Psyllium Husk is one of the most natural supplements you can take to support your health. It is most commonly used for its ability to support your digestive health, but not only!
Today, there are several studies that confirm the beneficial properties of Psyllium Husk on your overall health. Let’s dig in.
Great Source of Fiber
In today’s world, many of us struggle with getting enough fiber from fruits, vegetables and high quality grains. Our diets are filled with processed foods that contain minimal nutrients for our bodies. Psyllium husk is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. It contains 70% soluble fiber and 30% insoluble fiber.
But beware! If you suddenly start consuming too much fiber, you might experience annoying side effects like stomach cramps, gas and bloating. Remember, balance is key. Start with smaller amounts, so your body can get used to the added fiber in your diet.
Moreover, your body needs water when you supplement with fibers like psyllium husk. Find out more in our next point.
Helps Relieve Constipation
The fiber in psyllium husk gives a great stimulation to your bowel movement. Both soluble and insoluble fiber play a key role in relieving constipation. BUT! For psyllium husk to work its magic in your digestive tract, you need to consume it with plenty of water. You should take one serving (2 capsules) of our Psyllium Husk with at least one 8 oz. glass of water and drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day as well.
Fiber softens the stool and thus helps relieve the symptoms of constipation. Soluble fiber absorbs water (this is why it’s important to consume it with water or liquids!) and forms a gel-like substance that will help aid in proper digestion. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to this gel and helps it move through your digestive tract quicker (Source).
Reduces the Symptoms of Diarrhea
So if psyllium husk helps treat constipation, how can it relieve the symptoms of diarrhea? Easy! Because psyllium husk soaks up water, it will do the same exact same thing in your digestive tract, and eliminate the excess amount of water that causes diarrhea (Source). This will help make stool firmer and slow down the runs.
If you’re struggling with diarrhea, don’t take psyllium husk with too much liquids, as the goal is to soak up all of the excess water in your digestive tract. Instead, take it with yogurt or sprinkle some on your cereal.
Relieves Acidity Problems
Psyllium husk helps to maintain healthy and balanced pH levels in your intestines. A study published in 2018 showed how patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease a k a acid reflux can benefit from supplementing with psyllium husk (Source). Psyllium husk forms a protective layer to your stomach’s lining that helps combat the burning sensation we know as heartburn.
Reduces Cravings and Promotes Satiety
We’ve already mentioned that you need to take psyllium husk with plenty of water for it to work properly in your system. Why? Because psyllium husk can expand up to 40 times its regular size when combined with liquids!
To reduce cravings and keep you full longer, take psyllium husk before your meals. And of course this has been shown in studies as well. For example, one study showed how taking 3-6 grams of psyllium husk right before a meal increased the sensation of satiety and decreased hunger later on during the day (Source).
Likewise, another study indicates that taking psyllium husk before a meal helped the subjects feel full longer and also decreased their total fat intake during the day. (Source)
Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels
In addition to supporting your digestion, psyllium husk is a great way to naturally lower cholesterol levels. A study published already back in 1989 already indicates that psyllium husk can lower high cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic patients without any adverse side effects (Source).
Furthermore, another study showed psyllium husk being an effective way to naturally lower total and LDL cholesterol a k a bad cholesterol levels. Also, the researchers noted that the reduction of cholesterol levels progressed largely over time. (Source)
Helps Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Psyllium husk has also been shown to help balance blood sugar levels by decreasing glucose absorption in type 2 diabetic patients (Source). Further, multiple studies have shown the benefits of water-soluble fibers like psyllium husk on lowering blood sugar levels.
The researchers recommend to take at least 5 grams of psyllium husk with meals at least twice daily for it to have a full effect on slowing down glucose absorption and thus balancing blood sugar levels. (Source)
As you learned, psyllium husk has many health benefits and it’s a safe way to support your health in different areas. Click HERE to buy our all natural and super convenient Psyllium Husk capsules and find out more about it!
PS! If you’re not done reading for today, here is one of our older blog posts about the weight loss benefits of psyllium husk.
on the Metamucil jar is suggest taking 5 tabs a day 2X for reducing cholesterol. how many tabs a day should I take of your product to reduce my cholesterol? Please advise.
Dear Keith,
Some studies suggest that taking 3.4 grams of Psyllium Husk three times a day may help lower cholesterol levels. One serving (2 capsules) of our Psyllium Husk contains 1.45 grams, so 3.4 grams would be about 4-5 capsules. However, please consult supplementing with this amount of Psyllium Husk with your doctor first. As it is a big amount of fiber, you must drink at least 10 big glasses of water or even more throughout the day to not experience any negative symptoms like bloating or other digestive issues.
I hope this helps!
Laura
NutriONN