While doomscrolling online, we came across digital creator Akanksha Pandey’s morning gut health test. In it, she elaborated on four test case scenarios and suggested solutions to potential problems. Deepalakshmi, a registered dietitian at The Cleft & Craniofacial Centre, Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, helped us break down the test and learn more about its effectiveness.
Pandey suggested that a white coating on the tongue signals “toxin overload,” rooted in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, where such symptoms are associated with accumulating ama or undigested residue.
From a clinical perspective, however, Deepalakshmi explained that a coated tongue is more often linked to poor oral hygiene, dehydration, or fungal overgrowth (such as oral thrush). “While it may indicate microbial imbalance or dietary issues, calling it ‘toxin overload’ lacks medical specificity,” she said. Ensuring adequate hydration, tongue cleaning, and balanced nutrition typically helps address this issue.
Pandey’s solutions to the problem was three-fold: Oil pulling, light dinners, and a gut cleanse.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is often recommended for oral health, and some traditional practices suggest it can support digestion. “While oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil may reduce oral bacterial load and improve gum health, there is limited scientific evidence connecting it directly with improved digestion,” said Deepalakshmi, adding that it may serve as a supportive self-care habit, but underlying digestive discomfort is more effectively addressed through dietary and lifestyle changes such as increasing fibre intake, managing stress, and avoiding late-night heavy meals.
Light dinner
“Advising a light dinner for better gut health is evidence-informed and aligns with traditional and modern nutritional advice. Late-night heavy meals can interfere with digestion and sleep, while early, lighter dinners may improve gastric emptying and reduce bloating,” said the dietitian.
Gut cleanse
However, she believes Pandey’s recommendation to get a gut cleanse done is vague. “Medically, the gut does not need cleansing unless advised for specific conditions or procedures. A healthy gut is maintained through hydration, fibre-rich foods, prebiotics, and regular physical activity—not extreme cleanses,” she explained.
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What to do if you wake up with a white coating on your tongue? (Source: Freepik)
2. No urge to poop = dry gut?
According to Deepalakshmi, the claim that not having the urge to poop in the morning indicates a “dry gut” is an oversimplification. “While constipation can be a sign of poor hydration or inadequate fat and fibre intake, the term ‘dry gut’ is not used in medical literature,” she said. That said, healthy fats like ghee, water-rich vegetables such as gourds, and good fluid intake can support regular bowel movements and improve stool consistency. These practices are generally safe and may help manage mild constipation.
Deepalakshmi said that a “gut reset” is not a clinically defined intervention, but improvements in gut health can be achieved through a balanced diet, probiotics, and reducing processed foods.
3. One should never have bad breath
“The assertion that one should never have bad breath in the morning is misleading. Mild halitosis upon waking is common due to decreased saliva production overnight, which allows bacteria to accumulate,” she said, adding that persistent or very foul-smelling breath may reflect poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or in some cases, gut-related issues such as reflux or constipation.
4. Acidity or gas
Finally, for those experiencing morning acidity or gas, Pandey said that ingredients like licorice (mulethi), amla, and gulkand are traditional remedies that may offer relief.
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“Licorice has demulcent properties and may help soothe an irritated gut lining. Amla is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting digestion and gastric health. Gulkand, made from rose petals, is used in Ayurveda for its cooling and mild laxative properties,” explained the dietitian, stating that while these can be helpful as part of a broader dietary approach, persistent symptoms should always be medically evaluated.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.