As temperatures soar across Pakistan during the brutal summer months, staying hydrated and maintaining digestive health becomes crucial. From Karachi to Lahore, and even in relatively cooler cities like Islamabad, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.
With extreme heat comes the risk of dehydration, digestive distress, and fatigue. Amid all this, Ispaghol, commonly known as psyllium husk, can emerge as a natural and effective remedy to help your body cope.
Let’s dive into how this humble pantry staple can become your health hero during heatwaves.
What is Ispaghol?
Ispaghol is derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. The husk of these seeds is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a versatile ingredient for various digestive and health-related concerns.
In Pakistani households, it’s a go-to solution for constipation, but its benefits go far beyond that—especially when temperatures rise.
Why summer heatwaves are dangerous
Before we get into the benefits of Ispaghol, it’s important to understand what summer heatwaves do to our bodies:
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Dehydration due to excessive sweating
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Electrolyte imbalance
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Digestive issues, including constipation and acidity
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Fatigue, dizziness, and even heat stroke
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Loss of appetite and irregular bowel movements
All these effects can seriously impact your overall health. Luckily, adding Ispaghol to your summer routine can offer significant relief.
Top Benefits of Ispaghol During Summer Heatwave
1. Prevents dehydration
Ispaghol has a high water-absorbing capacity. When taken with water, it forms a gel-like substance that helps retain water in the intestines, preventing dehydration and keeping the body cool. This is especially helpful when your body is losing fluids due to sweating.
Tip: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of Ispaghol in a glass of cold water or lemonade to stay hydrated longer.
2. Improves digestion
Summer heat often slows down digestion and leads to irregular bowel movements. Ispaghol is a rich source of natural fiber, which helps in:
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Soothing the intestines
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Bulking up stool
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Easing constipation
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Promoting regularity
Especially if you’re eating less due to loss of appetite, Ispaghol keeps your digestive system active and efficient.
3. Reduces Acidity and Heartburn
Many people experience acid reflux or heartburn during summer, often due to eating spicy or oily food. Ispaghol acts as a protective layer inside the stomach and intestines, neutralizing acidity and giving relief from discomfort.
Home remedy: A spoon of Ispaghol in cold milk works wonders for acidity and bloating.
4. Natural Coolant for the Body
Ispaghol has a cooling effect on the stomach and body. It helps reduce internal heat, making it perfect for hot climates. Many traditional drinks in Pakistan, such as sattu, mint lassi, and lemon sharbat, can be enhanced with a spoon of Ispaghol to make them even more refreshing and gut-friendly.
5. Helps in Weight Management
In hot weather, many people tend to skip meals or overeat when they finally feel hungry. Ispaghol expands in the stomach and gives a feeling of fullness, helping control unnecessary cravings and maintaining a healthy weight during summer.
6. Controls Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
While not summer-specific, it’s worth mentioning that Ispaghol is beneficial for those with diabetes and cholesterol issues. It slows down the digestion of sugar and prevents blood sugar spikes, which can be exacerbated by summer drinks loaded with sugar.
For diabetic patients observing roza (fasting) during long hot days, Ispaghol can help keep blood sugar levels more stable.
7. Aids in Detoxification
With increased heat and sweat, toxins can build up in the body. Ispaghol helps cleanse the colon, remove toxins, and support healthy gut flora—keeping your body feeling light and detoxified.
How to Use Ispaghol in Summer
Here are a few easy and traditional ways to include Ispaghol in your summer routine:
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Lemon Ispaghol Drink: Mix 1 tbsp Ispaghol in lemon water with a pinch of black salt.
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Milk and Ispaghol: For acidity, mix 1 tbsp in cold milk before bedtime.
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Yogurt Mix: Add 1 tbsp in a bowl of dahi (curd) with mint and salt for a refreshing digestive side dish.
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Fruit Smoothie Add-on: Blend into mango or banana smoothies for added fiber and cooling effect.
Note: Always drink plenty of water with Ispaghol to avoid choking or bloating.
Who should be cautious?
While Ispaghol is safe for most people, a few should use it carefully:
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Those with swallowing difficulties or throat issues
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People with chronic constipation not improved by fiber
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Individuals on medication should take it at a different time than Ispaghol to avoid absorption issues
Always consult your doctor if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on long-term medication.
In Pakistani households, Ispaghol is a trusted remedy passed down for generations. It is widely available in pharmacies and grocery stores under brands like Sat-Isabgol, Reckitt Benckiser's Ispaghol, and local desi versions. It’s affordable, safe, and highly effective—especially during the unforgiving months of May to August when heatwaves are at their peak.
Ispaghol is more than just a digestive aid—it’s a powerful natural remedy to combat the harsh effects of summer heat. From keeping you hydrated and cool to soothing your stomach and improving digestion, it’s an all-rounder worth adding to your daily diet.
So the next time you feel drained, bloated, or dehydrated under the scorching sun, reach for a glass of water, toss in a spoon of Ispaghol, and let nature do the rest.
