Woman uses urine as eyewash: Doctors issue strict warning
A recent social media post promoting the use of urine as an eye wash has raised serious concerns among medical professionals.Doctors are warning the public that urine is not safe for eye care and can lead to harm, including irritation, infection, and even vision loss.The video, posted by Nupur Pittie, a self-described 'medicine-free life coach' from Pune, shows her pouring urine into two eye wash cups and using them to rinse her eyes.advertisement
In the Instagram video, Pittie claimed that the first urine of the morning could relieve symptoms like eye redness, dryness, and irritation.She explained that the process involves collecting fresh urine, filling the eye cups, and blinking several times while the eyes are submerged in it.NEVER! NEVER! NEVER DO THIS! Urine always belongs in the toilet, never elsewhere. Don't harm urself- Urologist Dr. Jaison Philip. MS, MCh(Uro). pic.twitter.com/hkVn8WdYA3— Dr Jaison Philip. M.S., MCh (@Jasonphilip8) June 25, 2025However, medical experts strongly disagree.'NEVER! NEVER! NEVER DO THIS! Urine always belongs in the toilet—never elsewhere. Don't harm yourself,' warned Dr. Jaison Philip, a urologist, in a post on X.He added that while the pH of normal human urine ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 (acidic), the ideal pH for eye wash solutions is around 7.4 (alkaline). 'Using urine as an eyewash can cause anything from inflammation to vision loss,' he wrote.
advertisement
Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a Kerala-based hepatologist known online as The Liver Doc, also weighed in: 'Please don't put your urine inside your eyes. Urine is not sterile. Boomer aunties trying to be cool on Instagram is depressing and terrifying.' Contrary to widespread myths, urine is not a sterile fluid, especially once it leaves the body. It contains bacteria, toxins, and other waste products that are meant to be excreted, not reintroduced into sensitive areas like the eyes.
The original video was initially shared on Instagram but has now been taken down.Doctors urge the public not to follow unverified or unsafe home remedies seen online, especially those involving bodily waste.For eye irritation, safe alternatives include sterile saline solution, preservative-free artificial tears, and consulting a licensed eye care professional.Self-medicating with harmful substances can do lasting damage, experts say.WHAT URINE CONTAINS—AND WHAT IT LACKSUrine's primary role is to eliminate metabolic waste. It is viewed as waste fluid with no medicinal properties.Its pH is typically slightly acidic, which can disrupt the tear film, a natural layer that protects and lubricates the eye. Using urine washes away that protective layer and replaces it with fluid containing substances that were meant to be discarded.advertisementThis can lead to eye redness, inflammation, and even serious infections like keratitis or conjunctivitis.
Harmful substances can damage the tear film of the eyes. ()
By contrast, ophthalmologists recommend using sterile, preservative-free artificial tears or clean water for rinsing.Commercial eye drops are specifically designed to match the eye's natural state, with pH levels and ingredients that safely support healing and comfort.People may be desperate for quick fixes, but using urine is risky.It can cause more harm than the problem it's meant to address. Individuals experiencing burning, redness, or itchiness to seek professional help. Many eye issues respond quickly to proper treatment. Don't delay by experimenting with unsafe home remedies.
Ophthalmologists recommend using sterile, preservative-free artificial tears or clean water for rinsing. ()
advertisementInstead of risking damage, ensure the following safe strategies:Use sterile saline solution or artificial tears to rinse eyes after exposure to dust or irritants.Take frequent breaks when using screens to reduce eye strain and dryness.Maintain a humid, clean environment and avoid rubbing the eyes.See a qualified ophthalmologist if symptoms persist or worsen.THE DANGER OF DIY REMEDIESDespite claims online, there is no scientific support for urine as an eye treatment.In fact, healthcare experts view it as a backward step into unsafe self-care methods that prey on misinformation. Our bodies are designed to remove toxins, we don't want to put them back, say many experts.Urine is for getting right out of the body, not putting into sensitive organs.The next time you see someone promoting urine as an eye remedy, consider it a public health risk rather than a cure. Trusted alternatives like sterile drops, water rinses, and professional treatment can be safe and effective.- Ends
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Influencer Files Case Against The Whole Truth Brand, Claims It Is Misleading. Brand Calls His Claim Misleading
