Feeling Sluggish After December? Grace Mondlana’s Detox Moment Hits Home

As the glitter of festive season fades, many South Africans are facing the familiar post-holiday slump. Overindulgence during December leaves a trail of fatigue, sugar cravings, and digestive drama—and social media influencer Grace Mondlana has been hilariously candid about it.

Grace Mondlana’s Late-Night Snack Confession

In a video shared on Instagram, Mondlana opened up about her struggle with the aftermath of holiday indulgences.

“We are five days into 2026 and I already have a problem. This is a sign that I need to take laxatives,” she confessed, tossing aside the remnants of a midnight snack.

She explained her unusual cravings: “I have a crazy appetite not for healthy food but for sweet stuff. I have to flush that out.”

To tackle this, Mondlana turned to BP castor oil, a traditional remedy touted for its laxative properties. The oil, known for its ricinoleic acid content, stimulates intestinal contractions, offering temporary relief—but as health experts note, it’s not a long-term detox solution.

Her video struck a chord with many, with South Africans sharing laughs, empathy, and even their own late-night snack confessions in the comments.

Celebrity Detoxes: From Mind to Body

Mondlana isn’t alone in turning to detox routines. Celebrities often champion unique wellness rituals:

• Pearl Thusi finds mental detox in silence, stepping back from social media and external noise.

• Maps Maponyane embraces early morning sunlight to regulate circadian rhythms and support digestion.

• Thando Thabethe advocates for early dinners to reduce inflammation and aid gut health.

International stars also have their quirky takes:

• Gwyneth Paltrow opts for mono-day eating to give the digestive system a break.

• Beyoncé incorporates rest days for recovery.

• Chris Hemsworth swears by cold exposure techniques to boost circulation.

Yet, while these practices are popular, many detox myths persist in popular culture, think onions in socks, juice cleanses, oil pulling, or colonic irrigation, none of which have robust scientific backing for true body-wide detoxification.

In the realm of detoxing, common  myths and old wives tales also exist:

Onions in socks: A folk remedy suggesting that onions can draw out toxins is unsupported by scientific evidence.

Detox teas and juice cleanses: Often marketed as solutions for weight loss, they usually result in temporary water loss rather than long-term health benefits.

Fasting or liquid diets: While calorie restriction may appear to clean you out, it can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances.

Oil pulling: While this practice may assist with oral hygiene, it fails to deliver whole-body detox results.

Colonic irrigation: Medically regarded as unnecessary, it poses potential health risks without a demonstrated efficacy in removing built-up waste.

The Science Behind Real Detox

Despite the allure of quick fixes, the human body is naturally equipped to detoxify itself via the liver, kidneys, gut, and skin. Experts recommend supporting these systems with sustainable habits:

• Hydration: Water aids kidney and digestive function.

• Balanced diet: Whole foods, fiber, and lean proteins help ease organ workload.

• Limit alcohol: Protects liver function.

• Quality sleep: Enables the brain to remove waste products.

• Regular exercise: Boosts circulation and lymphatic function.

Sustainable lifestyle changes, rather than extreme cleanses, offer long-lasting benefits and a healthier start to the year.

A Reminder for the New Year

Mondlana’s relatable detox moment is a gentle reminder: the allure of extreme cleanses and celebrity hacks can be tempting, but listening to your body and supporting its natural rhythms remains the best strategy.

This January, instead of reaching for harsh detox solutions, South Africans might benefit from hydration, balanced meals, sleep, and movement, the true secrets behind feeling energized and ready for 2026.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: X{@FrwontouAgain}