TikTok Health Hacks That Work: Japanese Walking to the McDonald’s Migraine Cure
Some of the most surprising tips on social media are backed by real science!
It seems like there’s a new health trend on social media practically every time we’re scrolling these days. And while some are simply not rooted in research, others can be downright harmful (we’re looking at you, Skinnytok). That said, a few viral health hacks making the rounds on TikTok are proven to deliver impressive health benefits. Here we break down the research that backs some of social media’s most viral videos.
‘Fibermaxxing’ speeds weight loss
Dieters are raving about the viral TikTok “fibermaxxing” trend, which involves pairing low-calorie meals with fiber-rich foods to lose weight. And they’re on to something! A Texas Woman’s University study found that people who cut calories and added more fiber to their diets (with foods like oatmeal, lentils and pears) lose six pounds more over six months than calorie-cutters who didn’t up their fiber intake. And this holds true no matter what type of diet you follow, such as low-fat or high-protein. Fiber slows digestion, keeping you fuller longer so you naturally eat less.
McDonald’s soothes migraine pain
When Milly Hancock shared a TikTok video of herself in a McDonald’s drive-thru ordering a large Coke and fries to stop a migraine, it racked up over 400,000 likes and plenty of thank-yous from viewers who said the viral fast food health hack worked for them too.
Woman's World Answers
Why does the McDonald’s migraine cure work so well? “For starters, the soda’s caffeine blocks certain pain receptors, reducing discomfort,” explains Kevin Weber, MD, a neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “On top of that, salt helps fix an electrolyte imbalance and carbs ease hunger, which is important since both can contribute to migraines.”
And we have good news if you’re watching what you eat but still need that painkilling carb, salt and caffeine combo. Dr. Weber says you can get similar relief by opting for caffeine from black coffee or tea, salt from beef jerky or vegetable snack chips and carbs from hummus or sweet potatoes.
‘Japanese walking’ lowers blood pressure
When Harvard-trained doctor Saurabh Sethi, MD, shares a tip on social media, his three million followers pay attention. So it’s no surprise his video recommending Japanese interval walking to lower blood pressure has gone viral. All it takes is trekking at a leisurely pace for three minutes, then speeding up as fast as you comfortably can for three minutes, then repeating for a total of 30 minutes.
In a study from Japan, women who did exactly this at least four days a week saw their systolic BP (top number) drop by eight points in five months. That’s five points more than those who walked at a steady moderate pace for twice as long. Switching speeds like you do during Japanese walking strengthens thigh muscles, which boosts circulation and eases pressure on the heart.
An imaginary house tour improves sleep
Meditation expert Emily Kessler shared her trick for beating insomnia that’s helping countless sleepless TikTok users finally doze off. Just lie in bed with your eyes closed and imagine a house you know well that’s not your own, such as your friend’s. Then take a slow mental tour while noting each item you “see”, like a coat rack, coffee table and couch.
The sleep hack sounds too easy to work, but Canadian research proves this technique, called “cognitive shuffling”, is the real deal. Focusing on ordinary objects steers your brain away from anxious thoughts without overstimulating it, enabling you to drift off to sleep more quickly.
Nasal humming clears congestion
TikTok users are buzzing about an unusual health hack that helps them breathe easier when battling congestion: nasal humming. Just exhale slowly while you hum and Swedish scientists say the gentle vibration significantly opens sinus passages, allowing for better airflow within just five seconds.
To keep congestion from returning, continue humming during everyday tasks like folding laundry and walking the dog. Humming spurs a 15-fold spike in nitric oxide inside the nose, which fights off bacteria, fungi and inflammation at the root of your stuffiness so you can breathe freely.
Floor time erases stress
To melt tension fast, try the de-stressing health hack taking off on TikTok: Enjoy floor time, which entails lying flat on your rug, yoga mat or even a soft patch of grass. Simple as it seems, it’s a proven stress reliever. That’s because it mimics the yoga pose savasana, where you lie flat on your back with arms at your sides, palms up and legs slightly apart.
Brazilian researchers found this posture lowers stress not only as you’re doing it, but also for at least 35 minutes afterward. It quiets your sympathetic nervous system (that controls your fight-or-flight response) and activates your parasympathetic nervous system (which manages rest), resulting in soothing calm.
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