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!

Health News + Events

What to Expect With COVID-19 & Back-to-School Protocols

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in early 2020, it turned life upside down for more than 50 million school-age children across the country. In fact, according to Ed  Read More

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  Read More

How to Treat a Dog Bite

Dogs are undoubtedly man’s best friend, but even the friendliest of creatures can sometimes get spooked or display aggressive behavior. Bites can even happen when giving an excit  Read More

What Our Patients Are Saying

Rating 4.6
Rating 4.2
Rating 4.6
Rating 5.0

"The overall care I received was excellent! I also appreciate your affiliation with Yale New Haven Hospital."

Patient
Derby, CT

"Throughout the visit I felt like the staff really cared. The Doctor took his time talking with me about my symptoms, and I felt like he listened to all my concerns and took that into consideration when recommending the right treatment. Thank you!"

Patient
Hamden, CT

"I had to take my son in for an ear infection following a sudden change in temperament at daycare. He was inconsolable the entire car ride but when we got there and by the time we left this care facility he was back to his normal happy go lucky little two year old boy. I highly recommend PhysicianOne Urgent Care."

Patient
Westwood, MA

"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the attention you gave me last week. My son was started on antibiotics and ear drops. Within 24 hours he began to feel better. The poor kid had been going to school in tears because he was afraid of missing any more days, but feeling (and looking) just awful! He's not been able to even think about lacrosse practice, but thanks to starting him on antibiotics, he was thrilled to return to practice today."

Patient
Somers, NY