Starting a weight loss journey is always difficult. Well, almost as difficult as staying on one. Finding a diet or weight loss system that works for you may take a bit of trial and error sometimes. But if you want to learn how to use Metamucil to lose weight, then read on. Many people use Metamucil as a way to gain daily fiber intake and it helps to regulate blood sugar levels. But is it a great way to lose weight? Let’s take a look…
How to use Metamucil to Lose Weight and Keep it Off
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What is Metamucil?
Metamucil is a fiber supplement that is made from psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is derived from the seeds of Plantago Ovata, a medicinal plant that is commonly found in the Mediterranean region as well as in certain parts of Asia and North America. It is a bulk-forming fiber laxative that is used to treat and relieve constipation or bowel irregularity and is a soluble fiber. Metamucil helps to cause movement of the intestines and may also help reduce cholesterol levels when used alongside a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Metamucil is usually used to:
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- Support digestive health
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Reduce appetite
- Improve blood sugar control
Metamucil is made available to users in different forms such as powder, wafer, and capsule form.
Can Metamucil help with weight loss?
It is not uncommon to find others using Metamucil for weight management. This is because of its ability to inhibit appetite and give the user the feeling of being full, which can be of great benefit to individuals seeking to lose weight. It is has been noted that taking Metamucil before meals reduces the rate at which one feels hungry as well as the desire to eat. The study also found that this routine can also help increase the feeling of fullness. This can be quite helpful as it has the potential to reduce the number of calories consumed during meals and as well contribute to steady weight loss.
How to lose weight with Metamucil fast
If you’re looking to lose some weight, nothing is more comforting than finding a way to get rid of a few pounds in the fastest time possible. But you need to first understand that losing weight without causing any damage to your body will have to take a considerable amount of time. Any means to lose weight by extremely flushing out the system can harm the body. With that out of the way, how can you lose weight using Metamucil within a reasonable time frame without causing any harm to your body using fiber supplements or psyllium fiber?
Dosage for Metamucil
Taking a dosage of Metamucil about the size of a teaspoon every day will make it easier for you to begin shedding some pounds within a few weeks. Also note that, you might experience minor bloating within the few days after the initial intake. But, hey – there’s absolutely no cause for worry as it’s simply your body trying to get used to the increased fiber in your body system. Sticking to the new routine will boost your body fiber and help get rid of the waste. Here’s the great part – within the first two weeks of taking Metamucil, you should begin to notice you’re already feeling lighter. As your body begins to feel more comfortable, you can push up your intake of Metamucil to about three times per day.
To boost its effectiveness, it is recommended you take each dose of Metamucil about 30 minutes before every meal, which will not just help you lose weight but will also improve the overall health of your digestive system.
Metamucil and Appetite
One frequently searched question is “does Metamucil curb appetite?” The simple and short answer is, yes! Here’s why – psyllium husk (a component Metamucil is made from) expands into a gelatin-like mass when it comes into contact with water. So, as you eat and Metamucil comes in contact with the moisture in your food, it expands making you feel full. Your body feels that you’re full and thus empties the food to the other end of the digestive system. This results in a hastened metabolism which inhibits the absorption and digestion of nutrients in the system, which can also lead to loss of weight.
Metamucil and Fasting
Intermittent fasting is one of the strategies employed by many to lose weight. You might be on an intermittent fasting plan that is working and you’re wondering if taking Metamucil will break your fast. Keep reading, the answers you seek are right here!
Psyllium husk, the main component of Metamucil does not on its own break a fast, the issue usually lies with the other ingredients employed to make Metamucil. Depending on which variant of Metamucil you’re using, you could be ingesting around 5 to 30 calories.
How to Take Metamucil for Weight Loss
As mentioned earlier, Metamucil comes in different forms, from wafers to powders, and then capsules. Each form or variant is packed with different kinds of extra ingredients apart from the main component which is Psyllium husk. The powdered form of Metamucil comes in various compositions as well as flavors. There are some forms of powdered Metamucil that contains real sugar – these types of Metamucil should totally be avoided if you’re on an intermittent fasting plan because sugar intake is usually associated with an increased appetite as well as weight gain.
