Can a simple three-ingredient drink help with weight loss and get your poop moving? A TikTok pharmacist says so — and there’s some science to back him up.
Mohammed Fawaz (@yourmodernpharmacist) shared his DIY recipe on the app, racking up 1.7 million views.
“Today, we’re going to do a liver and colon cleanse to get our bowel movements going, and lose some weight, and feel better, and have more energy,” he proclaimed.
Despite calling it a “cleanse,” Fawaz isn’t advocating for only drinking this and nothing else, but simply starting your day with it before food and drinking it for seven days.
All you need is cucumber, celery and a lemon or lime. Chop up half of each of the vegetables and toss them in a blender, adding 8 to 16 ounces and the juice from half a lime.
“The cucumbers and celery are gonna help detoxify the body and get rid of excess water and waste in the body,” Fawaz said. “The antioxidants from the lime are gonna help the gut and it’s also gonna flavor the drink.”
Does it really work? Yes and no.
Most medical professionals warn that the need to “detoxify” the body is a myth.
“The liver is our detoxification machine. It’s made to do this,” says liver cancer specialist and surgeon Dr. Thomas Aloia of MD Anderson. “Detoxifying the normal things we eat, breathe and ingest is part of its job and keeps us alive.”
“If your goal is to detox your system, don’t waste your time or money,” Dr. Michael Smith agrees, writing for WebMD. “Your body is an expert at getting rid of toxins no matter what you eat. Toxins don’t build up in your liver, kidneys, or any other part of your body, and you’re not going to get rid of them with the latest detox wonder.”
That being said, there’s merit to the claims that this drink can move bowels and aid with weight loss.
Cucumber benefits
Cucumbers are high in calories and water content, which can be helpful if you’re trying to drop pounds. Generally, though, the way that works is to eat lots of cucumber as part of your diet, whether in cooked dishes, salads or snacks.
That high water content is also great for your bathroom schedule. Eating them can help keep you hydrated, which can get you more regular.
They’re also high in fiber, another must for regulated your bowel movements. This fiber, in particular — called pectin — was found to alleviate constipation in a 2014 study.
What’s more, cucumbers have antioxidants and may lower blood sugar levels, which are involved in hunger and cravings.
The good in celery
Celery is also low in calories but high in fiber, which can fill you up faster but also gets waste moving through your system.
Other upsides to eating it include prevention of cancer and Alzheimer’s, plus it can help lower your blood pressure.
Don’t forget the lime
The lime can actually help meet weight loss goals, too. Limes are rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to decrease fat absorption.
