Can Psyllium Husk Help with Weight Loss?

Updated on March 5, 2023
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There are several potential causes of weight increase. Numerous variables influence our body mass index. Most of these elements concern one’s physical and mental health. In addition to this, our daily habits might play a role in how quickly or slowly we put on or lose weight. Sedentary behavior, such as not going to the gym or getting enough sleep, has been linked to obesity. 

Unusual or quick weight gain may also be caused by medical conditions including hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, or blood sugar abnormalities. In addition to this, mental health issues including stress and depression should also be considered. We may be surprised to learn that weight gain may be caused by a variety of several factors. Constipation is definitely one of these causes. However, this link between constipation and weight gain in excess seems too convenient to be true. Can you put on weight if you are constipated?

Weight Gain and Constipation: Linking the Two

In other words, what causes constipation? A lack of bowel movement characterizes it, thus the name. It is also diagnosed when there are less than three bowel expulsions each week. Due to the colon’s inability to absorb any more water from the feces, the stool in a constipated person’s bowels becomes hard. Learn more from this link.

This causes some individuals a lot of discomfort and difficulty when defecating. It is a medical abnormality, yet most individuals may have it sometimes. It is not uncommon, but you should see a doctor if you have it often. A variety of health issues may be to blame for this, all of which would result in weight increase. Despite evidence demonstrating the relationship between the two illnesses, the association between these two has still been contested. Some arguments in favor of the association between constipation and weight gain are provided below.

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Constipation, according to experts, makes it difficult for the body to get rid of waste and built-up stool. This, it is thought, has an effect on the body’s metabolism. The outcome is slowing the body’s metabolic rate, which may lead to weight gain. Waste items or materials may directly add excess weight to the body, which is another piece of evidence supporting the correlation. 

This is because the food we eat cannot travel through the colon and causes us to gain weight because it gets stuck in the gut. In addition to these effects, it may cause fluid retention. This may also be a contributing factor to why we have put on weight. Constipation has been linked to an increase in weight, and the findings provide support for that hypothesis.

Weight Gain and Constipation: Possible Causes

Constipation and its associated weight gain may have a variety of causes, some of which have already been mentioned. It may occur from dehydration. Because of the disorder, the fecal matter may solidify, making elimination challenging even with the peristaltic motions of the large intestine. 

Various things, such as the consumption of certain drugs and the presence of other bodily or health issues, such as intestinal difficulties, irritable bowel syndrome (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-informa(nih.gov)) (also known as IBS), a lack of physical activities, and a rapid lifestyle change, may all contribute to the development of constipation. Both a lack of fiber and the consumption of particular meals have been linked to this gastrointestinal condition.

Finding the underlying cause of why we keep getting constipated is crucial. One of the ways we may aid in the treatment of this ailment is by doing the necessary research. If your constipation is the result of a medical condition, you must address the underlying issue or complications. Alterations to one’s food and way of life, however, have been shown to be sufficient in relieving constipation.

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Helpful Methods for Relieving Constipation and Preventing Weight Gain

Constipation may result from various factors, but luckily there are also many things we can do to avoid or alleviate the condition. Changing one’s lifestyle habits, such as getting more exercise, drinking more water, eating more fiber-rich foods, and decreasing idle time, might help prevent constipation and excess weight gain. 

The risk of gaining weight and experiencing complications from the colon’s natural activities may also be reduced by avoiding excessive eating. Caffeine in large doses may also cause constipation, so cutting down on that is recommended. For relief from constipation, we may also depend on colon-cleaning techniques that aid in waste removal from the colon. Stool-softening drugs, such as laxatives, should be taken sparingly or only when directed by a doctor since they may exacerbate the problem. 

This may lead to a reliance on these pharmacologic medicines to the point that even temporarily stopping their usage might trigger symptoms in the colon. As a result, it is best to modify the natural therapies in alleviating constipation rather than relying on medications, as doing so might lead to dependency.

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Does Psyllium Husk Help?

As with other soluble fibers, psyllium is not fully digested or absorbed in the small intestine. Instead, it swells when exposed to water, becoming a substance that may help with issues like diarrhea, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and excess weight by acting as a laxative.

Psyllium, what is it?

Psyllium is sometimes used to treat constipation  You can read more about the positive effects in the Colon Broom reviews if you are interested in the weight loss effects. Plantago ovata, a plant mostly produced in India, yields the soluble fiber known as psyllium. Psyllium is a popular fiber supplement that many use to improve their health. Husk, granules, capsules, and powder are all accessible forms. Psyllium may also be added by manufacturers to morning cereals and baked products for added nutrition.

The psyllium husk in Metamucil is what makes it such an effective fiber supplement for relieving constipation. Thanks to its high solubility in water, psyllium may be swelled up into a thick, viscous substance that the small intestine has trouble breaking down. Unlike some other powerful sources of fiber, psyllium is often well tolerated by the body.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.