This 'internal shower' drink went viral on TikTok. What is it? And is it safe?
If you haven't had the privilege of stumbling across PoopTok, we're bringing you the latest viral sensation that TikTok community has produced: The "internal shower" drink.
It includes three ingredients: water, chia seeds and the juice of half a lemon.
In just days, the chia seed concoction has taken TikTok by storm with the hashtag #internalshowerdrink gaining more than 2.3 million views and #internalshower gaining more than 31.9 million.
Videos claim the drinks helps with a range of issues including constipation and bloating. Others have described it as a "cleanse" or "detox" after a weekend of fast food or drinking alcohol.
But how much is true and is it something you should try? We asked experts to weigh in on benefits and potential risks.
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Should you try the 'internal shower' chia seed drink?
Laura Ligos, a registered dietitian nutritionist and specialist in sports dietetics, says it would depend on an individual's needs and root digestive issues to determine if this drink is a good option.
"The components of the drink can all be supportive of digestive health but will not cure any root issues that are going on," she explains. "If someone hasn't been hydrating appropriately or they haven't gotten enough fiber in the day through their diet (I usually recommend between 30-40 grams per day for adults) then it may be a quicker way to hit those targets."
But before considering this beverage as a "last resort," she says she would first focus on proper hydration (usually about half your body weight in ounces per day), eating enough fiber and incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
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Jenna Litt, a registered dietitian at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, explains chia seeds are "known to be fibrous, and fiber is known to help with more frequent bowel movements." But you don't need to drink the gelatinous 'internal shower' drink to meet your fiber goal. The seeds can be put in smoothies, yogurt, pudding, oatmeal and more.
"You will receive the benefits of the fiber in the chia seeds regardless of the form you consume them in," Litt says, adding she recommends having a diet that goes beyond chia seeds for fiber that is rich in fruits and vegetables.
"These are known to be highest in fiber while also providing your body with adequate vitamins and minerals. Having nuts and seeds and whole wheat products are also a great way to meet your fiber needs for the day," she says. "In short, we do not need the 'internal shower' to regulate our bowel movements."
If you do increase your fiber intake, be mindful
There are risks to having too much of anything in our diet. Fiber is just one example of that, Litt says.
"If you have too much fiber in a day, you may actually end up finding yourself to be more constipated and may feel even more bloated," she explains. "This is because when you consume fiber, it pulls water out of your body through your bowel movements, which causes dehydration, making it more difficult for the body to pass the stool."
That's why Litt recommends consuming adequate fiber, not excess. It's also important to supplement your fiber with water to remain hydrated and help with the fiber intake and digestion as a whole, Ligos adds.
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Experts warn against calling it a 'cleanse'
The word "cleanse" or "detox" can be misleading and dangerous, especially to those who struggle with disordered eating, Litt explains.
"The idea that you can eat or drink whatever you want and counter that lifestyle by having a 'detox' can lead to binging tendencies, which may even lead to eating disorders if taken too far," she adds.
It makes the drink seem like "a quick fix that it's most certainly not," Ligos says, adding that your kidneys and liver are in charge of cleansing and detoxing the body – not a beverage.
"If you are struggling with eating 'good' on the weekdays and then bingeing or 'cheating' on the weekends then this is a much deeper issue than needing a 'cleanse' and likely we need to work on your relationship with food as well as learning the basics of hydration and fiber."
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TikTok viral 'internal shower' chia seed drink: Should you try it?