Metamucil For Weight Loss: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects

In this “Metamucil for Weight Loss” review, you will read in-depth details on the ingredients, benefits, doses, clinical study reports, and side effects of this fiber supplement. Most importantly, how can Metamucil help you lose weight?

American diet habits have undergone drastic changes in the last few decades. Many people needed more daily fiber intake in their regular diet before.

Most people have now become aware of the importance of fiber in their daily diet.

Without enough fiber, you’ll have difficulty in losing weight, experience dips in energy, have erratic bowel movements, poor digestion, and have a greater risk of heart disease.

According to the Institute of Medicine, women need around 25 grams of fiber per day, while men require closer to 38 grams.

The best source of fiber is natural foods because they contain added vitamins and minerals and their fiber content.

If you need the convenience of having fiber-rich foods regularly, you must consume fiber. Their health benefits are the same as the fiber obtained from natural foods.

What is Metamucil?

Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber supplement. Psyllium is the generic name for this high-fiber dietary supplement.

This supplement is primarily recommended for treating constipation. Metamucil can help reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the blood.

The fiber absorbs liquid in the intestines and swells to form a bulky, soft stool that is easy to pass.

The Metamucil brand of psyllium fiber products was founded in 1934 by G. D. Searle & Company, and in 1985 the brand was acquired by Proctor & Gamble.

Currently, the supplements come in different forms like Metamucil capsules, wafers, and powdered drinks in various flavors such as orange, berry, and pink lemonade.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Metamucil powder are psyllium husk, citric acid, and natural and artificial flavors.

The nutrients in it are as follows:

Amount Per Serving & DV:

  • Calories: 45
  • Dietary fiber: 3 g, 12 %
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g, 4%
  • Iron: 0.8 mg, 4%
  • Sodium: 1% (5 mg)
  • Potassium: 30 mg 1%
  • Soluble fiber: 2 g N/A
  • Sugars: 9 g N/A

Health Benefits of Metamucil

The psyllium fiber content in Metamucil can have some good health benefits, which are common to all fibrous foods.

The fiber gap is a serious health concern; this supplement ensures you get enough fiber.

Lowering Cholesterol: Psyllium fiber found in Metamucil slows and hinders the uptake of unhealthy fats in our foods. Some studies also suggest that dietary fiber can reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Lowering Blood Pressure: According to a recent research report, consuming higher amounts of fiber may help reduce blood pressure.

Weight Loss: Psyllium fiber supplements may help weight loss by making you feel full faster, reducing the absorption of sugar and fat content in foods, and feeding the beneficial gut bacteria.

Diabetes and Glycemic Control: According to a report by the American Diabetes Association, consuming sufficient fiber daily can improve glycemic control and decrease the degree of hyperinsulinemia.

As you increase your fiber intake, drink around 12 glasses of water.

Metamucil And Weight Loss

Metamucil weight loss is quite an exaggerated topic. The company promises to help trap and remove the waste that weighs you. However, this supplement is definitely not intended for weight loss purposes. It is precisely designed for dealing with indigestion.

However, the psyllium contained in it may aid in weight loss for the following reasons:

1. Feeds the friendly bacteria in the gut

The psyllium ingredient in this supplement is a soluble fiber.

Fiber can have powerful effects on health and metabolism.

A few studies suggest that soluble fiber can help you lose weight.

Fiber intake in your diet feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut that help with healthy digestion and metabolism.

Nourishing the friendly bacteria in the intestine creates a prebiotic effect, hugely beneficial for getting rid of belly fat.

2. Help fight inflammation, which may cause obesity

Good bacteria reduce gut inflammation and improve inflammatory disorders’ symptoms. They help fight inflammation, a key driver of obesity and disease.

3. Viscous fiber may reduce your appetite

Viscous fibers such as psyllium, pectins, glucomannan, and guar gum absorb liquid and become bulky, forming a gel-like substance that “sits” in the gut.

The thick gel formed in the gut by psyllium delays digestion and increases the time it takes to absorb nutrients. This makes the individual feel full for a prolonged time and significantly reduces appetite.

It may help reduce hunger and appetite to promote weight loss.

Some of the evidence from a few studies indicates that the weight loss effects of fiber specifically target belly fat.

How Does Psyllium Fiber Work?

Psyllium is a form of dietary fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. It is a very effective natural laxative; a commonly prescribed remedy for indigestion.

When psyllium husk comes into contact with water, it becomes bulky and forms a gelatin-like mass. It adds bulk to the food and promotes the transport of waste through the digestive tract.

Psyllium fiber in Metamucil helps digestion by forming a massive bulk of gel-like fiber in the intestine. This increases the contraction of muscles in the intestinal wall, leading to the easy movement of stool through the digestive tract.

