4 Social Media Health Trends to Avoid In 2024
Social media is a powerful tool that has helped users stay connected with friends and family members across the world. However, it has proven to be highly effective in spreading misinformation, especially in the health and wellness space.
Apps like TikTok and Instagram have given users a platform to discuss their health journey in an honest and unfiltered manner. However, they have also played a role in the mass distribution of controversial health advice and trends to both children and adults, and could potentially be dangerous.
Remember, before you try out the latest viral health trend, do your due diligence and consult a provider at Midwest Express Clinic. Find an urgent clinic near you at midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
1. Drinking Raw Potato Juice to Treat Strep Throat
This popular TikTok trend involves drinking raw potato juice to treat strep throat. The theory behind this practice is that raw potato juice contains high quantities of nutrients such as vitamin C, which users believe to be effective in “curing” strep throat. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, commonly treated with antibiotic medication. While raw potato juice contains some beneficial minerals and vitamins, it is NOT an effective treatment method for bacterial infections like strep throat.
To learn more about the symptoms and strep throat testing, click here.
2. DIY Wart Remover
This wellness hack involves removing unwanted warts by picking or scraping them off the body. While it may seem relatively harmless, this method can be quite painful and result in an infection, as well as potential scarring. More importantly, removing them at home without having them properly evaluated first could lead to undiagnosed skin cancer as there is no way to biopsy the tissue of the affected area.
Click here to learn more about wart removal.
3. Teeth-Whitening Using Hydrogen Peroxide
A trend that involves whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide has gained traction on social media, but there are significant risks involved in this practice. While hydrogen peroxide is a staple ingredient found in many teeth-whitening products, it is typically only a small amount mixed with other ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide in its pure form can damage teeth and gums, while also reducing the enamel on your teeth. If you want to brighten your smile, talk to a dental provider about safer methods for your teeth and gums.
4. Lemon Coffee
This viral wellness trend promotes adding lemon juice to your morning cup of coffee, instead of milk or cream. Influencers who support this trend claim that the combination of coffee and lemon juice can help people lose weight, in addition to providing relief from headaches and diarrhea. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims, and experts warn that consuming coffee with lemon juice can cause stomach irritation and acid reflux. Due to the high acidity of lemon juice and coffee, there is also a risk of reducing the enamel on your teeth, so it’s best to avoid this trend at all costs.
