close
close

Mondor Festival

News with a Local Lens

Here’s a look at some of the health trends on Tik Tok from a dietitian’s perspective.
minsta

Here’s a look at some of the health trends on Tik Tok from a dietitian’s perspective.

An Ottawa dietitian says health trends on social media may not be the best option for you, citing certain risks.

CTV Morning Live investigates three health trends on TikTok.


Sea moss for weight loss

The health trend on Tik Tok suggests taking a spoonful of sea moss a day, citing the benefits of all the minerals it contains.

Sea moss is used to promote weight loss, according to Sara Awija, registered dietitian with Elysian Wellness. However, this causes hormonal problems, which can cause your thyroid to malfunction.

“And that’s because it’s very high in iodine. So the whole theory behind this is that because it’s high in iodine, it’s a very key component of your thyroid hormone. And in large quantities “It starts to cause hyperthyroidism, which is something you don’t want,” she said.

Awija warns that sea moss is high in toxins. She says there is no scientific research or evidence to prove its effectiveness.


Non-alcoholic magnesium cocktail for sleep

As for the “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” health trend on Tik Tok for better sleep, Awija says this trend works.

She notes that magnesium relaxes muscles, which can help you sleep.

The juice used in the mocktail contains melatonin, she says. This has a drowsy effect that can help you fall asleep, she notes.

“There’s no problem mixing it, but you can take a magnesium supplement alone. There’s no need to split it into a drink. And you can also take a melatonin supplement alone,” he said. she explained.

Awija says that each person has different medical training and the quantities taken should be adjusted accordingly. She recommends talking to your family doctor or dietitian before taking supplements on your own.


Chia seeds for glowing skin

A Tik Tok trend suggests mixing a spoonful of chia seeds with water and lemon. The Health Trend says chia is great for your skin because it reduces inflammation, contains antioxidants, and produces collagen.

Awija says these claims are true, noting that “it contains a lot of antioxidants, which reduces inflammation in the body.”

“A lot of people use it for weight loss, because of its fiber content. It suppresses the appetite. But again, you can get it from any other food,” he said. -she added. “You can get that by eating vegetables and eating a big salad.”

Collagen can also come from supplements, she notes.