TikTok Health Hacks: Safe or Sham?

No matter your preferred social media channel, you’ve likely seen viral health hacks for everything from congestion to snoring to weight loss.

We turned to our team of certified medical experts to explore 5 of the most popular TikTok health trends circulating right now. Read below to find out which ones are safe and which ones are a sham!

🚫 Potato socks for flu relief: Can slicing a potato, adding a piece to a barefoot, and covering it with a sock before bed relieve flu symptoms? Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that this trend has any medical benefit.

✅ Hot girl walks: “Hot girl walks” promotes the inclusion of increased cardio into your daily routine. Walkers are encouraged to reflect on what they are grateful for, set goals for themselves and feel confident in their own skin. Studies show adding a 10-minute daily walk has a number of health benefits including increased energy levels and lower blood pressure.

🚫 Garlic cloves to relieve congestion: TikTok users have been seen inserting garlic cloves into their nostrils for 15-20 minutes as a way to relieve their sinuses. This can be harmful as it can cause damage to your nose and sinuses. If you are feeling unwell, visit us to feel better, faster.

✅ Nature's Cereal: This trend combines blueberries, blackberries, pomegranate seeds and coconut water to create a nutritious snack that is filled with antioxidants and hydration!

🚫 Chlorophyll drinking water: TikTok “health experts” claim that adding a drop or two of Chlorophyll to your water has a number of health benefits, including weight loss and preventing cancer. This may sound exciting, but there is not any scientific research to back these claims.

While you can’t trust everything you see on TikTok or Facebook, you can trust our team of medical experts, who are available 24/7 via telehealth and 365 days a year in-person, to address your pressing health questions and concerns. Set up a telehealth appointment whenever you need us – and you can get back to feeling better, faster!