol since the husk tends to swell and solidify.

6# It keeps your heart healthy: The fibre present in isabgol is great to reduce cholesterol levels, which in turn protect your heart. What makes it so special is that it is high in fibre and low in fat, exactly what doctors recommend when it comes to preventing heart disease. It works by forming a thin layer along your intestinal walls and prevents the absorption of cholesterol from the foods you eat – effectively reducing the serum cholesterol levels in your blood. This also helps eliminate any excessive cholesterol that could later end up blocking the arteries of your heart – protecting you from heart disease and coronary artery disease. Read about five foods that may increase your cholesterol level.

How to use: To keep your heart healthy, make it a point to eat isabgol every day either right after your meals or first thing in the morning.

7# It helps prevent diabetes: Isabgol is also great for people with diabetes. The gel like substance it forms when ingested is very effective in slowing down the process of breakdown and absorption of glucose into the body, thereby helping in better control of your diabetes.

Tip: Have isabgol after every meal, ideally with milk or water. Avoid having it with curd as it can lead to constipation.

8# It cures anal fissures and piles: Since the fibres present in isabgol are both insoluble and soluble in nature, isabgol is great for those suffering from painful conditions like anal fissures and piles. Not only does it help clear their bowels effectively, it also softens their stools by absorbing water from the surrounding parts of the intestine – making the passage of stool smooth and pain free. Moreover, due to its innate nature to help in easy defecation, isabgol also helps aid the healing of fissures, as it protects the anus from stretching too much while the person passes motion and prevents the rupture of healing wounds.

How to use: Drink isabgol mixed in warm water every night or right before you go to bed. This will help regularise and soften your stools. Here’s a way to kick start your day with a healthy isabgol smoothie. Tips to buy isabgol: Commonly found in any supermarket or general store, isabgol is very easy to come by.

The best way to buy it is pre-packaged.
Avoid lose isabgol as it may contain impurities and adulterants that might not give you the best results.
Also, prefer plain non-flavoured forms of isabgol over flavoured ones. These are more natural and work better on your stomach.
Commonly sold dieter’s isabgol is nothing but plain isabgol mixed with artificial flavours and colours, both of which are extremely bad for health.

Disclaimer: These are only home remedies and are not to be used in place of proper medical advice. Please visit your doctor if your symptoms persist.

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Published: August 14, 2015 7:58 pm | Updated:August 28, 2015 4:02 pm

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