Is TikTok's 'Internal Shower' Drink Actually Good For You?
A new wellness drink going viral on TikTok promises to give your body an "internal shower" by flushing out your system and aiding digestion. But does the beverage actually work? With more than 60 million views, the viral trend involves drinking a mixture of water, lemon, and chia seeds to help stimulate your digestive system. According to Bustle, the recipe is meant to help improve your bowel movements and relieve constipation. As it turns out, chia seeds are high in fiber, which many people do not consume enough of.
The daily recommended intake of fiber is anywhere from 21 to 25 grams per day, but most people fail to consume this much every 24 hours. Increasing your daily fiber intake, however, can help regulate your digestive system and make it easier to pass stools. "Fiber, especially soluble fiber, helps for easy and effortless pooping," gut health dietician Amanda Sauceda told Bustle.
Is the internal shower drink all its cracked up to be?
According to Livestrong, there are about 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon of chia seed. By including more of these seeds in your diet, you may be able to alleviate constipation. However, consuming too much fiber can have negative effects and cause gas, bloating, constipation, and even diarrhea. While the "internal shower" recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chia seeds per serving, experts at Good Housekeeping recommend starting off with just 1 tablespoon at first to see how your body responds. If you're not used to eating that much fiber, two tablespoons of chia seeds could be too much for your digestive tract all at once.
It's also important to make sure that you add enough water to the concoction. "Because chia seeds swell in water and form a gelatinous shell, they can absorb 12 times their weight in water, making adequate hydration even more important," registered dietitian Amy Fischer told Good Housekeeping. In other words, drinking plenty of water can help make the chia seeds easier for you to digest.