The Claims About Urine Therapy and Its Health Benefits
A recent Facebook reel has sparked interest in the idea that drinking urine can provide health benefits. The video claims that urine contains “5,662 ingredients, including everything people rush to health food stores to buy.” It suggests that these components, such as magnesium, serotonin, and human growth hormone, are critical for bodily functions. The video also mentions that individuals who practice urine therapy often report feeling more relaxed and at ease with things that previously disturbed them.
This type of content has gained traction online, with the reel receiving over 100,000 views. The term “urine therapy” is used in the caption to describe the practice of drinking urine for health purposes.
Who Is Brother Sage?
The video features a man referred to as “Brother Sage,” who is known for promoting urine therapy. He has written books on the subject and presents himself as a wellness practitioner who facilitates self-healing. According to his Amazon bio, he is based in Hawaii. However, what is notably missing from his profile are any details about his education or medical experience in healthcare.
Africa Check, an independent fact-checking organization, has highlighted that many dubious health claims come from individuals without proper medical training. This includes figures like a mentalist claiming that getting a cancer diagnosis makes you sick, a chiropractor recommending essential oils for heavy metal poisoning, and an entertainment blogger suggesting lime water can cure cancer.
Medical professionals have directly refuted Brother Sage’s claims when they have been discussed in news articles. Despite this, the allure of urine therapy continues to attract attention.
What Is Urine Therapy?
Urine therapy involves using human urine for medical or health purposes, typically by drinking it or applying it to the body. According to a 2010 article published in the Pan African Medical Journal, the practice has existed for millennia across different cultures. In modern times, proponents have claimed that urine therapy can treat conditions like acne and even serious illnesses such as Hashimoto’s disease.
The underlying idea is that urine therapy helps replace nutrients lost through urination. The reel highlights several substances found in urine, including:
- Magnesium: A compound that regulates calcium and blood sugar levels and helps produce protein.
- Serotonin: A chemical involved in mood, digestion, and wound healing.
- Melatonin: A hormone that influences sleep patterns.
- Oxytocin: A hormone that aids childbirth and milk production.
- Human growth hormone: A hormone that supports growth and cellular metabolism.
- B vitamins: Essential for energy production.
- Iron: A compound that carries oxygen throughout the body.
However, healthy urine is primarily made up of water (91% to 96%), salt, urea, and electrolytes. Its composition varies depending on diet, water intake, medication, and age. While some excess vitamins and minerals may be present in urine, experts state that the quantities are too small to offer any significant health benefits.
No Medical Evidence Supports Urine Therapy
Experts emphasize that urine is not sterile. Dr. Neel Parekh, a urologist based in the U.S., explained that urine contains bacteria. “While healthy urine always has trace quantities of bacteria and other germs, it picks up more as it travels through your urinary tract and out of your body,” he said.
He added that drinking or applying urine does not have health benefits and could worsen existing health issues. “Drinking urine can actually increase dehydration because of its salt and waste content.”
A 2016 medical report published in the Journal of Urology stated that much of what is claimed about urine therapy lacks medical basis. While some celebrities have promoted the practice, medical research consistently shows otherwise.
If you are concerned about nutrient deficiencies, it is advisable to consult a healthcare practitioner for personalized recommendations on supplements and medication.