Borax, a commonly used white, powdery cleaning agent and laundry detergent booster, has recently surfaced as a concerning health trend on social media. However, medical professionals unanimously caution against its consumption, underscoring the inherent dangers associated with this practice.
Prominent medical figures, including Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent and board-certified OB-GYN, have vehemently advised against ingesting borax in any quantity. Dr. Ashton emphasizes that borax is, unequivocally, a toxin and a poison. Those advocating for borax consumption on social media have suggested that it serves as a nutritional supplement, capable of reducing inflammation and detoxifying the body. However, Dr. Ashton contends that the human body possesses innate mechanisms for natural detoxification, involving the skin, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and liver. She asserts that external interventions such as borax are wholly unnecessary.
Moreover, Dr. Ashton asserts that lifestyle choices, including exercise, diet, hydration, and tobacco use, have a substantial impact on inflammation levels within the body. She advocates for healthy behaviors as the primary means to mitigate inflammation and improve overall health.
Dr. Darien Sutton, an ABC News medical contributor and board-certified emergency medicine physician, echoes the concerns regarding borax ingestion. He highlights the potential symptoms of borax exposure, which encompass eye irritation, breathing difficulties, coughing, and nosebleeds, as indicated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At higher doses, borax can lead to renal and kidney failure, and even death. Dr. Sutton underscores that the seemingly innocuous nature of borax can belie its true dangers, particularly when individuals may not be aware of their underlying health vulnerabilities until faced with a medical emergency.
In the era of readily accessible health information on social media platforms, both Dr. Sutton and Dr. Ashton emphasize the importance of critically evaluating sources and consulting with healthcare providers before considering any health-related recommendations from online sources. They underscore the value of cross-checking information to ensure its validity and reliability.
In sum, medical experts unanimously reject the notion that consuming borax as a means to reduce inflammation offers any benefits, while the potential risks are significant and potentially life-threatening. Prudent healthcare decisions should always be guided by consultation with qualified medical professionals and careful scrutiny of information from online sources.