Have you heard of the “internal shower” drink with chia seeds and lemon juice? It’s going viral on TikTok and is hailed as a digestive booster, anti-constipation and bloating (especially after travelling), detox drink, and hangover cure.
Advocates recommend mixing two tablespoons of chia seeds in a cup of water, adding lemon juice, waiting for the seeds to start absorbing water and forming a gel, drinking it at young and wait.
Chia seeds are edible seeds from a flowering plant from the mint and sage families. These tiny seeds (1,000 seeds weigh approximately 1.3 grams), pack a nutritional punch and are rich in dietary fibre, polyunsaturated fats and proteins. They also contain B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid) and minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus).
Before you rush out to buy chia seeds, beware. The National Capital Poison Control Center in the United States has urged caution, following the case of a person requiring surgery after chia seed gummies got stuck and blocked their esophagus.
Let’s Break Down the “Internal Shower” Claims
One last word
Chia seeds are high in fiber. You can use them in recipes that taste better than the “internal shower” drink, like chia banana pudding or one berry and chia smoothie and which do not pose a choking hazard.
Just drink your water separately. There is no particular advantage to combining the two.
