Psyllium Husk And Intermittent Fasting: Your Ultimate Guide
September 13, 2023
Intermittent fasting has gained immense popularity as an effective approach to weight loss and improved health.
You also may have heard that using supplements such as psyllium husk may not be a good idea when intermittent fasting, but is this actually true?
Can you use Psyllium husk when intermittent fasting? Will it break your fast and ruin results?
The answer is yes, you can use Psyllium husk as directed with intermittent fasting and it will not break your fast.
In this comprehensive guide, I am going to explore the relationship between psyllium husk and intermittent fasting and how they can be your allies in achieving a healthier you.
Read on to learn all about the two and how they can coexist.
If you are using intermittent fasting for weight loss, you can rest assured that psyllium husk will not break your fast.
Psyllium husk is considered a safe dietary supplement that does not contain enough calories to disrupt your calorie deficit when used as directed.
Intermittent fasting is simply a different schedule of eating when it comes to using it for weight loss, it is not magic.
As long as you are maintaining a calorie deficit while intermittent fasting, you will still see results. Plain and simple.
A calorie deficit is the cornerstone of any weight loss plan. It is essential.
It’s also important to note that the carbohydrates present in psyllium husk come from fiber, not sugar, making it a suitable addition to your fasting routine if you are also looking to decrease carbohydrate intake.
Psyllium fiber will not cause an unwanted insulin response or insulin spike.
Not to mention, psyllium husk could also help control any digestive issues you have or might get when starting a new diet plan or decreasing calories.
Using psyllium husk can keep you feeling full when in a fasting window for longer periods for best results with intermittent fasting and controlling calorie intake.
To truly understand how psyllium husk can complement your intermittent fasting journey, it’s essential to grasp what psyllium husk is and where it comes from.
Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, primarily cultivated in India.
This natural remedy has a rich history of use in traditional medicine for its remarkable digestive benefits.
Psyllium can help relieve both constipation and diarrhea, and is commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other intestinal problems many individuals may have.
You might have heard of Metamucil before I am sure.
Metamucil is just one of many psyllium husk dietary supplements that works by absorbing water in the digestive tract, forming a gel-like substance that softens stool and makes it easier to pass.
Metamucil products can be a valuable addition to your daily routine, aiding in the prevention of constipation and supporting overall gut health.
Additionally, Metamucil has the potential to help with weight management by increasing the feeling of fullness, especially during a fasting period and reducing overeating during your intermittent fasting eating window.
However, there are other kinds you may have seen. Let’s get into them.
Common Psyllium Husk Supplements
Here are some common psyllium husk supplements you might have seen in the grocery store:
Benefiber: Known for its clear and tasteless powder, making it easy to mix into beverages and food.
Citrucel: Offers a range of psyllium based products, including powders and caplets, designed to promote regularity.
Konsyl: Provides psyllium husk supplements in powder form, focusing on natural and effective solutions for digestive health.
Now Foods Psyllium Husk: A trusted brand for supplements, offering psyllium husk powder in various sizes.
These are just a few examples of readily available psyllium husk supplements that you can find at your local pharmacy or health food store.
Psyllium husk is also available by itself in the following:
Psyllium husk powder
Psyllium husk capsules
Psyllium husk tablets
Psyllium husk fiber bars
Psyllium husk in whole or ground seed form
These supplements offer the convenience of incorporating psyllium husk into your diet, allowing you to choose the form that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Calories in Psyllium Husk
One tablespoon of psyllium husk contains approximately 18 calories. While this may seem significant to some, it’s important to remember that these calories should not be a concern for your weight loss goals.
The reason is that the calories in psyllium husk are such a small amount that they are negligible when used as directed and incorporated into your intermittent fasting routine.
It’s also important to mention that you want to make sure that your chosen psyllium husk supplement does not contain artificial flavors with additives, which could increase the calorie count.
Always read the label on the back, or if you’re not sure, choose a regular psyllium husk supplement instead with no flavors.
Not only is psyllium husk fine to take as directed when intermittent fasting for weight loss, it actually may benefit you.
Let’s dive into the numerous health benefits of including psyllium husk in your intermittent fasting regimen:
Improved Digestive Health
Psyllium husk is renowned for its ability to alleviate constipation and promote regular bowel movements, which can be particularly helpful during fasting periods.
The last thing you want is to be constipated, as this can often happen when changing your dietary routine as it is a change to your digestive system, especially if you are not getting enough fiber.
Enhanced Satiety
The soluble fiber in psyllium husk swells when mixed with enough water, creating a feeling of fullness that can help you control your appetite during fasting hours.
This will help you to stay full before you begin your eating window.
Stable Blood Sugar Levels
Psyllium husk may help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of energy crashes during your fasting window.
Healthy Weight Management
By aiding in appetite control and promoting regular bowel movements, psyllium husk can be a valuable tool in your weight management journey.
While psyllium husk is generally safe for most people, some individuals may experience minor side effects including bloating or gas or even allergic reactions.
To minimize these effects, start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase it as your body adjusts.
It is also a great idea to drink plenty of water over the course of the day, of course only if you have no medical conditions which state otherwise.
If you have these symptoms when taking it as directed, it is best to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to see if you should continue or stop using it as a supplement.
Your doctor might choose a better alternative.
You should always consult with your doctor first before starting any new supplement you haven’t tried before to stay safe.
Does Psyllium Husk Stop Calorie Absorption?
One common misconception is that psyllium husk stops calorie absorption. In reality, psyllium husk doesn’t block calorie absorption.
What psyllium husk can do is it can help control your appetite and promote a feeling of fullness, making it easier to adhere to your intermittent fasting plan.
This means you may consume fewer calories overall, which will allow you to better adhere to a calorie deficit for weight loss.
Can Psyllium Husk Boost Metabolism?
Yes, psyllium husk can enhance metabolism indirectly by supporting regular bowel movements and aiding in weight management, it contributes to an overall healthier metabolism.
By consuming psyllium husk before meals, individuals often find it easier to control their appetite and regulate their caloric intake.
This aids in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Over time, this controlled approach to calorie consumption indirectly contributes to a stable and efficient metabolism.
Does Psyllium Husk Affect Insulin Levels?
Psyllium husk is an excellent choice for those concerned about insulin levels. Since the carbohydrates in psyllium husk are primarily fiber, they do not significantly impact insulin levels, making it a safe addition to your fasting routine.
Psyllium husk is primarily composed of soluble fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate that differs significantly from the simple sugars found in many foods.
Unlike sugars, soluble fiber does not lead to rapid spikes in blood glucose levels.
Instead, it has a much more gradual and moderated effect on blood sugar, mainly due to its slow digestion and absorption in the digestive tract.
Incorporating psyllium husk into your intermittent fasting regimen can be a game changer in your quest for better health and weight management.
It doesn’t break your fast as it relates to weight loss, offers numerous benefits for digestion and overall well being, and is a safe and effective supplement when used as directed.
Remember that consistency and moderation are key. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or fasting routine to ensure it aligns with your specific health goals and needs.
Now armed with this ultimate guide, you’re well prepared to harness the synergy of psyllium husk and intermittent fasting for a healthier, happier you.
