Exact Answer: One To Three Hours
Psyllium which is also called Isabgol is the common term used for different members of Plantago. The seeds of the members of this genus are used for producing mucilage. Psyllium is a rich source of dietary fiber and is used in treating various problems such as mild diarrhea and constipation.
Psyllium is also widely used as a food thickener. It is one of the most common food ingredients used in manufacturing breakfast cereals. The plants used in producing psyllium are grown in cool and dry climates. These plants are primarily cultivated in various parts of Northern India.
How Long After Taking Psyllium Can I Eat?
Including psyllium in our daily diet for three weeks or more can help in lowering the blood cholesterol levels in individuals with elevated cholesterol. It is also helpful in lowering the blood glucose levels in patients who have Type 2 Diabetes. Regular use of psyllium for over a month helps in reducing systolic blood pressure. Psyllium is also very useful in losing weight. Frozen desserts such as ice cream use psyllium as a food thickener. Psyllium is also helpful in treating horses suffering from sand impaction.
Psyllium is highly viscous and is soluble dietary fiber, and is not easily absorbed by our small intestine. It absorbs all the excess water present inside our system and thus results in proper bowel elimination. Its primary use is as a laxative. The laxative properties are responsible for the absorption of excess water, resulting in the softening of the stool. The plants accountable for producing psyllium grow approximately thirty to forty-six centimeters in height.
| Condition Of An Individual | Time After Psyllium To Eat Food |
| Healthy conditions | One to two hours |
| Mild Diarrhea or Constipation | At least three hours |
Taking psyllium to temporarily suppressing the appetite, it must be taken before eating. If a person is healthy and is taking psyllium as a regular diet, it is advised to eat food after two hours. If an individual suffers from either mild diarrhea or constipation, the person should wait for at least three hours to eat for psyllium to show its full effect.
Why Does It Take After Taking Psyllium To Eat?
Psyllium has many health benefits, but it should be made sure to take psyllium properly; otherwise, it can lead to adverse effects. If taken with inadequate amounts of water, psyllium can cause bezoars or bowel obstructions. Negligence while taking psyllium can also lead to stomach bloating or gas. It is very crucial to take psyllium with adequate amounts of water as taking psyllium solely can lead to choking as it thickens very rapidly after entering the throat. It can also cause impaction and is also responsible for causing stomach or abdominal cramping.
Apart from this, psyllium is also found to cause several allergies—the most common one is anaphylaxis. Psyllium is also a potent inhalant allergen that can elicit asthma symptoms. Medical professionals who work at geriatric care hospitals are IgE sensitized to prevent any harm from getting exposed to laxatives from psyllium-related patients. Psyllium sometimes gets stored in bulk in the intestines, which can prove to be deadly.
Medical experts also recommend taking any medicines one hour earlier than taking psyllium. If a patient forgets to take the medication before psyllium, it is necessary to wait four hours to take the medicines. Individuals aged eighteen or above should consume at least twenty-five grams of psyllium per day for proper health. But it should be made sure not to take psyllium in higher amounts. Pregnant women or newborn babies should avoid taking psyllium as it can be very harmful to the body.
Conclusion
Finally, it can be concluded that psyllium is widely used to fulfill dietary fiber requirements in the daily diet. Not only this but it is also used as a food thickener in ice creams. There are various plants whose seeds help produce psyllium.
On average, it is advised not to eat food for at least three hours after taking psyllium if they are suffering from any disease. An individual must wait for one to two hours after taking psyllium to eat on a regular diet. It must be ensured that psyllium is born with adequate amounts of water; otherwise, it can lead to severe complications.