Colon surgeon weighs in on viral olive oil and lemon shot trend

A leading colon surgeon has detailed his true thoughts on the viral olive oil and lemon juice trend, revealing whether nightly shots of the stuff can really ‘reset’ our guts.

The online wellness sphere is ripe with so-called ‘health hacks’; Chlorophyll water, picky ‘eat your skincare’ plates, and the ‘internal shower’ drink are all favoured by gurus and influencers alike.

Lately, content creators have been promoting olive oil and lemon shots, claiming the concoction is the ultimate nighttime ritual for clearing skin and boosting digestion.

According to Vogue, some dabblers have claimed the short beverage is helping them ‘detox’, as well as support healthy cholesterol levels, relieve occasional constipation, and promote anti-inflammatory activity.

But are these claims correct? Or, are the viral olive oil and lemon shots simply nothing more than another flash-in-the-pan, faux wellness promise?

Are olive oil and lemon shots all they are cracked up to be? An expert has weighed in (nopparit/Getty Images)

Well, Dr Cedrek McFadden, a colon and rectal surgeon, has had his say.

“Olive oil is a healthy fat, and it is a big part of the Mediterranean diet, which we know is associated with lower inflammation and better heart health,” he told USA Today.

Other benefits of consuming the nutrient-dense product include easing digestion, weight management, and reducing premature ageing, as per Healthline.

And while Dr McFadden emphasised that adding lemon juice to your habitual olive oil shot would increase vitamin C count and add flavour, he explained that the combination isn’t exactly a ‘health hack’.

“Taking them as a morning shot is not some special medical trick,” the expert admitted. “You would get the same benefits by using olive oil in meals and adding lemon to foods like vegetables or salads.”

He also said that many of the claims associated with the shot are ‘probably a stretch’.

The colon surgeon said that most health claims were 'probably a stretch' (Getty Stock Image)

“Olive oil as part of a healthy diet can help with inflammation over time but that is different from saying a daily shot will suddenly improve digestion or skin.”

Instead of focusing on this drink that is ‘not a detox’ and not designed to ‘cleanse the gut’, we should be honing in on improving our diet instead, he reasoned.

McFadden advised: “Focus on getting enough fibre from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Stay hydrated. Include healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and fish.

“Try to limit highly processed foods,” he added.

Anyone who wants to improve their gut health should also consume avocados, leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, and lean proteins, as per John Hopkins Medicine.

Walking, swimming, and cycling, as well as yoga, are understood to increase beneficial bacteria that reduce constipation and improve overall digestion, too.

So, if you want to follow expert advice, you may want to swap your shot glasses for a pair of walking shoes instead this weekend.