My dear, sweet readers. We're going to keep it real today - TikTok is testing my patience. The platform has got some pluses for sure - users give us lots of delicious recipes to try, hundreds bring us the latest and greatest from our favorite stores and restaurants, and there are certainly plenty of good laughs to be had. But this kind of stuff - this is where I get grumpy and begin to question the human race.
If you haven't seen the newest "weight loss hack" on the platform as of late, it involves castor oil. Numerous videos can be seen of people documenting their "weight loss journeys," posting before and after photos that show seemingly stunning weight loss. And while it can make you lose weight, there's an important - and potentially dangerous - reason that it does. Castor oil is what's called a "stimulant laxative," meaning that it causes muscles in the intestines to contract and push out stool. The weight loss that people experience is simply the forced removal of waste built up in their bodies - side effects can include diarrhea, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting.
Videos abound of people all over the internet documenting their "castor oil" journeys - some rubbing the ancient oil on their abdomens, some filling their belly buttons with it, and some, of course, drinking several tablespoons of it. TikToker @cindy_thamage captioned a video of her preparing to drink castor oil with "Its not easy! It takes a lot of courage and self motivation."
TikToker @bossbaethebarbie posted before and after photos of a seven-day adventure that involved rubbing castor oil on her abdomen twice a day, noting that "y'all will be on the toilet" and that it gave her cramps that felt like period cramps. "I think that's how I knew it was working," she said. "It don't hurt to try."
But that's not necessarily true. According to nutritionist Valerie Poirier, "It's crucial to understand the potential dangers associated with castor oil's use."
According to Health.com, castor oil "can cause side effects in high doses," and can lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
TikToker @drebellene posted about her experience with castor oil, saying she was in "absolute agony" after rubbing castor oil on her stomach to minimize the appearance of cellulite.
"I have been doubled over in pain...Please use it sparingly, be careful," she says.
@drebellene I rubbed black castor oil on my belly and in my bellybutton once for two days and I am in the worst pain I have been in since i had my second baby! Castor oil stimulates the muscles especially in the intestines to contract. I didnt have much food in my stomach so it couldnt really purge and just felt like searing guy pain. Please be careful- I honestly wanted my cellulite gone but Im not sure at this cost! #blackcastoroil #castoroil #warning #fyp ♬ original sound - Andréa
It can also be extremely risky for pregnant women to utilize castor oil internally or even externally on their skin, as it can be absorbed into the body and may stimulate contractions. Even when used as a home remedy to induce labor, Poirier says that using castor oil isn't recommended.
"It may result in neonatal respiratory distress due to the passage of meconium while still in the womb," she says.
Additionally, those who have recently undergone surgery or have sensitive skin should refrain from using castor oil, as it can cause allergic reactions or other complications.
If taking castor oil internally as a laxative, Poirier encourages safer options like probiotics, fermented foods, psyllium husk, or the natural laxative senna." She continues, "Castor oil is potent and can pose serious health risks if your body reacts adversely."
If you want to explore castor oil for its various uses, always consult your doctor and make sure to read the ingredient label to ensure the product is pure and without any additives.
Poirier says, "If you get approval from your primary care provider or a certified professional, choose organic castor oil in a dark glass bottle to avoid BPA contamination from plastic. It's important to buy from reputable sources to ensure the oil isn't contaminated with pesticides or chemical pollutants." Additionally, she recommends checking to make sure the product is hexane-free.
Seriously, y'all. I know it's tempting to try the latest and greatest fad with the promise of that dress fitting just right for your big date or feeling like a baddie at the beach this weekend, but effective ways to lose weight safely abound that don't involve living on the toilet for days at a time. Consult a doctor or licensed dietician for a personalized plan to help you reach your goals safely and sustainably. Don't let pretty before-and-after pictures and internet fads cloud your judgment. Your health is more important than the latest quick fix.