People who always crave for food are prone to become obese and sometimes experience irregularity in bowel movements. Watching your food to eat may help avoid this problem like eating high fiber foods and choosing a low calorie diet. However, there are some people who can’t resist the temptation of eating too much because of good appetite. Health experts say that there is a simple solution to this dilemma. Drinking smoothies regularly can help lessen your appetite and at the same time helps in the bowel movement. Irregular bowel movement or constipation can also cause hemorrhoids.

Preparing smoothies is not hard to do since fruits are always available. You just have to think of various combinations of fruits to get the taste you want. To get the most benefits from smoothies, adding psyllium fiber is a must. Psyllium fiber is known as an efficient treatment for constipation but it has other benefits to the body. It also helps in the cleansing of the colon. Psyllium fiber added in smoothies will help maximize its effects. According to DaNae Johnson, M.H., adding ground psyllium husks to smoothies do more than just provide fiber but at the same time regulate appetite and fat absorption in ways that make smoothies a very good diet food.

The bulkiness of psyllium supplements helps to satisfy your appetite which will prevent you from becoming overweight because of too much food intake. When psyllium supplements are added to the smoothies, the soluble fibers makes it more “thicker”. Based on studies, the viscosity of food or beverages affects the sensor linings of the stomach and the small intestine. Thicker smoothies will tell the sensors that it is a heavy food thus giving the signal to the hormone which controls your appetite. An individual may not feel hungry for hours after taking smoothies with psyllium.

According to Dr. Johnson, a hormone called ghrelin decreases after you eat your meal. Lower levels of ghrelin signals the brain that you already eaten enough food. On the other hand, higher levels of this hormone means that the stomach has not yet received enough food. The consistency of the smoothie with psyllium fiber helps lessen the production of ghrelin. However, the doctor noted that taking psyllium supplements in capsules may not produce the same effects. Psyllium fiber in powder form is still preferred to achieve the positive effects.

Psyllium fibers are used by the symbiotic bacteria in the colon. Once they feed on fiber, the bacteria themselves start to fill up the colon and the bacteria are easy to expel. These helpful bacteria help produce Vitamin K and treat constipation. Supplementation of psyllium fiber will also help in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. A healthy colon will prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids and other diseases.

It is important to note that psyllium fiber should be blended thoroughly with your favorite smoothie. Psyllium is only effective if they are taken with water or fluids. If you are taking psyllium supplements, at least 8 oz or 240 ml of water should be taken for every 2 grams of psyllium husks. For psyllium capsules, at least 1/2 cup or 120 ml of water for each capsule of the supplement.

Putting too much psyllium fiber in your smoothie is not recommended. You only need a single level or scant teaspoon of psyllium to get the benefits mentioned above. The purpose is to make the smoothie have more filling to help control your appetite and avoid constipation.

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