Psyllium makes the stool soft and bulky to help with regular and comfortable bowel movements. So you start to feel lighter in two weeks by adding Metamucil to your diet.

Does Taking Metamucil Help You Lose Weight

Does Taking Metamucil Help You Lose Weight?

Fiber supplements generally contain natural fiber extracted from plant sources.

Consuming fiber from food sources or supplements has a few important health benefits. However, weight loss results from fiber supplements are mixed and quite unconvincing.

An extensive study published by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition found that psyllium and guar gum are ineffective weight loss supplements.

However, the fiber extract from the konjac root, known as glucomannan, is proven to have a significant effect on shedding body weight.

Studies have shown that glucomannan, a soluble, fermentable, and highly viscous dietary fiber, can cause modest weight loss when taken in supplement form.

Supplements have few health benefits compared to the nutrients obtained from whole plant foods.

According to the ads published by MetaWellness (a P&G subsidiary), “Metamucil is clinically proven to help you feel less hungry between meals.” There is no clinical evidence that supports these claims.

However, they do not make any claims about the weight loss effects of this supplement.

Dosage

According to the company label on the Metamucil packet, 2 rounded teaspoons (11.6 g) provide 6 grams of fiber, with 5 of those grams coming from soluble fiber.

Generally, a teaspoon of Metamucil can be taken every day, up to three times per day. The company offers a “two-week challenge” to get you going.

The label on the pack suggests Metamucil dosage as follows:

For managing indigestion:

  • Use one rounded tablespoon in at least 8 oz of water after the meal.
  • Use it up to three times a day.

Dosage for making you feel full:

  • Use 2 rounded teaspoons in at least 8 ounces of water with meals.
  • Use it up to three times per day.

Dosage for managing blood sugar levels:

  • Use 1 rounded teaspoon mixed in 8 oz of water.
  • Use it three times per day.

Dosages for lowering cholesterol:

  • Use 1 rounded teaspoon mixed in 8 oz of liquid.
  • Use it three times per day.

Dosage for improving digestive health:

  • Use 1 rounded teaspoon mixed in 8 oz of liquid.
  • Use it up to three times a day.

There aren’t many differences in the Metamucil dosage to be followed for managing blood sugar, cholesterol, digestive health, and reducing the intake of foods.

Metamucil Side Effects

Time-tested and proven, Metamucil is a natural supplement to eliminate indigestion.

You will hardly find any serious side effects of Metamucil reported by any users in the past. It is very safe for healthy people.

This supplement is supposed to be used for the short-term treatment of indigestion. However, individuals who continue with this supplement for a long period for weight loss or to overcome laxative dependency could face some side effects in the long run.

Here are some of the possible Metamucil side effects that some individuals may face:

The phenylalanine (a type of amino acid) contained in Metamucil may cause phenylalanine to build up in the body if this amino acid is not processed correctly.

Overdosage of Metamucil can lead to diarrhea and an electrolyte imbalance.

Psyllium may lower blood sugar levels. This might interact with some diabetes medications.

Psyllium absorbs water from the body, which can cause dehydration if sufficient water is not taken. Lack of enough fluid may even lead to intestinal blockage caused by psyllium.

Fiber may interfere with the absorption of iron and some medications, like blood thinners.

Do not take Metamucil for two weeks before and after surgery, for it may interfere with the medication.

Some individuals may experience nausea or heartburn after taking fiber supplements like Metamucil.

Metamucil’s Two Weeks Challenge

It’s a program that helps you start your daily Metamucil powder or capsule routine. It’s an opportunity for you to test whether Metamucil helps with your weight management.

This program helps you get started with your daily Metamucil routine. It’s a fun way to get online help and track your progress while taking Metamucil powder or capsules on a daily basis.

Once you join the program, you’ll get an email every day for two weeks with tips, tricks, and reminders to help you make progress with the fiber diet plan.

Two weeks are necessary for your body to adjust and produce results from any dietary supplement. The company promises that within two weeks, you’ll be feeling lighter and more energetic.

Conclusion

For a short period, Metamucil fiber supplements can be used safely to promote healthy regularity in bowel movements and relieve constipation.

Metamucil is a fiber supplement frequently used to treat constipation and related symptoms like stomach bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, which can be reduced by providing proper and regular passage of stools.

Eating soluble fibers can make one feel full and thus reduce food intake. Fiber content also reduces and slows down the uptake of starch and fat in foods. Metamucil weight loss effects may occur because of this.

Psyllium should not be regularly consumed for weight loss purposes.

Limit the use of Metamucil to a short period. Regular consumption of it can cause vitamin deficiency. Many customer reviews also indicate the development of a dependency on laxatives.

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