In today's world, consumers are often confused about what's safe or healthy to eat. With an overload of information online, it's easy to get overwhelmed and be unsure of what to consume and when. If you search the Internet, you'll find the answer you're looking for, no matter the bias. If you look up 10 reasons why a particular food is bad, you'll easily find 20 more justifying why you shouldn't eat it. Conversely, if you want 10 reasons why that same food should be added to your diet, the Internet will give you that too. To escape this vicious cycle, you might think of shopping offline instead-going to the grocery store yourself. But the experience isn't any better. With hundreds of ingredients on every shelf and the pressure to read every label, the process remains just as exhausting. So, when a brand launches in the Indian market promising simple ingredients and transparent labelling, there's little doubt it'll do well. One such brand, now valued at Rs 2,133 crore, is The Whole Truth. Yes, we're talking about The Whole Truth, launched in 2019. In case you're unaware, it's a clean-label food brand focused on transparency and honesty in its ingredients. It was initially launched as "And Nothing Else" and later rebranded to better reflect its commitment to full ingredient disclosure. What Happened? Things took a turn for the worse when influencer Akash Yadav, also known as Akash Yadhuvanshi, filed a complaint against the brand for allegedly misleading consumers. With over three lakh Instagram followers, Akash filed the complaint with FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and followed it up with a video on his social media. In the video, Akash says that although his content doesn't usually focus on such topics, he felt compelled to speak when "a brand that claims to be clean" falls short of what they promise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akash Yadav (@sir_akash_yaduvanshi) "I generally don't make such videos, but when you eat clean, work out, avoid junk, and then a brand promising 'no lies' ends up serving you half-truths, you feel bad. I don't want drama, but I've filed a case against the brand," he says in the video. Akash recalls that when he first came across the brand, he was excited -- it seemed honest, had a bold tagline, and looked legit. But after doing some digging, he says he found red flags. The Protein Powder Problem Akash first points to their protein powder, which he claims has excessive sugar. For instance, The Whole Truth's coffee-flavoured protein powder contains 25 grams of sugar per 100 grams, of which 14 grams is added. He argues that an ideal protein powder should have 0-5 grams of sugar. Experts seem to mostly agree. Komal Malik, a dietitian at Asian Hospital, Haryana, says, "Generally, complete protein powders don't include sugar as they're isolated. But some do add flavour enhancers, which can contain sugar." She agrees that 25 grams of sugar per 100 grams "does sound like a lot". Akash also criticises the brand's claim that the powder is for "everyone", saying the added sugar makes it unsuitable for kids, diabetics, and those avoiding sugar. Debjani Gupta, Functional Nutritionist and Founder of Wellness For All, disagrees. She says she has personally used the product and had no issues with it. "This protein powder is beginner-friendly, and that explains the sugar. If someone wants a no-sugar option, they can go for the Whey Isolate version," she says. Akash raises similar concerns about the brand's protein bars, suggesting they are not truly for "everyone". The Hazelnut Spread Another issue he points out is with their Hazelnut Spread. Akash claims the brand advertises it as being made with real chocolate, but says it actually uses "cocoa nibs and cocoa powder, which is not real chocolate". Debjani partially agrees. She clarifies that while cocoa nibs and cocoa powder are both derived from cacao beans and are processed, the processing isn't necessarily bad for your health. This is because real chocolate -- i.e., cocoa -- is high in fat and antioxidants, but also bitter in taste. Processing it (to make cocoa powder and cocoa nibs) not only improves the taste slightly but also reduces the fat content, which is important if you're trying to manage your weight. However, this also means that some antioxidants are lost in the process. "Cocoa nibs are roasted and crushed cacao beans, while cocoa powder is processed further, sometimes using alkalisation," she explains. She adds that cocoa nibs and cocoa powder offer a rich, chocolatey flavour and are a healthier alternative to processed chocolate; being high in antioxidants, fibre, and healthy fats. "Cocoa nibs and cocoa powder are a healthier option for those trying to eat clean. Instead of calories from sugar and artificial flavours, you're getting denser nutrients and mindful calories. That said, moderation is still key," she adds. "So, I decided to file the complaint because I don't think the brand is providing the clarity it's supposed to," Akash concludes. Akash also shared with NDTV, that the brand changed their tagline and removed the bit about how their protein bar is for 'your parents and your kids', soon after the video was released. Have a look: The before and the after. Photo: The Whole Truth How The Brand And Internet Reacted Akash's video, posted a week ago, sparked mixed reactions. While some supported him, others disagreed. Here's how The Whole Truth responded: The brand posted a detailed comment directly addressing Akash. "Dear Akash, I am Shashank, founder of The Whole Truth. All three of your points are baseless, as I'll explain below. Yet you chose to make this video instead of waiting for our response-your complaint hasn't even reached us," he wrote. Shashank clarified that the protein powder in question is their "Beginner's Protein". "It has 15 grams of protein and 4.3 grams of added sugar (from jaggery) per scoop. That's one teaspoon of sugar, clearly declared on the front of the pack. The phrase 'protein for everyone' means it's not just for gym freaks -- it's for people starting their protein journey who need balanced macros," he explained. The Whole Truth was founded by Shashank Mehta in 2019. Photo: The Whole Truth He also mentioned that for serious fitness users, they offer products with 24-30 grams protein and 0 gram added sugar. "Yet you highlighted only the beginner range and exaggerated the sugar content by quoting per 100 grams, which is nearly 3x the scoop size. That's misleading," he added. On the protein bar, the brand says it never claimed to be for "everyone" and calls that assertion false. Lastly, Shashank defends the hazelnut spread, saying it does contain real chocolate. "I know, because we make our own chocolate. Cocoa nibs and cocoa powder are both pure chocolate ingredients. In fact, it's a regulatory requirement to declare them as such," he added. "This should clarify things. Your followers deserve accurate facts, not misleading numbers and false claims," he concluded. So, was Akash simply chasing attention, or does the brand need to relook its messaging? You decide.