TikTok has become the go-to platform for more than just dance trends and memes, it’s also packed with viral health hacks that claim to transform your wellbeing.
From DIY skincare to weight-loss shortcuts, these videos attract millions of views, with hashtags like #healthhacks racking up billions. But can you really trust the advice of TikTok influencers when it comes to your health? While some hacks seem easy and harmless, others raise serious questions. Without solid medical backing, following these trends could do more harm than good.
In this article, we’ll explore four popular TikTok health hacks and put them to the test. We find out if there’s any scientific evidence to support them, or if they’re just another social media fad.
Watch now: Common Medical Myths on the Internet
1. Alcohol Wipes for Pregnancy Nausea
In this TikTok health hack, a creator claims that sniffing a rubbing alcohol wipe can instantly get rid of pregnancy nausea. While it sounds unconventional, could there actually be some truth behind it?
@honestlyautumn Best pregnancy hack! Here’s how to instantly relieve morning sickness/ nausea! #momsoftiktok #pregnancy #lifehack #momhack ♬ Hey Pretty Girl – Kip Moore
What The Science Says
It turns out, alcohol wipes—specifically those containing isopropyl alcohol—have been studied as a non-pharmacological treatment for nausea. Research shows that inhaling isopropyl alcohol vapours can help relieve nausea in several medical settings, including emergency departments and postoperative care.
For example, one study found that patients who inhaled isopropyl alcohol experienced a notable reduction in nausea, with their discomfort dropping from a 6 to a 3 on the nausea scale within just 10 minutes. Another trial even showed that isopropyl alcohol worked as quickly as ondansetron, a common anti-nausea drug, providing rapid relief.
Pregnancy Nausea Relief?
Though studies have mainly focused on postoperative and emergency use, the general effectiveness of inhaling isopropyl alcohol suggests it could be a quick fix for mild pregnancy nausea too. While more specific research on pregnant women is needed, this TikTok health hack might not be as far-fetched as it seems.
However, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional before trying new remedies during pregnancy.
2. The “Sleepy Girl” Mocktail
A TikTok video by lifestyle creator Nara Smith has nearly 8 million views, all thanks to her “sleepy girl mocktail.” The recipe? A scoop of magnesium, tart cherry juice, sparkling water, and ice. But can this viral drink really improve your sleep?
@naraazizasmith who has tried this?? #fypシ #sleepygirlmocktail #drink #marriage #mocktails ♬ original sound – Nara Smith
What the Science Says
The mocktail’s two key ingredients, tart cherry juice and magnesium, actually have some research backing their potential to aid sleep.
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice, particularly from Montmorency cherries, is packed with melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Research shows that drinking tart cherry juice can improve sleep duration, quality, and efficiency, particularly in people with insomnia. One study found that older adults who consumed tart cherry juice experienced longer and more restful sleep
But the benefits may go beyond just melatonin. “Anti-inflammatory foods like tart cherries can help lower our stress hormones and make us more able to relax and get into a sleep state,” says registered dietitian Devon Peart, in an interview with Cleveland Clinic.
Magnesium
Magnesium, another star ingredient, is well-known for its ability to promote relaxation. Research shows that it helps regulate neurotransmitters like GABA, which calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality.
“Magnesium isn’t directly sleep-inducing,” Peart explains, “but it can help you relax so you can get into a sleep state. So, indirectly, it could be helpful.”
However, Peart adds a caution: “Magnesium comes in various forms, and some, like magnesium citrate, may act as a laxative. For sleep, magnesium glycinate is a better option.”
Is It Worth Trying?
While the “sleepy girl mocktail” won’t cure insomnia, its ingredients have scientific support for aiding relaxation and sleep. As Peart puts it, “It’s worth a try,’ as long as you don’t have any medical conditions that make it risky for you to have tart cherries or magnesium” Just make sure to enjoy it as part of an overall sleep routine, which includes avoiding electronics before bed and creating a calm, restful environment.
3. Cucumber Detox Drink for Weight Loss
This TikTok health hack claims you can “eliminate fat in a week without exercising” by drinking a blend of cucumber, apple, lemon, and water before bed. According to the creator, cucumber, and lemon can curb cravings, suppress appetite, and even alleviate emotional hunger. But is this a miracle fat-loss drink or just another online fad?
@ruthless7762 #fyp #viral #muscle #gym #workout #motivition ♬ original sound – RUTHLESS
Can Cucumber Really Help With Weight Loss?
Cucumber is low in calories and high in water, which makes it great for hydration and helping you feel full without adding extra calories. It’s true that incorporating low-calorie, water-rich foods like cucumber can support weight loss efforts by reducing overall calorie intake.
However, there’s no evidence to suggest that eating cucumber alone can “eliminate fat.” The drink may help with temporary hunger control, but fat loss requires a much more comprehensive approach.
Why You Can’t Eliminate Fat in a Week
The idea that you can lose significant fat in just one week, especially without exercise, is a myth. Fat loss is a gradual process that involves creating a calorie deficit over time, through a combination of healthy eating and physical activity. Even with the best dietary habits, losing more than 1–2 kilograms of fat per week is both unrealistic and unhealthy. If a weight loss hack promises rapid results without effort, it’s likely a fad.
Quick fixes often lead to frustration, unsustainable habits, and even health risks. “Detox” drinks, like this cucumber blend, may cause water weight loss, but this isn’t the same as fat loss. Any weight dropped from a short-term diet or detox is usually regained once you return to regular eating patterns.
Long-Term Weight Loss Requires Consistency
Real, sustainable weight loss takes time and consistent management. It involves making long-term lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, controlling portion sizes, and incorporating regular physical activity. While adding cucumber and lemon to your diet is a healthy choice, it’s important to remember that no single food or drink can “burn fat” or work as a quick solution.
The key to successful weight management is developing healthy habits that you can maintain in the long run. If you’re serious about losing weight, focus on a realistic, balanced plan rather than relying on fad diets that promise fast results.
Any claims that suggest fat can “melt away” without effort are misleading. Always approach these viral trends with caution, and consult a healthcare professional or dietitian if you’re seeking to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.
4. Clove-Infused Water for STD Treatment and Vaginal Tightening
A viral TikTok video with over 7.5 million views claims that drinking clove-infused water can “cleanse” your body of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and tighten the vagina. The creator, who has nearly half a million followers, suggests this home remedy as a natural solution. But can cloves really live up to these bold claims?
@bunila20 #skincare #naturalproducts #selfcare ♬ original sound – Gospel-jam1
Why Medical Treatment Is Essential for STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV, are infections typically spread through sexual contact. These conditions require proper medical diagnosis and treatment, often involving antibiotics or antiviral medications prescribed by healthcare professionals. There is no herbal remedy, including cloves, that can cure an STD.
Untreated STDs can lead to serious health complications, including infertility, chronic pain, and an increased risk of contracting or transmitting other infections. Delaying proper treatment by relying on home remedies like clove-infused water can worsen the infection and increase long-term risks.
If you suspect you have an STD, it’s crucial to seek testing and follow prescribed medical treatments for early intervention and to avoid complications.
Vaginal Tightening: Separating Fact from Fiction
The claim that clove water can “tighten” the vagina is entirely unsupported by scientific evidence. Vaginal tightness is primarily determined by muscle tone and elasticity, which can naturally change over time due to factors like ageing, childbirth, or hormonal shifts.
Safe and effective methods for improving vaginal muscle tone include pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, which specifically target the muscles of the pelvic floor and can help with overall tone and control. In cases where more significant intervention is needed, medical treatments such as vaginal rejuvenation procedures may be considered, but only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
The Role of Cloves in Health
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) have been traditionally used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and while they may offer general health benefits, such as aiding digestion or providing antioxidant effects, they are not a cure for serious infections like STDs. Relying on clove-infused water to treat infections or tighten the vagina is not only ineffective, but potentially dangerous if it leads to delaying proper treatment.
Medical Intervention Is Key
Home remedies like clove-infused water are not scientifically proven to treat STDs or tighten the vagina. Relying on such trends can lead to serious health risks.
While drinking clove-infused water may have general health benefits, it should not be viewed as a solution for these specific concerns. Always consult a healthcare provider for any issues related to sexual health.
Should You Rely on TikTok
These TikTok health hacks may seem appealing, especially with millions of views and thousands of comments endorsing them. Always consult with medical professionals and do thorough research before trying any health advice. What works for one person might not be safe or effective for another, especially when the advice comes from an unverified source on social media.
How to Protect Yourself from Misinformation
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always seek advice from a trusted doctor, nurse, or pharmacist when it comes to your health, especially if you are considering trying something you’ve seen online.
- Do Your Own Research: Look for credible sources like peer-reviewed medical journals, official health websites, or expert opinions. Don’t rely solely on social media, where claims are often unsubstantiated.
- Be Critical of Viral Trends: Just because a video has millions of views or comments doesn’t make it credible. Popularity doesn’t equal accuracy. Even when friends or family share these hacks, it’s important to remember that health advice should always be evidence-based.
- Check the Source: Always question who is providing the information. Are they a qualified healthcare professional, or just a content creator without medical expertise?
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about a health trend, ask a healthcare provider or use trusted online resources to clarify its validity before trying it.
Being discerning and cautious about health trends is critical to maintaining your safety and wellbeing. Social media can offer inspiration, but when it comes to your health, it’s best to rely on professionals and science-backed information.
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