Metamucil is a common non-prescription dietary supplement often used to prevent or relieve periodic constipation. It is also used in some instances as part of a weight reduction program. While Metamucil is safe when used as directed, as with any medication, incorrect use can lead to other medical issues.
Metamucil is the brand of a fiber supplement that is available in a number of various types, including pills, powder and wafer items that you can add to water or food, or eat by themselves. Metamucil products consist of psyllium fiber, which is a soluble fiber that comes from a shrub-like herb called Plantago ovata. Some of the advantages of consuming fiber consist of reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and weight-loss.
How Does Metamucil Work?
Psyllium fiber supplements are most frequently contributed to water or food because, when the psyllium husk comes in contact with water, it swells to form a gelatin-like mass. When you consume this gel, it has different impacts on your gastrointestinal tract. It includes bulk to your food as you eat, assisting transportation resulting waste through the intestinal tract. Metamucil is typically used to ease constipation due to the fact that the swelling of psyllium also causes muscle in the digestive wall to contract in reaction to the increased amount of extending. This promotes movement of stool through the digestive tract.
Main Benefits of Metamucil
1. Reducing Cholesterol
Adding soluble fiber like psyllium to a health diet slows uptake of dietary fats of all kinds, including unhealthy, saturated fats. In time, this can decrease total blood cholesterol. A study released in the journal “Nutrición Hospitilaria” in 2010 by researchers at the public university of Tarragona in Spain specifies that a boost in dietary fiber can likewise decrease LDL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or the bad cholesterol, in the body. High levels of LDL are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest and stroke.
2. Decreasing Blood Pressure
A 2011 study released in the journal “Hypertension” and carried out at Royal Perth Hospital in Australia reports that, in a randomized regulated trial, people with hypertension saw a decrease in blood pressure when they took in greater quantities of fiber. The best modification in blood pressure was experienced among those who took psyllium fiber supplements that were double their normal fiber consumption. This boost in fiber was coupled with a boost in dietary protein as well.
3. Weight Loss
Supplementing your food consumption with psyllium fiber may likewise help in a weight-loss program. When it forms a gel in your stomach, it can help you feel full faster and decrease your craving for extra food during a meal. When including psyllium to your diet, do so gradually to prevent intestinal tract pain or gas, which can result when you take in too much of the supplement rapidly. These symptoms can also appear and persist if you take in too much psyllium, so follow package instructions thoroughly and discuss its use with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
4. Diabetes and Glycemic Control
Increasing fiber intake above the day-to-day recommended amount by the American Diabetes Association has also been revealed to improve glycemic control and decrease the degree of hyperinsulemia, or excess levels of insulin in the blood. The ADA recommends that adults consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily to stay healthy.
Side Effects
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
Despite the fact that it may be unusual, some people might have very bad and sometimes fatal side effects when taking a drug. Inform your doctor or get medical aid immediately if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that might be associated with a really bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergy, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Problem swallowing.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have small side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Belly pain.
- Bloating.
- Stomach cramps.
These are not all the side effects that might happen. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical suggestions about side effects.
I am very disappointed that l tblsp. of metamucil contains only 3 gr of powder and 8 hr of sugar. On account of that I shall return it to woolworth and hope to get my money back. I found it very sweet to drink and I’m supposed to avoid sugar.