Muslim Ispaghol by Human Care Laboratories, Peshawar.

8 Health Benefits of “Muslim Ispaghol”, Psyllium Husk:

1-Constipation Relief:

As a natural bulk-forming laxative, psyllium increases stool size and moisture by first binding to the partially digested food, and then absorbing water as it moves through the gut to the bowels. This expands the stools and makes them easier to pass. Along with one-time constipation relief, psyllium also promotes stool regularity when included in the daily diet.

2-A Stopper on Diarrhea:

The absorptive abilities of psyllium can also help treat diarrhea. In addition to increasing stool size, the extra amount of absorbed water also increases stool thickness, which delays its travel time through the gut. This results in reduced frequency and thicker, harder stools.

The regulatory action of psyllium. i.e. acting as both an anti-constipation and anti-diarrheal treatment make it especially valuable for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), who experience intermittent episodes of constipation and diarrhea.

3-Sugar Control:

Water-soluble fibers like psyllium form a gel-like substance when mixed in water or gastric juices, which slows down food digestion. This is particularly useful for people with diabetes, as delayed stomach emptying means the carbohydrates in food break down slowly, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.

However, taking psyllium husk with food, instead of on its own, provides better results by binding directly to the food as it travels down the GI tract.

4-Smaller Waistlines:

The delayed stomach-emptying function of psyllium husk also means that it induces prolonged fullness, i.e. leaving you feeling fuller for longer. This reduces post-meal appetite, which in turn reduces day-long calorie intake and promotes weight loss.

5-A Healthier Heart:

High fiber and low-fat content are essential for good cardiac health and optimum HDL ‘good’ cholesterol levels; which is precisely what psyllium is. It binds to fat and bile acids present in the stomach and small intestine and helps remove them from the body.

The liver then utilizes cholesterol to increase bile levels, which stabilizes overall blood cholesterol. Another way that psyllium reduces cholesterol levels is by forming a thin layer over the intestinal wall which effectively inhibits cholesterol absorption from food.

Moreover, it also encourages sodium removal via stool, which helps provide short-term relief in patients with heart disease, particularly after excess sodium consumption.

6-Digestive Detox:

Psyllium not helps clean the digestive tract by aiding in the removal of waste products within and lining the walls of the stomach via stool and urine, but also increases stomach contractions (peristaltic movement). This makes the digested food easier to move through the intestines, hence increasing bowel mobility and improving digestion.

7-Anal Fissures and Piles Goodbye:

As an additional benefit of its bowel and stomach-clearing ability, psyllium husk is also an effective remedy for treating piles and anal fissures (small, painful tears in the anal opening). For piles, it does this by softening the stool and making it easier to pass via water absorption from the surrounding parts of the intestine.

This softened stool also keeps the anus from over-stretching, hence keeping any anal fissures from rupturing and allowing them to heal. Although you may still need to go to a professional, such as a stomach specialist in Karachi, for proper treatment.

8-Acidity Neutrality:

Further expanding on its gastric benefits, Psyllium husk (ispaghol) is an excellent regular and one-time solution to stomach acidity. As a water-soluble, gel-forming fiber, it provides a protective coating over the stomach lining, which keeps irritation from stomach acids and certain irritating foods (fried, fatty, spice foods, citrus fruits, etc.) at bay.

Moreover, it also reduces the number of acidity episodes in chronic sufferers by regulating the release of stomach acids and digestion.

While psyllium husk/ispaghol is well tolerated by most people and has little to no side-effects, limit your daily consumption to 5-10 grams (1 tablespoon) thrice a day, and take with plenty of water to avoid gas and bloating.