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Health & Wellness
Isabgol For Cholesterol: How It Helps & How To Take?
Cholesterol, unlike popular belief, is actually essential for the body. However, cholesterol gets its negative image because only a small amount of it is needed, which the body can produce on its own, and so it’s easy for cholesterol levels to rise to an unhealthy level.
High cholesterol is a problem faced by several people all over the world. The main reasons are a poor diet and an inactive lifestyle, especially the intake of high-cholesterol foods like processed, fried and fast foods. This causes high cholesterol which increases obesity and rapidly increases the risk of heart disease.
To eliminate this condition or lower the risk of getting it, one must stick to a healthy diet and incorporate foods and supplements that lower cholesterol levels. One of these great natural supplements is isabgol for cholesterol management, also known as psyllium husk.
Let us learn more about isabgol and cholesterol, how this supplement reduces bad cholesterol, and how much isabgol should be taken.
Table Of Contents
- About Isabgol For Cholesterol Management and Digestion Support
- How Does Isabgol Reduce Cholesterol?
- How Much Isabgol Do I Need To Take To Lower Cholesterol?
- How To Use Isabgol For Cholesterol? 3 Ways
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
About Isabgol For Cholesterol Management and Digestion Support
Isabgol comes from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant and is a popular fibre supplement with many uses. It is often prescribed to patients for treating constipation and abnormal or high cholesterol levels. The active ingredient of Isabgol is Psyllium Husk, which has properties that relieve constipation, reduce excess gas and improve gastrointestinal function.
Isabgol reduces the level of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the body and prevents it from rising, as well as lowers triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Isabgol also has a major role in cleansing the colon of toxins and waste.
Studies suggest that 3–6 weeks of consistent use is often required to see a reduction in cholesterol levels.
Isabgol also helps strengthen the walls of the arteries, reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels in the body. It also improves the activity of the digestive tract and facilitates digestion. Additionally, the fibre content ensures that cholesterol does not build up on artery walls.
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Also Read: Here Are 6 Amazing Benefits Of Isabgol For Weight Loss!
How Does Isabgol Reduce Cholesterol?
Isabgol benefits in cholesterol reduction by doing the following:
1. Binding to Cholesterol in the Digestive Tract
The soluble fibre in isabgol dissolves in water and forms a gel-ish substance in the digestive tract. This gel can bind to cholesterol and prevent its absorption into the bloodstream. As a result, cholesterol passes through the digestive system without being absorbed by the body, reducing overall cholesterol levels.
Also Read: How Can I Improve My Digestive System? Get The Answers With These 10 Helpful Tips!
2. Enhancing Bile Acid Excretion
Bile acids are stored in the gall bladder and are formed by cholesterol. Isabgol can bind to bile acids in the gut, which forces the body to excrete them instead of reabsorbing them. This causes the liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, further lowering blood cholesterol levels.
3. Improving Lipid Profile
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that 10 grams of isabgol a day significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and also improved overall lipid profiles, which is the ratio of good to bad cholesterol.
4. Reducing Triglycerides
Isabgol, or psyllium husk, has been identified as an effective natural remedy for reducing triglyceride levels, a type of fat in the blood associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The soluble fibre in Isabgol binds to fats and bile acids in the digestive tract, facilitating their excretion and thereby lowering overall cholesterol levels. This mechanism not only helps maintain a healthier lipid profile but also contributes to improved heart health by reducing the absorption of dietary fats.
5. Effect on Blood Sugar
Isabgol can help lower blood sugar levels, and since high blood sugar can contribute to higher cholesterol levels, this indirect effect also helps in managing cholesterol.
How Much Isabgol Do I Need To Take To Lower Cholesterol?
The amount of isabgol you need to take to lower your cholesterol is about 10 grams per day, which is generally taken in two or three doses. Isabgol is taken right before each meal for best effects, either in a capsule or as a powder that can be mixed with water or juice.
Be sure to drink at least 250ml of water, juice, or other liquid each time you take isabgol, or you risk swelling and a blockage in your oesophagus or intestines. Start slow, with 5 grams of isabgol a day and accompany it with 250ml of water. Gradually increase the intake to 10 grams.
Note that consistent use of isabgol, or any other natural supplement, is required for it show effect. It may take up to 3-4 weeks of consistent use for isabgol to visibly lower your cholesterol.
Also Read: Here Are 6 Amazing Benefits Of Isabgol For Weight Loss!
How To Use Isabgol For Cholesterol? 3 Ways
Below are some simple ways to take Isabgol for cholesterol:
1. Isabgol With Water |
One of the easiest ways to consume Isabgol is to mix it with water. |
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Taking Isabgol with water allows it to work much better in the bowels, causing softer stools and making it a good remedy for constipation. |
2. Isabgol With Milk |
If you want a different taste, you can combine Isabgol with milk |
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This blend is great if you like a lumpy texture and still want to benefit from Isabgol and cholesterol. |
3. Isabgol With Curd (Yoghurt) |
For guys who would like a probiotic to add some health to their gut, Isabgol mixed with cottage cheese works well |
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This method not only relieves constipation but also cultivates beneficial gut bacteria that promote healthy digestion and improve overall health. |
Expert’s Advice
Isabgol is a soluble fibre that is usually taken 2-3 times a day before every meal, either in a capsule form or as a powder that you mix with water or juice. It shows incredible results in lowering LDL and overall cholesterol levels and can be used by anyone. Be sure to drink at least 250ml of water, juice, or other liquid with isabgol to avoid the risk of swelling and a blockage in your oesophagus or intestines.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
So, that was all about the benefits of isabgol for cholesterol management. Isabgol, or psyllium husk, is a soluble fibre commonly used as a gentle laxative. The psyllium fibre in isabgol helps lower cholesterol levels and supports heart health by trapping certain cholesterol in the digestive system, which is then removed along with the waste.
Isabgol forms a gel-like substance that moves through your digestive system and traps some of the bile in your gut, which requires your liver to remove bad (LDL) cholesterol from your bloodstream to make more bile. This process makes isabgol an ideal supplement for lowering cholesterol levels and promoting a healthier digestive system.
FAQs
1. Which fibre is good for cholesterol?
Soluble fibre lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, making it the most beneficial for people with high cholesterol.
2. Can heart patients take Isabgol?
Yes, heart patients can take isabgol. The fibre in isabgol helps lower cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for heart health.
3. Does phyllium husk reduce cholesterol?
Yes, psyllium husk (isabgol) can help reduce cholesterol by binding to it in the digestive tract and preventing its absorption.
References
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/psyllium#:~:text=Soluble%20fibers%2C%20such%20as%20those,the%20risk%20of%20heart%20disease.
- https://www.indiatv.in/health/is-psyllium-husk-or-isabgol-good-for-high-cholesterol-in-hindi-2023-01-28-926076
- https://laxmisatisabgol.com/blogs/articles/isabgol-reduces-cholesterol-and-improves-your-health
- https://www.jansatta.com/health-news-hindi
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/psyllium-fiber-regularity-and-healthier-lipid-levels#:~:text=Psyllium%20husk%20also%20helps%20lower,a%20study%20in%20the%20Sept.
- https://www.metamucil.com/en-us/articles/psyllium-fiber/how-the-psyllium-fiber-in-metamucil-can-help-lower-cholesterol
- https://getbellway.com/blogs/digestive-wellness/how-psyllium-fiber-can-help-lower-cholesterol
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