People from all over the globe frequently hop on TikTok to pick up fresh kitchen tricks, catch up on the latest workout crazes, or simply enjoy some groovy dance clips. Whether you're a fan or not, TikTok is firmly rooted in our digital world.
Every now and then, TikTok sees trends go viral, and folks swiftly jump on the bandwagon. It's pretty astonishing how someone who may not really be an expert can pretend like one, and soon enough, hundreds or maybe even thousands of folks are tuning in.
TikTok serves a multitude of purposes, but for some, it's a source of inspiration before hitting the gym. They might even decide to hop on a trend, and that's exactly what we're witnessing with the 'dry scooping' trend.
The dry scooping trend on TikTok, however, has people putting the powder into their mouths and swallowing it dry. This may seem like a timesaver, but it is actually a dangerous trend.
But there's a TikTok trend called "dry scooping" where folks are putting the powder directly into their mouths and swallowing it without mixing it with liquid. While it might appear to be a quick and easy shortcut, it's actually a risky trend.
Just how risky can it get? A young lady shared her experience, claiming she suffered a heart attack from trying it. Meanwhile, some folks mention they struggle to breathe when the dry powder accidentally goes into their lungs.
One of the issues with dry scooping is the sudden caffeine rush it can deliver. A young woman named Briatney Portillo shared her story, revealing that she had a heart attack at just 20 years old after trying dry scooping.
She said: "After I took the pre-workout, I started to feel tingly and itchy all over my body, which wasn't a good feeling, but I googled it and it said that was a normal side effect. … So I began to do my workout. I started to feel a heavy feeling in my chest and slight pain, but it wasn't too bad. I thought it was maybe anxiety or a bad panic attack, so I decided to just ignore it and push through my workout."
Things took a turn for the worse as she began feeling dizzy and then started sweating profusely, soaking her clothes. The chest pain returned, even more intense this time, accompanied by pain in her left arm. She was certain it was a heart attack, so she dialed 911.
One major issue with using pre-workout powder like this is the uncertainty about its contents. Dr. Jason Nagata, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, points out that these powders aren't regulated by the FDA, so you can't be sure of what you're actually consuming.
The doctor further explained that these powders might contain prohibited substances such as stimulants, steroids, and other harmful ingredients. Many of these substances can raise the risk of heart attacks, liver disease, and other severe health issues.
Portillo is now raising the alarm, emphasizing, "Being 20, I would've never assumed I'd get a heart attack from pre-workout. I just want people to be careful with what they're consuming. Just because you see it online, even if it's 'fitness influencers' doing it, doesn't mean it's safe. Being young doesn't mean we're invincible."
