Drinking an ‘internal shower’ is just three simple ingredients supposedly ‘cleanses’ your insides – but people are being warned to be careful about the side effects when doing the trend
Doctors and dieticians have been weighing in on the latest health trend – the ‘internal shower’ – and it’s not as squeaky clean as it may sound.
The process that is claimed to ‘help flush out your insides’ involves creating a concoction of two tablespoons of chia seeds, water and lemon juice. After letting the mixture sit for a bit, it is then swallow it altogether – by anyone who is willing to bid on their bowels.
However, NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan – who is best known for giving health advice on TikTok – explained that this viral trend is ‘more of an internal drain cleaner than an internal shower’.
And registered dietitian Beth Czerwony revealed that chia seeds can cause internal “blockages” if not prepared properly.
Apparently chia seeds are able to absorb ‘up to 12 times’ their weight when exposed to a liquid and the superfood can take on a ‘a gel-like consistency’ after being introduced to a liquid.
Chia seeds are known for their great health benefits and are brimming with fibre, antioxidants and protein.
And although Dr Rajan said that “this is probably one of the first TikTok trends that actually works… and won’t kill you,” he also emphasised it’s important people don’t consume too much fibre.
Dr Rajan said: “Be warned – don’t consume too much fibre because it can cause cramping and bloating.”
“Just be warned as well that whatever you do drink will end up tasting like molten frog spawn. And you better drink it fast, as the longer you leave it, the more it will make you gag.”
Despite the warnings, Dr Karan concurred there is some truth behind the latest TikTok-viral health trend.
Speaking about the benefits of the ‘internal shower’, he said: “It makes you consume more fibre and water, which helps to soften and bulk up your poop.”
He also advices people to have a bit of patience with the concoction as the effect is ‘not immediate’ and usually takes somewhere between 12 and 24 hours to kick in.
Czerwony agreed and said that chia seeds are ‘hypothesised to have a laxative effect due to their fibre content’. She added: “They add bulk and weight to stools, which softens them and helps them pass.”
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