1. What is Metamucil made from?
Metamucil or Ispaghol (psyllium husk), as it is commonly known in India, is a laxative and fiber supplement.
It comes in the form of a husk or capsule, which gets converted into gel-like mass when mixed with water. Metamucil is 100% natural and is derived from seeds of a plant named Plantago ovata, native to the Indian subcontinent.c
2. Does Metamucil help IBS diarrhea?
Yes. Metamucil is known to show a positive effect on inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) patients suffering from diarrhea. Metamucil absorbs excess water from the intestines and slows down digestion. However, since it is primarily used for softening firm stools, care should be taken in using Metamucil for IBS diarrhea.
3. Does Metamucil make you gain weight?
No. Metamucil isn't known to increase your weight. Instead, it helps in lowering the bad cholesterol in the body and lowering the sugar levels in the blood. As a fiber, it increases the feeling of fullness in the body, resulting in the intake of fewer calories, thus helping in weight management.
4. Is Metamucil a stool softener?
Yes, Metamucil is a class of medication known as a laxative which is used during constipation in softening stools and regulating irregular bowel activity. Metamucil absorbs water from the intestines, thus adding water to the stools so that they pass out easily and without any discomfort.
5. Is Metamucil good for you?
Metamucil is a laxative and fiber supplement which is generally good for your health, especially if your diet lacks adequate fiber or you are someone suffering from chronic constipation. It doesn't possess any nutritional value but is known to regulate sugar levels and lower cholesterol in the blood.
6. Is Metamucil psyllium husk?
Yes. Metamucil is a fiber made up of psyllium husk. It has no odor and flavor of its own. Therefore, it can be added to a variety of food groups. When mixed with water, it forms a gel-like consistency which, when taken by anyone, helps in regularizing bowel movement.
7. How long does Metamucil take to work?
Metamucil generally takes 12 hours to 72 hours or 1- 3 days to show its full effect on bowel irregularity. If taken consistently for two weeks or more, it eases the movement of the bowel through the intestines, thus helping in getting rid of chronic constipation.
8. What drugs does Metamucil interfere with?
Many studies have proved that fiber shouldn't be combined with medications used to treat depression, thyroid, diabetes, seizures, and drugs like paracetamol, aspirin, etc. Care should be taken if you are on these medications and have to use psyllium for bowel irregularity. Consume your medicines before or after two hours after taking Metamucil.
9. Can Metamucil cause diarrhea?
Metamucil can cause diarrhea if taken in excessive quantities. Metamucil absorbs water from the intestines and rises to a gel-like consistency adding bulk to your food. If you are getting enough fiber from your diet, adding Metamucil can overstimulate intestinal motility and result in cramping and diarrhea.
10. Is it OK to take Metamucil every day?
Metamucil is a fiber supplement that does not harm if taken daily. But please note that it doesn't possess any nutritional value. Hence it must be used carefully or should be reserved for occasional issues like episodes of constipation. As a part of a cholesterol-lowering diet, it can be taken moderately after consulting a physician.
11. When should you not take Metamucil?
If you are allergic to psyllium husk or have severe constipation along with rectal bleeding, then you must avoid taking Metamucil and consult your doctor as soon as possible. As psyllium is a dry husk, if you have problems associated with dry mouth or swallowing, then also you should avoid taking Metamucil.