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Ramen lovers shocked as viral video reveals ‘cancer and reproductive harm' warning on packaging
A viral Instagram video has sparked alarm among instant noodle fans after a user pointed out a warning label on ramen packages that reads: 'Cancer and Reproductive Harm.' Instant ramen, a staple for students, busy professionals, and late-night snackers alike, is now under scrutiny after an Instagram user named 'omggotworms' shared a video flipping over multiple packets to reveal the label. The warning, printed in fine text on the back, left many viewers stunned. In the video, the user flips over multiple ramen packages to reveal the caution label, expressing his disbelief. 'Wait… Ramen noodles come with this warning? Cancer + reproductive harm?? Read the labels carefully,' he wrote in the caption. A post shared by Ricky (@omggotworms) The video sparked a flurry of reactions online. While many were stunned, some pointed out they had known about the risks for a while. One user dismissed the warning as misleading, saying, 'This is fake. I checked my Buldak ramen packets, no such warning.' Others offered a more nuanced explanation. 'Fun fact, my wrench came with that same warning. It's because they don't want to waste money in California to test their products for reproductive harm or cancer damage, so they just slap that label on,' one comment read, referring to California's Proposition 65, which requires warnings on products that contain certain chemicals—even in trace amounts. Some users weren't surprised at all. 'It's been there since day one. People barely read the nutritional facts. You expect them to read the small print?!' one person commented. Another added, 'California puts that warning on literally everything.' Others pointed out that sometimes it's not even the food, but the packaging that's the problem. 'A lot of times, the packaging itself is toxic. The heat-printed wrappers leach chemicals into your skin at levels above the minimum decided safe exposure amount,' one user wrote. The United States Department of Agriculture notes that a typical 81-gram serving of ramen contains 14 grams of total fat and around 6.5 grams of saturated fat – that's about a third of the recommended daily intake.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Skinny but not fit? Fitness coach reveals why low body fat doesn't guarantee a toned body, despite workouts
In a recent Instagram post, fitness coach and nutrition PhD Joseph Munoz addresses what he calls one of the most baffling fitness states: being 'skinny fat.' With a strikingly simple caption — 'Skinny fat isn't a weight problem. It's a muscle problem' — Munoz throws a wrench into traditional fat-loss thinking. 'You're not overweight,' Munoz says. 'You just don't look like you work out.' That's the paradox — despite being at a healthy or even low body weight, some people still struggle with undefined arms, flat glutes, and a lack of visible tone. This isn't about obesity or excess fat, Munoz emphasizes. It's about having too little muscle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Instalá tu kit rápido y sin cables, en el día. Alarmas Verisure Ver oferta Cardio Overkill and Calorie Confusion According to Munoz, the confusion worsens when people double down on cardio and drastically cut calories. 'The more you exercise and the less you eat, the worse the problem seems to get,' he explains in the viral video. The issue isn't about trimming down fat, but about failing to build up the muscle that shapes the body. As he puts it, 'Most people just focus on weight loss instead of building a body that they actually love.' MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT That focus often leads to muscle loss alongside fat reduction — meaning your physique remains untoned even if you technically weigh less. iStock According to Munoz, the confusion worsens when people double down on cardio and drastically cut calories. (Image: iStock) Rethinking the Workout and the Diet So what's the fix? Munoz says the solution lies in switching your focus: from simply burning calories to building strength. Instead of endless cardio sessions, he recommends resistance training as the primary workout approach — a method that promotes muscle growth and better body composition . And when it comes to food, he advises people to stop starving their bodies. 'Focus on actually eating more of the right foods that fuel your performance and support recovery and muscle growth,' he says. For those obsessed with the scale, Munoz urges a shift in mindset: 'Focus on how your body feels and your performance in the gym.' So the next time you look in the mirror and wonder why all your hard work isn't translating into visible results, consider that the issue might not be fat at all. It might be what's missing underneath — and that missing piece, says Munoz, is muscle.
