The spagol herb is considered one of the herbs with many benefits, and it is considered one of the fibers that are easy to dissolve in water.

Many people use Aspagol as a dietary supplement rich in fiber to treat many health conditions, and it is available in many forms such as peels, powder, granules, and capsules, and it is used in the manufacture of some medicines, and below we will discuss the most important information about it.

What is spagol?

Spaghetti hulls are a popular source of soluble fiber, which slows down digestion, allowing the body to absorb nutrients from food as it passes through the stomach and intestines.

Spagol fibers fall under the category of natural gum, and it is similar to other soluble fiber sources found in other foods, as it attracts water as it passes through the digestive system, and turns into a gelatinous substance (gel) that aids digestion, in addition to helping to treat some health problems such as Constipation, high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes.

The names of the herb ispagol

The herb Isabgol or Isphaghula is scientifically known as “Plantago ovata”, and it can also be known by many other names such as Psysllium, cotton, and flea herb.

Benefits of spagol herb

The sources indicate the multiplicity of benefits of spagol and its derivatives, and the following are the most prominent of these benefits:

constipation treatment

The consumption of soluble fiber increases the regularity of bowel movement, and many sources indicate that the husk of the husk helps in the treatment of constipation by turning it into a gel-like substance – as we mentioned previously – as it swells and contributes to softening the stool and its ease of excretion. Laxatives to treat constipation.

Control cholesterol levels

Soluble fiber interferes with the absorption of bile acids in the intestines, forcing them out of the body through the stool. As it exits, the liver has to use the cholesterol to produce more, which reduces LDL cholesterol.

Spagul herb for irritable bowel

Some studies indicate that the use of spagol herb may help improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease, but some patients suffered from exacerbation of symptoms, so more studies are needed to understand its benefits and harms for these patients.

Diarrhea treatment

Research shows that this herb may relieve diarrhea by absorbing water, which increases stool thickness and slows its passage from the colon. Here are some of the studies published in this regard:

• An old study showed that using spagol husks reduced symptoms of diarrhea in 30 people who were undergoing radiotherapy to treat cancer.
• In another older study, researchers treated 8 people with lactulose-induced diarrhea with 3.5 grams of the herb three times daily, which increased stomach emptying time from 69 minutes to 87 minutes, with a sluggish colon meaning a decrease in bowel movements.

This indicates that this herb may treat both diarrhea and constipation.

Adjusting the level of sugar in the blood

There is some research that suggests that this herb may help control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that taking spagol before meals improves fasting blood sugar levels.

Spagol herb for slimming

Soluble fiber helps a feeling of fullness after eating it, which helps to reduce overeating and control weight, and one source explains the use of dietary supplements for this herb between meals to reduce the feeling of hunger.

The damage of the herb ispagol

According to sources, most people get used to Espagol and have no problems with doses between 5-10 grams three times a day. However, some people experience some side effects including cramping, gas, and bloating.

Nutritionists stress the importance of drinking a sufficient amount of water while taking Espagol, otherwise constipation and cramps may worsen. The sources indicate the possibility of side effects appearing as follows:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms: such as abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and bloating.
• Allergy symptoms (and you should contact your doctor immediately): rash, breathing difficulties, itching, vomiting, swelling of the face and throat.
• The herb interacts with other medications such as some heart medications, some cholesterol medications, some diabetes medications, and some neurological and depression medications.

Important Alert: This herb does not completely replace the medicines prescribed by the doctor to treat the aforementioned conditions, and it must be consulted first before taking it as a food supplement to avoid the occurrence of drug interactions, and avoid side effects as much as possible, and the doctor should be informed of all other medicines used before taking the herb.

It is forbidden to eat spagol herb for some people who suffer from intestinal cramps, swallowing difficulties, kidney disease, and narrowing or obstruction of any part of the digestive system.

How to use spagol herb

The herb is available in many forms such as seed husks, powder, granules, capsules, and others. Only the recommended dose should be taken and an adequate amount of water should be taken, as nutritionists stress, in order to avoid constipation or bowel obstruction.

If you are not used to taking Aspagol, you can start with a very small dose, such as half a teaspoon with a glass of water, and then gradually increase the dose as needed.

The concerned authorities recommend a daily consumption of fiber in general, about 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, while those over the age of fifty have relatively less consumption, equivalent to 21 grams for women and 30 grams for men.

As for taking the herb spagol and pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a doctor first, as one source explains that the first line of treatment for constipation during pregnancy is to increase fiber intake, drink water and exercise moderately, while the second line of treatment is to take certain types of laxatives.

In conclusion, despite the benefits of this herb for treating some of the health problems mentioned in this article, you must make changes in your lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, and consult doctors if you are taking medications.