Not A Life Hack: Here Are 5 TikTok Health Trends That Will Do More Harm Than Good

TikTok is a video-sharing platform that is great for many things, such as sharing dance choreography and showcasing pets. But there is a limit to everything, especially when it comes to unqualified influencers giving some health advice.

It seems like a new viral health trend goes viral every week, which content creators share as a so-called hack to cure ailments. That means it is important to decipher which ones are real and which ones could cause dangerous side effects. Here are some of the famous health trends on TikTok that should be avoided, according to Food Network:

Putting Garlic Up the Nose

Blocked nose? The TikTok trend of putting up garlic on the nose claims that it can help clear the sinuses and get rid of a stuffy nose. But how effective and safe is it?

Health professionals, such as Food Network's nutrition consultant Dr. Toby Amidor, said that it is not safe to put garlic cloves in the nose as it can have adverse effects. He explained that the natural oils in garlic could irritate the skin inside the nose and further small cloves of garlic could get stuck inside it, leading to nasal obstruction.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, agrees with this, adding that certain foods like chili peppers and wasabi elicit a reaction as compounds could irritate tissues in the mouth, throat, and sinuses.

Although it can help clear out the nose and make it look like it is doing the trick, experts still do not recommend this because it can worsen the symptoms. In fact, the abundance of snot removed could be a reaction to the irritation of the strong smell.

Honey Jelly (or Frozen Honey)

People with a sweet tooth might be tempted to try this trend. Although honey has health benefits, too much is always bad. According to Cleveland Clinic, eating too much honey can increase blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and cause severe upset stomach and diarrhea.

Dr. Alberto Rubio-Tapia said that people with fructose intolerance could upset their stomachs if they eat too many sweets. Instead of joining the trend of the frozen blob, experts recommend incorporating honey into the diet as it is healthier this way.

Drinking Liquid Chlorophyll

TikTok is abuzz with the claimed health benefits of liquid chlorophyll, which is the green pigment of plants and plays a critical role in photosynthesis. Although some research says it has certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, experts suggest that the body might not need it at all.

A study conducted at Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute found no toxic effects linked to chlorophyll, but team members do not recommend it because it is not necessary. More so, there are potential side effects, like the mild stomach or gastrointestinal issues or discolored poop.

#WhatIEatInADay

The hashtag has become popular among wellness influencers, showing their followers what they usually eat. These videos promote daily menus that do not have enough nutritional and caloric content for most people.

Food Network reports that, although the message is about wellness, influencers are most likely sending a message to their followers that they should look like them and promote eating disorder. Dietitian Beth Czerwony told Cleveland Clinic that each body's daily calorie needs vary in age, sex, activity level, and other factors that should be considered when choosing what to eat.

Dry Scooping Protein Powder Before Workout

The trend has people guzzling pre-workout protein powder without mixing it in liquid. However, HealthyEats nutrition expert and sports dietitian Dana Angelo White told Food Network that dry scooping could inhibit its effects and will not improve the action of the supplement.

Additionally, the dry powder does not help the body hydrate. Researchers say that the practice even qualifies as dangerous as it could lead to respiratory or cardiovascular distress, and worse, death. So, make sure to add water to protein powder.

Here are some TikTok health trends that could have harmful side effects:

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