A viral claim in Pakistani social networks suggests that consuming industrial chemical dirt with empty stomach for three days has several health benefits, such as treating asthma, relieving constipation and cleaning of the digestive system.
Borax, also known as sodium tester, is a white powder substance commonly used in domestic cleaners.
This statement is false and potentially dangerous.
Say
On March 5, a Facebook user shared a long publication that promotes Borax consumption, claiming that you can clean the intestines and prevent diseases.
“Take the value of RS20 Suhaaga (Borax), crush it, then calm it into a pan until it releases water and expands, ”reads the publication, adding that the mixture must be maintained in a hermetic container.
“It is said that this simple remedy cleans the intestines, relieves constipation and eliminates the waste accumulated in the digestive system,” he adds.
The publication has shared more than 2,000 times and received 234 comments.
Similar claims were also shared here, here and here.
Made
Three medical experts and the European Food Security Authority (EFSA) have strongly warned of Borax consumption.
Dr. Muhammad Iftikhar Yousaf, assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Shalamar Health Sciences Institute in Lahore, he said Geographic data verification That borax is not intended for internal use.
“It is mainly used as a chemist in soaps and detergents,” he said. “While there have been some studies on their possible anti -inflammatory properties, these are not well established and there are no evidence -based data to support their use in intestinal health.”
Dr. Yousaf also warned that using borax as a laxative can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, in severe cases, renal failure.
Dr. Hyder Abbasi, gastroenterologist consultant of the Institute of Medical Sciences of Pakistan (Pims) in Islamabad, added that there is no recommendation in modern medicine to use Suhaaga (Borax) to improve digestive health.
While Professor Tariq Baloch, gastroenterologist consultant at Shaikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore, also said that there is no documented evidence to support the claims that Borax helps clean the intestines or prevent diseases.
Separately, the European Food Safety Authority has also evaluated sodium tester (Borax) and discovered that its use as a food additive negatively affected the male reproductive system in rats, mice and dogs.
The report can be read here.
Verdict: There is no scientific or medical evidence to support the claim that Borax has health benefits when consumed. Health experts warn that ingesting Borax can be toxic and represent serious risks for kidneys and reproductive system.
