There's a new wellness trend sweeping social media, and it has nothing to do with skincare, smoothie bowls, or the latest yoga trend. A wellness trend known as the "Internal Body Wash" has been trending online, especially on platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter). Promoted as a natural way to relieve constipation and clean the colon, this trend has created interest and controversy among health professionals and enthusiasts alike. Is it another social media trend or is there something behind it?
To get clarity, we spoke to Dr Akash Chaudhary, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant Medical - Gastroenterology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, who explained this trend and its health impact.
"There's been a lot of talk lately about this so-called 'Internal Body Wash' for constipation. I think it's great that more people are interested in gut health; it's a topic that doesn't get enough attention," said Dr Chaudhary.
According to StatPearls, constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal issue that can impact people of all ages, ranging from infants to seniors, and it does not discriminate based on gender, race, or socioeconomic status. This condition is defined by challenging and infrequent bowel movements, usually occurring three times or less per week. Common factors contributing to constipation include decreased colonic movement, slow stool transit, altered rectal sensation, and ineffective coordination of pelvic floor muscles during the process of defecation.
Understanding the 'Internal Body Wash'
The trend gained momentum when Craig Brockie, founder of Ultimate Health Solutions, posted a detailed guide on how to perform this natural colon cleanse. According to Brockie, the “internal body wash” consists of:
- Taking a natural laxative before bedtime.
- Consuming a quart of warm salt water (with 2 teaspoons of sea salt) the following morning.
- Giving the body time to process and eliminate waste.
Brockie claims this method helps flush out accumulated toxins, undigested food, and other residues from the colon, potentially improving energy levels, skin clarity, and overall well-being.
Also Read: Western vs Indian Toilets: How Your Sitting Position Influences Digestion and Health
Expert Take on This Wellness Trend
While some components of this trend, such as increasing soluble fibre consumption, staying hydrated, and maintaining optimal magnesium and vitamin C levels, are based on sound nutritional advice, it is vital to approach such fads with a balanced perspective.
"However, as with every health trend, it should not be oversimplified. Food, stress, medication, and a serious underlying disease are all possible reasons for constipation. Simply increasing fibre or establishing a daily bowel movement goal may not be sufficient for everyone. In fact, pushing for too many bowel movements can be counterproductive and cause unnecessary worry," explained Dr Chaudhary.
Also Read: Stress And Hormonal Imbalance Can Cause Chronic Constipation; Here's What You Can Do About It
Your Body Already Has a Built-in Cleanse Mode
Dr Chaudhary highlighted, "The truth is, our bodies come equipped with their own very efficient 'internal washing systems.' The liver, kidneys, intestines, and the skin work together to eliminate waste and toxins daily. So, while natural techniques are beneficial, they should be used with caution and, ideally, under supervision."
Bottomline
Dr Chaudhary concluded, "As doctors, we're always pleased to see individuals taking measures to improve their health, whether through eating more balanced meals, staying active, drinking plenty of water, or simply getting regular check-ups. If a popular hack causes someone to pause and consider their gut health, it is a positive step. However, significant, long-term change occurs when we look beyond quick solutions and prioritise what is best for our bodies and lifestyles."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]