Organic Way Shikakai Powder

Benefits

• Helps maintain regular bowel habits when dietary fibre intake is inadequate.
• Helps relieve occasional constipation.
• May help support healthy gut bacteria as a prebiotic.
• May help support heart health as part of a healthy diet.
• Helps maintain feelings of fullness after meals.
• May help support healthy glucose metabolism when taken with meals.

What people commonly use it for

• Occasional constipation (Good clinical evidence for psyllium and other bulking fibres)
• Irregular bowel habits (Good clinical evidence for increasing fibre gradually)
• Bloating from a low-fibre diet (Some clinical studies suggest gradual increases can help)
• Feeling hungry soon after meals (Some clinical studies suggest viscous fibres increase fullness)
• Supporting gut bacteria (Some clinical studies suggest prebiotic fibres like inulin help)

Suggested to use alongside

• Psyllium husk: Popular bulk fibre to support regularity
• Probiotic: Friendly bacteria that suit a fibre-rich diet
• Chia seeds: Easy way to add fibre and omega-3 to meals

Dietary fibre is made of plant carbohydrates and related compounds that resist digestion in the small intestine. It is usually grouped by how it behaves in water.

• Soluble, viscous fibres such as psyllium, oat beta-glucan and guar form a gel. This slows stomach emptying and slows the absorption of sugars and bile acids.
• Insoluble fibres such as wheat bran add bulk and speed up transit.
• Fermentable fibres such as inulin, FOS and acacia are used by gut bacteria to make short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which nourish the cells lining the colon.

Psyllium is unusual because it is both viscous and only partly fermented, so it holds water in the stool and softens it. This is why it is well supported for regularity (Cochrane review on fibre for constipation).

Adults are advised to eat around 25 to 30 grams of fibre daily, according to Australian Nutrient Reference Values. Gut bacteria need time to adjust, so increasing fibre slowly and drinking plenty of water helps avoid gas and bloating.

Fermentable fibres can cause more wind than bulking fibres when first introduced, so start with small amounts.

• Form: Powder
• Organic

Shikakai is highly nutritious. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K and antioxidants. It also contains glucose, arabinose, rhamnose, oxalic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid and tartaric acid.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

Supplier ref: Organic Way Shikakai Powder (Acacia Concinna)- Organic, Kosher & USDA Certified

How much fibre do I need each day?

Australian guidelines suggest about 25 g a day for adult women and 30 g for men. Most people eat less than this.

What is the best fibre supplement?

Psyllium is well studied for regularity, while inulin and acacia are gentler and prebiotic. The best choice depends on your goal and your tolerance.

When should I take fibre?

Take it with a full glass of water, ideally with or before a meal. Take medicines at least an hour away from fibre.

Why does fibre make me gassy?

Gut bacteria ferment some fibres and produce gas. Starting with a small dose and building up over a couple of weeks helps.

How long does fibre take to work?

Bulking fibres like psyllium often help within one to three days. Prebiotic benefits build over weeks.

Can I take fibre every day?

Yes, fibre is a normal part of the diet. Increase gradually and keep up your fluids.

Always take with plenty of water, as fibre can cause blockage if taken dry. Separate from medicines by one to two hours, as fibre can slow their absorption. Introduce gradually, and speak to your health professional if you have swallowing difficulties or bowel concerns.

This product comes from a smaller independent supplier. Supporting small and family-owned makers is a big part of what we do.

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