Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 29: Following Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal's recent claims about using urine therapy to heal a knee injury, health experts on Tuesday unequivocally stated that there is no scientific evidence to support the practice as a treatment for any disease.
In a recent media interaction, veteran actor Paresh Rawal claimed he "sipped his urine like a beer first thing in the morning" to aid the healing of his injured knee. "I did for 15 days and when the X-ray reports came in, the doctor was surprised," Rawal reportedly said.
Dr. Abhishek Shankar, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS Delhi, strongly refuted these claims, telling IANS, “As an oncologist, I must emphasise that while anecdotal experiences like Paresh Rawal's are fascinating, they should not be mistaken for medical advice. There is no scientific evidence supporting urine therapy as a treatment for any diseases whether musculoskeletal injuries or cancer.”
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell at the Kerala State IMA, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Even with all the scientific progress and easy access to good healthcare information, it is unfortunate that some people still look for shortcuts and try to promote them. Drinking urine does not cure any health problems. This myth has been proven wrong many times.”
Urine therapy, also known as Urophagia, involves the practice of drinking one's own urine. While ancient Ayurvedic texts mention the use of urine for various ailments like asthma, allergies, indigestion, wrinkles, and even cancer, experts emphasize that these claims are based on anecdotes and lack robust scientific validation.
In contrast, Dr. Shankar highlighted the documented health risks associated with drinking urine. Multiple studies have shown that urine contains bacteria, which can be harmful if ingested. It can also introduce toxins into the gut, potentially leading to stomach infections and other illnesses. Furthermore, as urine is a diuretic, it can increase the risk of dehydration.
Paresh Rawal is not the only public figure to have claimed benefits from urine therapy. Others who have reportedly vouched for the practice include British TV star Ben Grylls and Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez.
Dr. Charudatt Vaity, a Mumbai-based intensivist, firmly stated “There is no credible scientific evidence that supports this type of therapy for any benefit whatsoever, urine is actually body fluid that contains a lot of waste materials which the kidneys filter, and reintroducing it into the body can cause a lot of side effects like infection, electrolytic imbalance or delayed appropriate medical care.”
The health experts emphasized that recovery from injuries is a complex process dependent on factors such as rest, nutrition, and appropriate medical intervention. They strongly cautioned the public against relying on unverified home remedies and urged them to prioritize evidence-based medicine for their health concerns.
“It’s important to rely on facts and real science, not on myths or shortcuts,” Dr. Jayadevan concluded.