Isabgol in everyday life acts as a good home remedy for health

Isabgol in everyday life acts as a good home remedy for your health. Known as a common remedy for effective weight loss and clearing out the toxins from the stomach, it is very effective in treating constipation, diarrhea and the symptoms of anal fissures.

Isabgol known as psyllium huskis derived from the seeds of the plant plantago ovate. It has its roots in the Sanskrit words ”asp” and ”ghol”. Together meaning ”horse flower’’. The plant has long and narrow leaves and contains around 70 % soluble fibre and 30% insoluble fibre.

1. Prebiotic effects:

Prebiotics are non digestable compounds that nourish intestinal bacteria and help grow. Psyllium is a prebiotic – a substance needed for healthy colonies of probiotics to grow in the gut. A healthy colony of good bacteria in the digestive system is essential for healthy immune function. This means it soaks up water in your gut and makes bowel movements much easier. Your body is better able to fight infection, reduce inflammation and maintain healthy tissue and cells.

Although psyllium is somewhat resistant to fermentation, intestinal bacteria can ferment a small portion of psyllium fibres. This fermentation can produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) including butyrate. Also, because it ferments more slowly than other fibers, psyllium does not increase gas and digestive discomfort.

2. Helps in constipation:

Psyllium husk when eaten expands in the stomach and helps push its contents out of the body. Another great effect of isabgol is that it has a very sticky texture when it comes in contact with water. Moreover it can absorb moisture from surrounding areas, helping to effectively moisten hardened stools and relieve constipation. And also the sticky texture (gel) absorbs bacteria and other harmful toxins that are present in the intestine.

Initially it works by binding to partially digested food that is passing from the stomach into small intestine. It then helps with the absorption of water, which increases the size and moisture of stools. The end product is bigger & easier to pass stools. ”Mix 2 spoons of isabgol in a glass of warm milk and drink it just before you go to bed”.

3. Regulates blood sugar:

People with diabetes have to be mindful of their diet to maintain a healthy balance of insulin and blood sugar (glucose). 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. ”Have isabgol after every meal, ideally with milk or water. Avoid having it with curd as it can lead to constipation”.

4. A remedy for anal fissure and piles:

Since the fibres present in isabgol are both insoluble and soluble in nature, isabgol is great for those suffering from painful condition like anal fissure 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 helps aid in the healing of fissures, as it protect the anus from stretching too much while the person passes motion and prevents the rupture of healing wounds. ”Drink isabgol mixed in warm water right before you go to bed”.

5. No more acidity:

Husk coats the stomach lining with a protective layer and in turn protects it from the burn of 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. ”Have 2 spoon of isabgol mixed in half glass of water”. It will help nullify excessive acid production & stop the occurrence of acidity.

6. It may boost satiety and aid weight loss:

Fibers that form viscous compounds, including psyllium, can help control appetite and aid weight loss. It may aid appetite control by slowing down stomach emptying and reducing appetite. Decreased appetite and calorie intake may support weight loss. “First in the morning, consume isabgol powder mixed with water and lemon juice”.

7. Relieves diarrhoea:

Isabgol does this by acting as a water-absorbing agent. It can increase stool thickness and slow down its passage through the colon. When consuming with curd, the curd gives your stomach the right amount of probiotics to heal the infection. “Mix two spoons of isabgol in 3 spoons of fresh curd and eat this mixture right after a meal”.

8. Boost digestion:

Packed with both soluble and insoluble fibers, isabgol is perfect to keep your digestion in proper working condition. It not only promotes the proper cleansing of the stomach contents, but also enhances peristaltic movement (contraction of the stomach to help in the movement of food through the intestine) and bowel mobility. “Drink a glass of buttermilk or water by adding a spoon of isabgol, after your meals”.

9. Seems to be good for heart:

All types of fiber can be good for the heart. Dietary fiber can improve cholesterol; lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity. It works by forming a thin layer along your intestinal walls and prevents the absorption from the foods you eat.

10. It lowers cholesterol levels:

Psyllium binds to fat and bile acids, helping the body to excrete them. In the process of replacing these lost bile acids, the liver uses cholesterol to produce more. As a result blood cholesterol level decreases. This is because isabgol forms a thick wall around your walls and prevents your body from absorbing cholesterol, which is called as hygroscopic property. “Daily drink a glass of water by adding a spoon of isabgol and tspn of chia seeds before going to bed”.