Isabgol, also known as psyllium husk, is a common dietary supplement used to treat constipation, digestive problems, and some other non-digestive problems. It contains 70 percent soluble fiber and, as a result, acts as a bulking laxative. Isabgol's effectiveness depends to a large extent on individual medical needs and the route of administration.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Standard Instructions for Use
Step 1. Use Isabgol for constipation
The main benefit of Isabgol is in the treatment of mild to moderate constipation. Although it is believed to treat a number of other medical problems, these uses are not approved by the professional uses of the medicine.
- Isabgol increases the content of your stool. This increase in mass promotes movement through the intestines.
- What's more, Isabgol increases the water content of your stool, making it softer and easier to pass.
- Most studies state that Isabgol increases stool mass and movement through the intestines on a daily basis, and also decreases the total transit time in the digestive tract. This substance is even used as an ingredient in laxatives.
Step 2. Follow medical instructions
If your doctor has prescribed Isabgol for you, follow their directions for use and dosage. If you are not using Isabgol as directed by your doctor, follow the directions in the instructions for use.
- Typically, you will need to take 5-10 grams of Isabgol (1-2 teaspoons) daily with 240 milliliters of liquid (8 ounces) until the constipation subsides. However, the exact dosage may vary depending on age, medical condition, and treatment response.
- It is highly recommended to check with your doctor before starting treatment with Isabgol, no matter what you intend to treat.
- If you have any questions or concerns, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Step 3. Take your supplement with one glass of liquid
Typically, you can take Isabgol in powder, tablet, or capsule form. Whichever dosage form you choose, always take the supplement with one glass of water or other liquid to avoid choking.
- Take Isabgol tablets with at least 240 milliliters of water (8 ounces).
- If using powder, dissolve in 240 milliliters of liquid (8 ounces). Add powder to liquid, stir well and drink immediately. Note that Isabgol can swell and become thick if allowed to settle to the bottom and soak up water.
- If you are taking Isabgol capsules, chew them well before swallowing. Then drink a glass of liquid.
Part 2 of 3: Supplemental Digestive Uses
Step 1. Treat diarrhea by mixing Isabgol with curd
Add about 10 grams of Isabgol (2 teaspoons) to 15 grams of fresh cottage cheese (3 teaspoons) and mix well. Eat this mixture immediately after a meal.
- To achieve positive results, take this mixture twice a day.
- The consistency of the curd makes Isabgol act differently in the intestines. Instead of softening the stool further, Isabgol increases the amount of contents in the intestines and helps make loose stools hard.
- The mixture of curd and Isabgol also delivers a significant dose of probiotics to your stomach, which can help address the root cause of diarrhea.
- In the professional medical environment, this product is often used to treat diarrhea in tube feeding patients.
Step 2. Trust Isabgol to regulate your digestive system
If you suffer from any form of mucous colitis or any other digestive problems, dilute 10 grams of Isabgol (2 teaspoons) in 240 milliliters of water (8 ounces) and drink immediately. Repeat the dose once a day until your disorder is gone.
- You can also drink Isabgol with buttermilk or regular milk for a similar effect.
- Because Isabgol contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, it helps to cleanse your stomach more evenly, improving your intestines' ability to flush out waste faster.
- In just a few weeks, a healthy and toxin-free stomach and intestines, regularly emptied of toxins, will make the entire digestive system healthier and functioning properly.
Step 3. Ease the pain of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
Before going to bed, dilute 10 grams of Isabgol powder (2 teaspoons) in warm water until dissolved. Drink the mixture right away.
- Isabgol's soluble and insoluble fiber helps cleanse the intestines. Absorbs the rest of the water in your intestines, Isabgol also makes your stools softer, making it easier and more painless to pass.
- Fissures in the anus (tears and fissures in the anus) and hemorrhoids (also called "hemorrhoids") can result from chronic or acute constipation. If your stools remain hard, irritation may develop and the condition will gradually worsen.
- With softer stools, your anus does not stretch or deform in this way. As a result, previous injuries and injuries are more likely to heal.
Step 4. Treat acid reflux
If you suffer from acid reflux or another condition caused by an acidic stomach, take 10 grams of Isabgol (2 teaspoons) diluted in 120-240 milliliters of cold milk (1/2-1 cup) after each meal.
- Both milk and Isabgol help eliminate acidity.
- The husk of Isabgol covers the lining of the stomach, intestines and lower esophagus. This coating reduces the incidence of burns and general damage caused by gastric acidity.
- Isabgol also regulates the amount of gastric acid secreted by the organ. The less gastric juice, the less irritation.
Part 3 of 3: Non-Digestive Benefits
Step 1. Lose weight by consuming Isabgol with lemon water
Dissolve 10 grams of Isabgol (2 teaspoons) in 240 milliliters of warm water (8 ounces), adding 5-10 milliliters of freshly squeezed lemon juice (1-2 teaspoons). Prepare the mixture and drink immediately before eating.
- You can also drink this mixture in the morning as soon as you wake up.
- The mass that Isabgol creates fills your stomach, so you eat less when you eat.
- Isabgol also cleanses the intestines, so it will help you flush out any waste that clogs your digestive system and slows down your metabolism.
Step 2. Maintain your heart health
Take one Isabgol capsule once daily immediately after meals to help keep your heart healthy.
- Alternatively, you can take Isabgol in the morning as soon as you wake up.
- Isabgol's fiber is believed to lower blood cholesterol levels. Since the supplement is low in fat, it doesn't have a detrimental effect on your cholesterol.
- In theory, Isabgol coats the lining of your intestines and prevents your blood from absorbing cholesterol from the rest of the food you eat. As a result, your blood cholesterol levels drop.
Step 3. Fight diabetes by taking Isabgol regularly
Dissolve 5-10 grams of Isabgol powder (1-2 teaspoons) in 240 milliliters of milk or water (8 ounces) and take each time you eat. Do this regularly.
- When Isabgol is processed by your digestive system, a thick, gel-like substance forms that coats the walls of your intestines. This coating slows down the breakdown processes and the rate of glucose absorption. Since your body will absorb glucose more slowly and more evenly, your blood sugar will be much less likely to jump.
- If you have diabetes, you should avoid taking Isabgol with cottage cheese. Due to imbalances in your body, taking Isabgol with cottage cheese for diabetes is more likely to lead to constipation.
Advice
- You can buy Isabgol at most supermarkets and grocery stores.
- It is safer to use pre-packaged Isabgol, as unpackaged Isabgol may contain impurities.
- Unflavored Isabgol is generally considered to be more potent than flavored varieties. But if you absolutely hate the taste of Isabgol, the flavored version will work as well. These flavored varieties are commonly labeled as “dietary Isabgol”.
Warnings
- Isabgol can reduce the absorption of other medicines you are taking, thus making them less effective. Therefore, you need to take Isabgol at least two hours before or two hours after taking other medicines.
- Do not take Isabgol for more than seven days in a row unless directed by your doctor.
- Notify your doctor if your condition changes or worsens.
- Always take Isabgol with plenty of liquid to avoid choking. If you don't use enough fluids, the drug can actually block your larynx, digestive tract, or intestines.
- Excessive intake of Isabgol can cause increased bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
- Avoid taking Isabgol for chronic constipation. If used too often, your digestive system can become dependent on this supplement and cannot function effectively without it. It is much better to regulate fiber levels with a diet containing fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.