Oh, Fiber…
We often take care of our health only when the body begins to send negative signals. An unexpected drop in energy levels, a more difficult digestive process, or a worse skin condition can mean a lack of dietary fiber rather than a short-term ailment.
According to dietitians, we could prevent certain health problems if we adjusted our diet, included nutrients, and consumed enough fiber. Thanks, Captain Obvious.
Unfortunately, the benefits of fiber are not widely known in society. A survey showed that just 7% of Americans consume the right amount of fiber. Meaning, only 7% even know fiber exists, including its health benefits of reducing the risk of heart disease and colon cancer.
Lack of fiber can often cause unpleasant sensations in the intestine, such as constipation and bloating. Dietary fiber helps good intestinal bacteria to survive and multiply, as well as maintain healthy microbiota. With enough fiber, the digestive process is smoother and we feel lighter. Both types of fiber are important for our body – soluble and insoluble.
And talking about soluble fiber, let’s dive deep into the miracle worker of gut health – psyllium husk.
Psyllium Husk – What Is It?
It’s a diet hack for getting lean and a total game-changer.
It’s a secret ingredient that will give you astronomical results.
Wanted to achieve that bombshell body with a snatched waist? Psyllium husk to the rescue!
Or, in simple words, psyllium husk is a type of soluble fiber (which is different from insoluble fiber such as… a vegetable). Soluble fiber stands out because it holds up a bunch of liquid in your gut and forms a gel-like substance in your stomach, which makes you feel fuller for longer with that hugged, absorbed, and soaked water so that even if you feel angry, you will only have a couple of berries.
The Cradle of Psyllium
Psyllium comes from the seeds of a plantain variety in the genus Plantago. And no, not plantains as in bananas, but a huge source of nutritious, edible, and medicinal plants used in centuries.
The husks are the seed coats of the whole seed (sometimes called ispaghula or isabgol), and their main part is used for the high fiber content.
Why Is This Magical Powder So Amazing?
There are multiple health benefits of psyllium husk, but one of the best is helping you lose those extra pounds without any struggle.
When we dive into the horrendous world of diets, one thing everybody will shout is “calorie deficit”! We know that, you know that, it’s simple and obvious, yet, it’s very difficult to maintain and track your calorie intake when you’re hungry.
That’s when psyllium husk comes into play. It will help curb your hunger and keep you satiated for longer – and that is the magic of it.
Other benefits:
- Maintains regular bowel movements
- Helps regulate blood sugar
- Lowers cholesterol
- Helps prevent constipation
Where Can You Find It?
You can easily find most psyllium forms in most grocery and drug stores, bigger malls (Walmart, Target, Tesco), or online.
Psyllium Husk in Your Diet
There are various ways to incorporate psyllium into your diet, whether it be a pure extract used on its own or blended in a delicious recipe.
You can buy organic psyllium that comes in husks (little grains, seeds) or powder. The difference is volume, but the effect is the same. For a finer texture, we suggest sprinkling the powder form onto dishes, but it’s totally up to you.
The only headache is that you have to carefully measure psyllium by yourself – remember, the recommended daily dose is up to 7.8g. Another drawback is that psyllium by itself can taste quite disgusting. But fear not!
You can:
- Search for oatmeal, pancake, pastry, smoothie recipes that have a pinch of psyllium in them. That way, you won’t feel the slightest aftertaste of soluble fiber.
- Try fiber supplements. Most often, their basic key ingredient IS, in fact, psyllium husk + additional boosters such as calcium, citric acid, sea salt, spices, flavonoids (sadly, in some artificial sweeteners too…).
If you want to get the full beneficial impact of psyllium AND enjoy the taste, check out ColonBroom. It offers a strawberry-flavored anti-constipation drink, which is packed with psyllium husk yet is not overpowering taste-wise. That way, you can easily drink it before meals 2 times a day (depending on your health goals).
PRO TIP: Psyllium husk can be a laxative if consumed in greater amounts. So start small, incorporate it little by little into your diet, and see how you feel.
Bottom Line
Not getting enough fiber for a long time can lead to more serious intestinal problems, lack of energy, weakened immunity, or deterioration of the skin.
Psyllium husk can be an easy cheat code to unlock both weight loss and gut health benefits. If you feel like your diet doesn’t provide enough fiber, or you’re too confused about the proper daily consumption, organic fiber supplements might come to the rescue.
