Pilates Self-Care Saturday: Gut Health and the Promise of Cleanses

Close-up of hands resting on the belly, reflecting natural approaches to digestive wellness and balance.

There is no shortage of gut health talk on social media these days. Everywhere you scroll, you’re greeted with posts promising to “detox your colon”, “flush out toxins”, and “reset your gut” with a simple capsule or powder. Some of these products claim results in just 14 days. It all sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

But I’ve always wondered how safe these products really are for the body. Can a supplement that promises so much actually deliver without any side effects? And perhaps more importantly, is it even necessary? The idea behind these cleanses is tempting. After all, we all want to feel lighter, more energised, and less bloated. The marketing plays into that desire perfectly. But here’s where a little scepticism can serve us well.

The body already has an incredible detox system in place. Your liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and even your gut are working 24/7 to remove waste and keep everything balanced. Adding a “cleanse” may sound like helping the process along, but in reality, many of these supplements work by stimulating the bowels. Aloe vera, senna, and other botanicals commonly used in these products have a natural laxative effect. That’s why people often report more frequent trips to the bathroom and feeling “emptied out”.

But here’s the concern: relying on these products can irritate the digestive lining, upset your electrolyte balance, and even lead to dependency over time. They are not always safe for people with underlying gut issues like IBS or Crohn’s disease.

So what’s the alternative? Supporting your gut through sustainable lifestyle habits. Staying hydrated, eating a diet rich in fibre from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and moving your body daily (hello Pilates) all play a role in a healthy gut microbiome. A calm mind also helps. Stress and gut health are more connected than we often realise.

This Self-Care Saturday, I invite you to pause before reaching for that miracle product. Ask the questions: What’s in it? What does the science say? And most importantly, does my body actually need this? Your gut deserves care and respect, not quick fixes.

Because real self-care is about long-term balance, not a 14-day promise in a packet.