TikTok is obsessed with gut health, so much so that the hashtag #guttok has almost 728 million views on the app. Many influencers say good gut health is the key to a flat belly, a mood boost and so much more. But how many of these claims are actually rooted in science? Will drinking lemon juice and ginger really make as much of a difference as some creators claim?
Rather than counting calories and drinking green juices to reduce belly fat, some TikTokers seem to promote using coconut oil and ginger shots to beat the bloat. These simple elixirs appeal to many, but fixing gastrointestinal issues isn’t that easy.
Plus, experiencing regular bloating could be a sign of a legitimate medical condition, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome , small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or a food intolerance that you need to see a professional in order to diagnose. “If you have consistent bloating accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, pain, or bleeding, obviously see a doctor,” says Langer.