Sugar is also known to contain high calories, which means even if with your fasting plan, you might not lose weight if you take powdered Metamucil that contains sugar. There are other powdered variants of Metamucil that are sugar-free. Though they contain sweeteners like sucralose, these variants can be taken if you’re on an intermittent fasting plan.
On the other hand, Metamucil is also available in capsule form, which usually contains only about 5 calories. This makes the capsule form of Metamucil less likely to disrupt your fast.
Can Metamucil be Taken Every Day and How Much Metamucil Should I Take?
As of when this article was written, there is no known evidence that the daily use of Metamucil is harmful. In fact, the Metamucil benefits you can have by taking this supplement can certainly help. Although one should consult a doctor before taking any fiber supplement most especially if he/she has a history of intestinal problems. And if you’re on any medication, you also want to check with your doctor or pharmacist to know if taking Metamucil will not have any negative interaction with your medications.
Is Metamucil Good For You?
Metamucil offers several benefits and can be taken up to three times every day. Although, you should always consult a doctor to get the best prescription. And if you’re on other medications, you should know that psyllium husk, the major component of Metamucil may affect the effectiveness of some other medications such as aspirin, Epitol, and a couple of others, which is why you shouldn’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider before considering Metamucil and weight loss diets.
What is the Metamucil 2 Week Challenge?
Many users online started a 2 week challenge to help with their Metamucil diet. Basically, you try the Metamucil for weight loss diet for two weeks and report back the results. This allows you to reap the benefits of using Metamucil fiber and basically take a test drive of the Metamucil diet plan. This is usually enough time to see the benefits of the diet and figure out exactly how long for Metamucil to work for you.
Effects of psyllium on the colon
You might be wondering “how can I have a healthy colon?” well, one of the ways to keep your colon healthy is by consuming a good amount of fiber daily. An average of 25 to 35 grams of fiber is recommended for consumption daily as part of the ways to keep your colon healthy. A daily dose of Metamucil can help make up part of recommended daily average of fiber as it can offer up to 9 grams depending on the variant taken.
The human colon contains a legion of bacteria, these bacteria sometimes when unchecked can affect the health of the colon. By taking Psyllium Husk, you’ll be inhibiting the possibility of the damage caused by bacteria as it helps maintains the bacterial balance in the colon and also boost the colon’s immune function.
Side effects of Metamucil
All drugs can cause side effects. Although some people react to drugs differently which is why some people don’t experience these side effects while some others experience some minor effects. So, here’s are some of the side effects that can be experienced when taking Metamucil.
- Bloating
- Stomach Cramps
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Do not hesitate to speak to your healthcare provider when you notice these side effects, as it could be as a result of an allergy or some other factors.
Things you Should Know About Metamucil Dieting
If you’re looking to shed some pounds and you’re looking to use Metamucil to achieve it, be rest assured that increasing your fiber intake can help you lose weight as long as eat right and decrease your calorie intake.
For a certainty, the usage of this supplement is in no way harmful to health, just make sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before embarking on a long-term use most especially if you’re on some other medication. If you’ve ever experienced stomach pain, vomiting, trouble swallowing, or nausea, then make sure to confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before using Metamucil.
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should also consult with a doctor to know what dosage is appropriate or if usage should be discontinued. You also make sure to consult a doctor before giving Metamucil to children below 6 years.
Final words on the Metamucil Weight Loss Plan
Just to iterate, upping your fiber consumption can help reduce the rate at which you feel hungry, thereby reducing your calorie consumption which promotes weight loss. And taking Metamucil to boost your fiber intake should get you the same results. However, you want to make sure to consult a professional healthcare provider if you have a history of intestinal issues or you’re currently on some medication.
Despite the potentials to help you lose weight, much will be dependent on how you eat and your calorie consumption. Therefore, we recommended that you don’t just take supplements, but that you also increase your intake of foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
As with any diet plan, program, or system, it’s always advised to speak with your doctor about your health and dietary needs. Always follow the medical advice of your doctor about fiber foods or any type of supplements.
