Doctor shares natural drink for better gut health

Many products marketed as “colon cleanses” promise quick relief from constipation or digestive discomfort. However, medical experts warn that some of these products may contain strong laxatives that can irritate the digestive system.

A gastroenterologist has suggested a simpler and more natural option that may support gut health using everyday ingredients.

Doctor suggests a homemade gut-friendly drink

Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist who focuses on digestive and nutritional health, recently shared a homemade drink recipe on Instagram that he says may help support digestion.

In the video posted on March 8, the doctor explained that the drink uses fibre-rich ingredients and fruits that may help nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support normal digestive function.

Step-by-step recipe

Dr. Salhab suggested preparing the drink using the following ingredients:

Step 1: Choose a soluble fibre source
Add one tablespoon of a soluble fibre such as psyllium husk, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds.

Step 2: Add liquid
Mix the fibre with about 8–12 ounces of liquid. This can include plain water, lemon water, or milk if making a smoothie.

Step 3: Add fruit
Add one or two servings of fruit. The doctor recommends fibre-rich options such as kiwi, berries, apples, pears, dragon fruit, mango, passion fruit, oranges, or watermelon. Fresh or frozen fruit can be used.

Step 4: Add fresh ginger (optional)
A small amount of fresh ginger can be added for flavour and potential digestive support.

After combining the ingredients, blend them together to create the drink.

Suggested routine

Dr. Salhab recommends trying the drink daily for about a week to see how the body responds. According to him, people can adjust the ingredients based on their preferences to find a combination that works best.

He said the fibre and fruit in the drink may help support beneficial gut bacteria and contribute to digestive health.

Why some colon cleanses may not be ideal

The doctor noted that some products promoted as colon cleanses rely on strong laxatives or similar methods. These approaches may sometimes lead to side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, abdominal discomfort, or disruption of gut bacteria.

In contrast, he suggests that natural fibre-based drinks may support digestion more gently by encouraging normal gut activity and providing nutrients.

Important health note

Experts advise that persistent digestive issues should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. While dietary changes can support gut health, they may not replace medical advice or treatment when needed.

Note: The information in this article is based on content shared on social media and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns.