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30
12, 2025
30
12, 2025
M&S launches ‘nutrient dense’ range for people on fat jabs
Marks & Spencer is launching a range of foods tailored to people taking weight-loss injections as use of the drugs accelerates in the UK.
The new range of 20 “nutrient-dense” products from the retailer is aimed at customers taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications, as supermarkets increasingly adapt to the impact the drugs are having on shopping baskets.
The range will go on sale in M&S foodhalls from January 5 and includes salads, meals and bread designed to deliver high levels of fibre, vitamins and minerals in smaller portions.
There has been a dramatic rise in the use of GLP-1 drugs in the UK. Online searches and private prescriptions have increased sharply, driven by their effectiveness for weight loss and widespread media attention. About 1.5 million people in the UK are now estimated to be accessing GLP-1 treatment privately, while NHS England prescriptions for the injections have risen by around 900 per cent since 2020.
GLP-1 medications — known formally as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists — were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar. In recent years, drugs such as semaglutide (sold as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) have surged in popularity for their weight-loss effects, as they suppress appetite, slow digestion and signal fullness to the brain.
• Our writers’ share tips for 2026, plus last year’s winners and losers
Nutrient-dense foods are those that provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, healthy fats and protein relative to their calorie content. M&S said the range was developed by its nutritionists in consultation with the British Nutrition Foundation, using criteria that ensure each product delivers more nutrients per mouthful.
M&S said the new range had been developed to address the nutritional challenges that can arise when people eat less, whether due to medication, age or lifestyle. A reduced appetite can make it harder to consume enough fibre and essential nutrients, increasing the risk of deficiencies and digestive side effects such as constipation.
Grace Ricotti, M&S head of food nutrition, said: “Our nutrient-dense range is perfect for customers looking to support their health as each recipe is packed with the key nutrients we all need in our diets.
“With the increase in popularity of weight-loss injections, a reduced appetite can mean missing out on important nutrients and that’s why nutrient density is so important. These new meals, snacks and drinks can help everyone get more fibre, vitamins and minerals in their diet.”
Supermarkets and consumer goods companies are increasingly catering to households using the drugs. Morrisons was the first UK supermarket to announce a dedicated “GLP-1 friendly” range, developed with sports nutrition brand Applied Nutrition, under its “Small & Balanced” banner. Nestlé, the consumer goods giant, has launched a frozen food brand in the US aimed at GLP-1 users, while Haleon, the British multinational consumer healthcare company, has introduced a multivitamin designed to help replenish nutrients for people eating less.
The trend is expected to accelerate further as GLP-1 medications move beyond injections. Tablet versions are beginning to reach the market, with US regulators approving an oral version of Wegovy and rival pills expected to follow, potentially widening access to the drugs.
While the drugs are approved for diabetes and obesity treatment, clinicians have raised concerns about the number of people accessing them outside clinical pathways for cosmetic weight loss. The long-term consequences of widespread use are still being studied, particularly as lower calorie intake can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies if diets are not carefully managed.
What’s on the menu
Dukkah Chicken & Five Bean Houmous
Satay Chicken, Black Rice & Mango Salad
Cauliflower Shawarma & Five Bean Houmous
Roasted Butternut & Almond Grains Pot
Salmon & Green Goddess Crush
30
12, 2025
M&S launches ‘nutrient dense’ range for people on fat jabs
Marks & Spencer is launching a range of foods tailored to people taking weight-loss injections as use of the drugs accelerates in the UK.
The new range of 20 “nutrient-dense” products from the retailer is aimed at customers taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications, as supermarkets increasingly adapt to the impact the drugs are having on shopping baskets.
The range will go on sale in M&S foodhalls from January 5 and includes salads, meals and bread designed to deliver high levels of fibre, vitamins and minerals in smaller portions.
There has been a dramatic rise in the use of GLP-1 drugs in the UK. Online searches and private prescriptions have increased sharply, driven by their effectiveness for weight loss and widespread media attention. About 1.5 million people in the UK are now estimated to be accessing GLP-1 treatment privately, while NHS England prescriptions for the injections have risen by around 900 per cent since 2020.
GLP-1 medications — known formally as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists — were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar. In recent years, drugs such as semaglutide (sold as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) have surged in popularity for their weight-loss effects, as they suppress appetite, slow digestion and signal fullness to the brain.
• Our writers’ share tips for 2026, plus last year’s winners and losers
Nutrient-dense foods are those that provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, healthy fats and protein relative to their calorie content. M&S said the range was developed by its nutritionists in consultation with the British Nutrition Foundation, using criteria that ensure each product delivers more nutrients per mouthful.
M&S said the new range had been developed to address the nutritional challenges that can arise when people eat less, whether due to medication, age or lifestyle. A reduced appetite can make it harder to consume enough fibre and essential nutrients, increasing the risk of deficiencies and digestive side effects such as constipation.
Grace Ricotti, M&S head of food nutrition, said: “Our nutrient-dense range is perfect for customers looking to support their health as each recipe is packed with the key nutrients we all need in our diets.
“With the increase in popularity of weight-loss injections, a reduced appetite can mean missing out on important nutrients and that’s why nutrient density is so important. These new meals, snacks and drinks can help everyone get more fibre, vitamins and minerals in their diet.”
Supermarkets and consumer goods companies are increasingly catering to households using the drugs. Morrisons was the first UK supermarket to announce a dedicated “GLP-1 friendly” range, developed with sports nutrition brand Applied Nutrition, under its “Small & Balanced” banner. Nestlé, the consumer goods giant, has launched a frozen food brand in the US aimed at GLP-1 users, while Haleon, the British multinational consumer healthcare company, has introduced a multivitamin designed to help replenish nutrients for people eating less.
The trend is expected to accelerate further as GLP-1 medications move beyond injections. Tablet versions are beginning to reach the market, with US regulators approving an oral version of Wegovy and rival pills expected to follow, potentially widening access to the drugs.
While the drugs are approved for diabetes and obesity treatment, clinicians have raised concerns about the number of people accessing them outside clinical pathways for cosmetic weight loss. The long-term consequences of widespread use are still being studied, particularly as lower calorie intake can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies if diets are not carefully managed.
What’s on the menu
Dukkah Chicken & Five Bean Houmous
Satay Chicken, Black Rice & Mango Salad
Cauliflower Shawarma & Five Bean Houmous
Roasted Butternut & Almond Grains Pot
Salmon & Green Goddess Crush
30
12, 2025
Overly Hot Water Might Be Ruining Your Tea. Here’s Why
Here’s a hot tip for tea: Temperature matters. If you’re like many westerners, you may just bring water to a boil and pour it over bagged or loose-leaf tea, regardless of the variety. But it turns out that while boiling water may be the best temperature for brewing black tea, other types of tea require cooler water for the perfect pour.
During a discussion about tips for brewing the perfect tea, Jeannie Liu, founder and owner of Seattle tea shop Miro Tea, explained why overheating the water can be detrimental to your cup of tea. “Tea gets bitter because of over-extraction of its tannins, catechins, and caffeine,” she shared.
Tea leaves contain all sorts of chemicals and nutrients that react differently to a range of temperatures. A general rule is lower temperatures for more delicate teas like green or white, and a higher temperature for more robust infusions, such as black tea. Herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos also like it hot.
The just-right tea temperature Goldilocks would be proud of
While exact tea-steeping temperatures vary slightly depending on which expert you consult, the ranges are similar. The young leaves and buds of white tea need 160 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, while a good cup of green tea should be steeped at a similar 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Going up the heat scale, try 185 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit for oolong tea. You can go right up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for black tea as well as herbal teas. Also, keep in mind that boiling water multiple times depletes it of oxygen, which can lead to less aroma and more astringency in any tea.
With such varying and precise temperatures for tea brewing, it can be helpful to have a temperature-controlled tea kettle. But if you don’t have one, you can use a regular kitchen thermometer, or simply let boiling water cool for a bit before pouring it. You can also watch for the small bubbles that start to form around 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the “crab eyes” that are characteristic around 175 degrees Fahrenheit, and, of course, the common rolling boil that signifies a full 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
30
12, 2025
M&S launches ‘nutrient dense’ range for people on fat jabs
Marks & Spencer is launching a range of foods tailored to people taking weight-loss injections as use of the drugs accelerates in the UK.
The new range of 20 “nutrient-dense” products from the retailer is aimed at customers taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications, as supermarkets increasingly adapt to the impact the drugs are having on shopping baskets.
The range will go on sale in M&S foodhalls from January 5 and includes salads, meals and bread designed to deliver high levels of fibre, vitamins and minerals in smaller portions.
There has been a dramatic rise in the use of GLP-1 drugs in the UK. Online searches and private prescriptions have increased sharply, driven by their effectiveness for weight loss and widespread media attention. About 1.5 million people in the UK are now estimated to be accessing GLP-1 treatment privately, while NHS England prescriptions for the injections have risen by around 900 per cent since 2020.
GLP-1 medications — known formally as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists — were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar. In recent years, drugs such as semaglutide (sold as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) have surged in popularity for their weight-loss effects, as they suppress appetite, slow digestion and signal fullness to the brain.
• Our writers’ share tips for 2026, plus last year’s winners and losers
Nutrient-dense foods are those that provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, healthy fats and protein relative to their calorie content. M&S said the range was developed by its nutritionists in consultation with the British Nutrition Foundation, using criteria that ensure each product delivers more nutrients per mouthful.
M&S said the new range had been developed to address the nutritional challenges that can arise when people eat less, whether due to medication, age or lifestyle. A reduced appetite can make it harder to consume enough fibre and essential nutrients, increasing the risk of deficiencies and digestive side effects such as constipation.
Grace Ricotti, M&S head of food nutrition, said: “Our nutrient-dense range is perfect for customers looking to support their health as each recipe is packed with the key nutrients we all need in our diets.
“With the increase in popularity of weight-loss injections, a reduced appetite can mean missing out on important nutrients and that’s why nutrient density is so important. These new meals, snacks and drinks can help everyone get more fibre, vitamins and minerals in their diet.”
Supermarkets and consumer goods companies are increasingly catering to households using the drugs. Morrisons was the first UK supermarket to announce a dedicated “GLP-1 friendly” range, developed with sports nutrition brand Applied Nutrition, under its “Small & Balanced” banner. Nestlé, the consumer goods giant, has launched a frozen food brand in the US aimed at GLP-1 users, while Haleon, the British multinational consumer healthcare company, has introduced a multivitamin designed to help replenish nutrients for people eating less.
The trend is expected to accelerate further as GLP-1 medications move beyond injections. Tablet versions are beginning to reach the market, with US regulators approving an oral version of Wegovy and rival pills expected to follow, potentially widening access to the drugs.
While the drugs are approved for diabetes and obesity treatment, clinicians have raised concerns about the number of people accessing them outside clinical pathways for cosmetic weight loss. The long-term consequences of widespread use are still being studied, particularly as lower calorie intake can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies if diets are not carefully managed.
What’s on the menu
Dukkah Chicken & Five Bean Houmous
Satay Chicken, Black Rice & Mango Salad
Cauliflower Shawarma & Five Bean Houmous
Roasted Butternut & Almond Grains Pot
Salmon & Green Goddess Crush
29
12, 2025
FDA recalls snack foods and supplements across five states over rodent and bird contamination at Minnesota distributor
Health officials have issued a massive recall of hundreds of products that may be contaminated with rodent feces.
Gold Star Distribution, Inc recalled all FDA-regulated products held at its Minneapolis Facility after the agency found evidence of rodent feces and urine and bird droppings.
The FDA warned that feces and urine contamination can raise the risk of consumers contracting harmful bacteria such as salmonella, which infects over 1million Americans a year and is especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems such as young children and older adults.
The recall, issued December 26, includes all cold and flu medications, dietary supplements, food, pet food, cosmetics and medical devices from the Minneapolis facility.
The majority of products were distributed to stores in the Minneapolis area, but some were found in Indiana, New York, Illinois and North Dakota.
Affected cold and flu products include DayQuil Cold & Flu, Tylenol Cold & Flu, Tylenol PM, Excedrin, Motrin, Alka-Seltzer Original, Benadryl, Advil Ibuprofen Tablets and Advil PM, among others.
Other recalled products include JIF crunchy peanut butter, Pringles products, Quaker corn meal, Haribo gold bears and peaches, Extra gum products, Gatorade products, Skittles, Gillette razors, Trojan condoms, Purina dog chow, Meow Mix cat products, Colgate toothpaste and Tampax tampons.
The company has previously been cited by the FDA for unsanitary conditions, including for ‘significant rodent activity and insanitary conditions.’ In 2018, the agency sent a warning letter to Gold Star following an inspection of its Minneapolis facility, the same one tied to the most recent recalls.
The recall included products stored at Gold Star Distribution, Inc’s facility in Minneapolis (pictured here)
Affected cold and flu products include DayQuil Cold & Flu, Tylenol Cold & Flu and Tylenol PM, among others
A full list of affected products can be found on the FDA’s website. The recall only applies to products held at the Gold Star facility in Minnesota. It does not affect products shipped directly to retailers.
No illnesses have been reported.
Gold Star said: ‘Products held under insanitary conditions may become contaminated.
‘Exposure to contaminated products can pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for bacterial contamination, which may result in illness or infection, including salmonella.’
‘Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program,’ the company added.
Gold Star advised consumers to destroy affected products and provide a receipt of destruction to the company to qualify for a refund.
For verification and a refund, proof of destruction can be sent to Gold Star Distribution at 1000 N Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411.
Consumers with questions can also contact the company at 612-617-9800 any day from 8am to 5pm central time.
In the warning letter to Gold Star following an inspection of its Minneapolis facility, FDA employees wrote that they found ‘significant evidence of rodent activity and insanitary conditions,’ including rodent droppings, rodent fair, gnawed open packaging, live and dead birds, live fruit flies and dead rodents.
Tylenol PM (left) and Excedrin (right) were two products at the Minneapolis facility that were subject to the recall
Haribo gold bears (pictured here) were part of the recall
The roof also ‘appeared to be leaking in several areas of the facility,’ and several products had spilled on to the floor. Bottles of bleach were also ‘leaking onto a pallet of hot sauce crunchy cheese curls,’ and food meant to be refrigerated was in unrefrigerated sections.
It’s unclear if Gold Star responded to the letter.
Salmonella is one of the most common forms of bacteria found in animal feces. Sickening 1.3 million Americans every year, salmonella leads to bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, vomiting and loss of appetite.
While most people recover on their own or have no symptoms, the bacteria can be especially dangerous to young children and the elderly, both of whom have weakened immune systems.
About 420 Americans die from salmonella every year and 26,500 are hospitalized.
E. coli and Campylobacter, which cause similar symptoms as salmonella, also are found in feces.
The FDA urged consumers to contact a physician if they experience symptoms related to using the affected products.
Customers with concerns about their pets who have eaten recalled animal products should contact a veterinarian.
| Company | Address | City |
|---|---|---|
| AFRICAN HALAL DELI, INC | 301 E. LAKE ST. | MINNEAPOLIS |
| AFRIK STORE | 613 CEDAR AVE S. | MINNEAPOLIS |
| AIMMART INTERNATIONAL MARKET | 1435 W. 86TH ST. | Indianapolis |
| AINU SHAMS HALAL FOOD LLC. | 200 W LAKE ST. ST 351 | Minneapolis |
| ASHAMA GROCERY | 804 UNIVERSITY AVE W | ST. PAUL |
| BARAKA GROCERY INC | 1005 N BROADWAY AVE | ROCHESTER |
| BROTHERS IMPORTS | 3012 PILLSBURY AVE SO | MINNEAPOLIS |
| CASPIAN BISTRO RESTAURANT | 2418 UNIVERSITY AVE SE | MINNEAPOLIS |
| CENTRAL MARKET | 3634 CENTRAL AVE NE | MINNEAOLIS |
| CLIFF HALAL MARKET | 1918 E CLIFF RD | Burnsville |
| CLINTON HALAL MARKET | 1930 CLINTON AVE S | MINNEAPOLIS |
| DESI BROTHERS | 8098 MORGAN CIR. SOUTH | Bloomington |
| DURDUR MARKET | 1552 EAST LAKE STR. | MINNEAPOLIS |
| ELLIOT MARKET INC | 1600 CHICAGO AVE | MINNEAPOLIS |
| EP MART INC | 8795 COLUMINE RD | Eden Prairie |
| ETHIO MARKET | 1316 MAYNARD DRIVE WEST | Saint Paul |
| EZ STOP FOOD MARKET | 7641 ZANE AVE | Brooklyn PARK |
| FARGO HALAL MARKET | 855 45TH STREET S. | Fargo |
| FRIENDLY GROCERY & DELI | 537 RICE ST Saint Paul | Saint Paul |
| GHALEY GROCERIES MART | 47 Little Canada Rd E | Saint Paul |
| GOINKH TRADING LLC | 1263 DONAHUE AVE | Saint Paul |
| HALAL FOODS LLC | 13000 ALDRICH AVE SO. | BURNSVILLE |
| HALAL MINI MARKET | 410 CEDAR AVE S | MINNEAPOLIS |
| JERUSALEM MARKET | 4945 CENTRAL N.E | COLUMBIA HGTS |
| JIMMY’S FOOD | 1121 12TH AVE NO. | MINNEAPOLIS |
| KALIS ADULT DAYCARE CENTER | 2301 2ND AVE N. | MINNEAPOLIS |
| KIMIS GROCERY STORE INC | 517 12TH ST. SE | ROCHESTER |
| KISMAYO DISCOUNT STORE | 2932 W DIVISION | Saint Cloud |
| KISMAYO HALAL | 7595 148TH AVE | Apple Valley |
| LA PICANTE MARKET | 7914 BASS LAKE RD | New Hope |
| LAKE STREET MARKET | 201 W LAKE ST. | MINNEAPOLIS |
| MCKNIGHT SHELL GAS | 275 MC KNIGHT RD | ST.PAUL |
| MIDWEST MARKET | 2000 PORTLAND AVE. S | MINNEAPOLIS |
| MILTON HALAL MARKET | 757 MILTON ST N | Saint Paul |
| MINNEAPOLIS HALAL MARKET LLC | 2833 13th AVE SOUTH | MINNEAPOLIS |
| MINNESOTA HALAL MARKET 1926 | CHICAGO AVE. SO | MINNEAPOLIS |
| MZ MARKET | 232 Marshall Road | SHAKOPEE |
| OASIS MARKET AND DELI | 920 E LAKE ST SUITE 145 | Minneapolis |
| OSARI TRADING LLC | 7308 ASPEN LN NORTH | BROOKLYN CENTER |
| PALMS MARKET | 105 85TH AVE NW | COON RAPIDS |
| PANGEA WORLD MARKET | 8500 SPRINGBROOK DR. | COON RAPIDS |
| PANJHA BROTHERS LLC | 3535 WEST ST. GERMAIN STR. | Saint Cloud |
| PEACE MARKET | 923 45TH AVE NE | Hilltop |
| QALINLE FAMILY GROCERY | 117 E SAINT GERMAIN ST | Saint Cloud |
| SHABELLE GROCERY | 2325 EAST FRANKLIN | MINNEAPOLIS |
| ST PAUL GROCERY | 470 LEXINGTON AVE.N | ST.PAUL |
| STAR FOODS | 818 LOWRY AVE. | MINNEAPOLIS |
| STAR OCEAN | 1211 W Pierce Butler Route | Saint Paul |
| SUDAMIC IMPORT & EXPORT INC | 2904 2ND NORTH | MINNEAPOLIS |
| SUNRAY HALAL MARKET | 373 PEDERSEN ST. | Saint Paul |
| SUPER PLAZA HALAL FOODS | 1525 S 4TH ST #100 | MINNEAPOLIS |
| TBS INTERNATIONAL MKT | 7836 PORTLAND AVE. S | Bloomington |
| VIENGCHAN ORIENTAL MKT | 3050 BROOKDALE DRIVE | BROOKLYN CENTER |
| WEST BANK MKT | 417 CEDAR AVE.S. | MINNEAPOLIS |
29
12, 2025
Gen Z shunning the pre-flight pint for matcha green tea, airports say | Young people
Christmas is over and a new year is upon us. Time, then, to start planning your next summer holiday.
Next year, however, you may be more likely to be downing gut health shots and Japanese tea in the airport than the once-traditional morning pints.
Figures from Manchester Airport Group, the biggest in the UK, show soaring numbers of passengers shunning pre-flight booze in favour of more wholesome alternatives.
Sales of matcha, the antioxidant-rich green tea, rose 165% at Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports this year as TikTok influencers sold it as the ultimate wellness drink.
Younger travellers were also more likely to sink super smoothies and gut health shots – up 650% and 102% respectively – than £7 airport pints.
And rather than having a skinful in the sky, a social media craze for “skincare in the sky” drove a 399% increase in sales of onboard face masks compared with 2024.
The trends reflect the healthier – and more selfie-conscious – habits of gen Z travellers, defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, with many more of them jetting off on city breaks and retreats than rowdy 18-30 holidays.
Andrew MacMillan, the chief strategy officer at Manchester Airport Group, said this generational shift was transforming habits in the departure lounge: “This data shows the influence of our younger passengers. Generation Z are creating their airport experiences strongly influenced by AI and social media. These travellers both want to follow trends and set them.”
While experts are not yet calling time on pre-flight pints – sales in recent years have risen in line with the growth in passengers – younger travellers are less likely to be filling airport pubs.
Across Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, 61,500 more cups of matcha were sold this year than in 2024. Stansted alone recorded 70,000 sales of the Japanese super-tea this year – almost 200 a day.
One of the year’s must-have accessories – at least, according to TikTok – were Stanley drinks holders, beloved by influencers (they come in an array of colours). More than 10,000 of the £40 Stanley bottles were sold at the three airports this year, up six-fold since they went on sale in 2024.
It is not just social media driving alternative travel habits: AI is increasingly being used as a “virtual travel agent”, according to Manchester Airport Group.
A recent survey found that one in four of its passengers aged under 25 had used or intended to use tools such as ChatGPT to plan their trip.
Travel data also suggests that fewer gen Z travellers are jetting off on boozy 18-30 holidays to party hotspots in the Canary Islands and Mediterranean.
Among the typical 18-30 party places, only Tenerife and Palma made the top 10 destinations for under-25s last year. City breaks to Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dublin and New York were more in demand.
Gen Z are more likely than their elders to venture away from the tourist traps. Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show flights to Albania, Bulgaria and Romania doubled among under-25s last year, partly due to a social media trend for “destination dupes” recommending picturesque places on a budget.
Yet those with more money appear happy to spend it on long-haul travel. The holiday rental firm Airbnb said Buenos Aires in Argentina, Busan in South Korea, João Pessoa in Brazil and Nakano in Japan were the top trending cities among gen Z this year.
Younger Britons may find adventure closer to home, however. The travel magazine National Geographic on Monday picked stargazing in Northumberland as its hottest trip in the world for 2026, ahead of “forest bathing” in Japan and a football pilgrimage across South America. There may be no need for the in-flight face masks after all.
29
12, 2025
.JPG?height=635&t=1767020533&width=1200 "Ashwagandha: From Ayurvedic Tradition to Mainstream Wellness Supplement")
Ashwagandha: From Ayurvedic Tradition to Mainstream Wellness Supplement
Long regarded as a revered herb in Ayurveda, ashwagandha extract has seen rapid growth in recent years. Its widening reach has firmly established the adaptogen within the mainstream wellness marketplace, according to a category analysis by SPINS that examines both shopper behavior and evolving market dynamics.
This article shares the latest market insights on ashwagandha.
Download the content below:
29
12, 2025
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29
12, 2025
The parasite cleanse craze: what doctors have to say about it
Across social media platforms, videos and content promise relief from bloating, fatigue, itching and unexplained gut discomfort through ‘parasite cleanses’ — herbal powders, detox teas and DIY remedies that claim to flush out hidden worms. For many, this sort of content offers a simple explanation for complex symptoms. For doctors however, this represents a growing clinical concern.
“There is a fundamental misunderstanding about what parasites are and how common they actually are,” says Madhumitha R., senior consultant in infectious diseases and infection control at MGM Healthcare, Chennai. “Parasites are medical conditions. They require testing, diagnosis and evidence-based treatment, not guesswork.”
What parasites are and are not
Medically, parasites are organisms that live in or on a host and derive benefits at the host’s expense. In humans, this includes intestinal worms, protozoa such as amoeba and giardia, and, less commonly, parasites that affect blood or tissues. “They spread through contaminated food or water, poor hand hygiene, walking barefoot in contaminated soil, undercooked meat, overcrowding and travel to endemic regions,” Dr. Madhumitha explains. “They are not universally present in everyone.”
Yet the idea that ‘everyone has parasites’ has become one of the most persistent myths circulating online. “The biggest myth I hear is that everyone needs regular cleansing,” she says. “That is simply not true.”
Experts say patients now arrive convinced they have parasites often without any medical evidence, even when their blood work and stool tests are normal. “In the emergency room, patients commonly tell us they are using so-called parasite cleansers sold online as herbal supplements or detox routines,” says Syed Harris, consultant emergency physician at SIMS Hospital, Chennai. “They assume these products are safe because they are labelled ‘natural’.”
Symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, itching, weight changes or irregular bowel movements are frequently attributed to parasites, even though they are far more commonly caused by acidity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerance or anxiety. “Sometimes, the symptoms actually worsen after the cleanse, and patients don’t realise the product itself is causing the problem.”
According to Pandurangan Basumani, senior consultant Interventional gastroenterologist and director at the Kauvery Institute of Digestive Sciences, this pattern is now routine. “Many patients come in absolutely certain parasites are the cause,” he says. “But once we test, it turns out to be acidity, IBS, food-related issues or stress affecting digestion. Actual parasitic infections are far less frequent than people expect, especially in city-based patients.”
One reason these beliefs persist is visual misinterpretation. “People often mistake mucus, undigested food or normal gut lining for worms after a cleanse,” says Dr. Madhumitha. “These are normal physiological products that the body excretes, not an infestation.” A. Sangameswaran, senior consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology at Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Vanagaram, sees this repeatedly. “Many people think a worm is whatever abnormality they see in their stool,” he says. “In most cases, it is just mucus or undigested food.”
Are parasite cleansers harmless?
Doctors emphasise that parasite cleansers are not risk-free. “Possible complications include liver injury, electrolyte imbalance, severe diarrhoea, dehydration, drug interactions and delayed diagnosis of the real problem,” says Dr. Madhumita.
The consequences can be severe. “We have seen abnormal liver tests, severe abdominal pain, electrolyte imbalance, dizziness and weakness after repeated cleansing,” says Dr. Harris. “With prolonged use, people may develop nutrient deficiencies or general malnutrition.” Some products act like strong laxatives, disrupting the gut microbiome– the bacteria essential for digestion and immunity. “Once this balance is disturbed, patients may experience repeated stomach issues or worsening of existing digestive conditions,” Dr. Harris adds.
Bimal Kumar Sahu, senior consultant in gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, says the risks increase with prolonged or unsupervised use. “Some herbs can harm the stomach, liver or kidneys, especially if taken in large amounts or for long periods,” he explains.
Focus on early diagnosis
One of the most serious consequences doctors point to is delayed diagnosis. “When people keep ‘cleansing’ instead of testing, real conditions are missed,” Dr. Madhumitha says. “We have seen cases of acute hepatitis, worsening anaemia and malnutrition because patients kept treating a disease they didn’t have.” Dr. Sahu highlights this concern. “Patients who relied on cleanses instead of medical care have missed real problems like ulcers or infections,” he says. Dr. Harris adds that self-treatment can even mask genuine parasitic infections. “Random cleansing is unnecessary and can be harmful,” he says. “True parasitic infections are diagnosed with specific tests and treated with targeted medicines.”
Doctors say the correct approach is straightforward. “If you have symptoms, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, do stool tests or blood tests,” Dr. Madhumitha adds. “Get the right diagnosis and targeted treatment.” Prevention, she says, is far less dramatic than online detox routines: handwashing, safe drinking water and proper cooking. “‘Natural’ does not always mean safe,” she says.
“Treating a disease you don’t have can harm the body you do have.”Dr. Sangameswaran says, “When someone presumes they have parasites, a medical check-up is the most guaranteed way to establish if this is true.”
Dcotors also emphasise that as digestive discomfort becomes medicalised online, fear amplified by misinformation is increasingly driving health decisions. “Stress and wrong information make fear worse,” says Dr. Sahu. “Once tests rule out parasites, patients often feel immediate relief.”
Experts emphasise — parasites exist, but they are not as common as social media suggests and cleansing without diagnosis carries real risks.
Published – December 29, 2025 02:08 pm IST