It should be common knowledge, but you should not believe everything you see or read on the Internet, especially social media. And yet, TikTok has become a growing source of information for all sorts of health information, especially gut health. In fact, you can regularly see hashtags like #pooptok, #guthealthmatters, #guttok, and #guthealing on numerous videos. It’s pretty clear that the matters of the gut have infiltrated the social media platform.
A lot of health experts, including gastroenterologists and other gastrointestinal (GI) experts, have joined TikTok to promote science-backed claims and advice. The reason for this is because most #guttok posts are not from experts in the field. Would you rather trust an influencer who tried one thing at one point in time, or someone who has dedicated their life to the study of the GI tract? Wellness tips are all well and good, but not all of them are correct.
The good news about all of this is that people are encouraging others to care about their digestive health. When it comes to claims, however, not all of these videos have evidence to back them up. Sometimes, one of these videos will promote a product that aids gut health, such as a colon cleanse or colon detox solution. Don’t just trust something that you see in a video without doing thorough research on it! There are no miracle products, which is why we aim to highlight the TikTok gut health trends to question or avoid in this article.
Gut Repair Or Leaky Gut Solutions
If you hear about a product, method, or solution that will repeat your leaky or damaged gut, it may not be what it’s cracked to be. Drinking olive oil shots or slurping on bone broth all day don’t have evidence backing efficacy for treating the problem. The problem is thinking that leaky gut syndrome can be fixed with one quick solution. Although leaky gut is not a medically recognized condition, it is a gut problem that can happen as a result of an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You can sip bone broth in moderation, but don’t expect it to heal your gut. If you decide to drink bone broth, find ones higher in magnesium, calcium, and iron. Olive oil, while it has beneficial polyphenols and healthy fats, will not repair your gut on its own.
Laxatives For Weight Loss
If you are a #guttok trend follower, perhaps you know of the claim that taking laxatives regularly can promote weight loss. If that is a true claim, it should be a big red flag. The goal of taking a laxative is to relieve symptoms caused by constipation, not to lose weight. If you take a laxative to lose weight, you are eliminating undigested food in the form of diarrhea. That can be dangerous if it goes on for more than a short period of time. You need to absorb sufficient fluids from the GI tract, otherwise you could potentially injure your kidneys. People who suffer from constipation may need to take a laxative to eliminate stool in the colon. You should not rely on laxatives to lose weight, but instead use them to relieve constipation symptoms.
Fasting For Gut Health
Fasting is not a new trend. In fact, it has been practiced for centuries in different forms across different cultures. In most cases, there is nothing wrong with fasting, and it has actually been linked to certain health benefits. For example, one review found that intermittent fasting potentially improved metabolic effects, including better blood glucose control and fat loss. That said, fasting can also lead to negative emotions, including anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. One review found that intermittent fasting led to changes in gut bacteria that may regulate body functions and promote healthy metabolism. Fasting may improve GI symptoms for some, but there isn’t sufficient evidence to say that it directly benefits gut health.
Colon Cleanse Or Detox Protocols
Should you avoid products or regimens that claim they can expel all the waste from your colon or purge it of toxins? You usually see these concoctions in beverage or shake form and they include cayenne, lemon juice, honey, or other similar ingredients. The idea is that a colon cleanse is the best way to benefit your digestive health. Most gastroenterologists agree that you only want to purge your colon of food or microbes before a colonoscopy. There is no reason to completely flush out your colon just because it’s Tuesday. A healthy colon contains a variety of bacteria and other organisms, the microbiome. It also contains mostly digested food that is in the process of becoming stool. A healthy colon contains a diverse microbiome that helps regulate immune function, metabolism, and even your mood! Don’t just evacuate your colon and think that your gut will flourish!
DIY Fermented Foods
There is no denying the gut-promoting powers of fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, natto, and kombucha. During fermentation, bacteria grow in a controlled environment, converting carbs or fiber in the food into an acid. That bacteria-produced acid gives fermented foods that signature sour flavor. There are many bioactive compounds in fermented foods that can be beneficial for your gut. The problem with DIY fermented foods is that you may not ferment in a way that promotes the growth of these beneficial bacteria. If you are determined to make fermented foods, instead of buying them in the store, seek reputable guidance and buy the correct products to ensure you ferment correctly. Don’t just take the word of some TikToker!
