Nutritionists Warn Against Popular WaterTok Trend

Social Media Trend “WaterTok” Raises Health Concerns

A growing social media trend called “WaterTok” has nutritionists sounding the alarm, citing potential health risks associated with the practice. The trend, which has taken platforms like TikTok by storm, involves filling large jugs of water with ice and flavoring syrups, transforming plain water into a variety of sweetened beverages. The concept, originally developed by post-bariatric surgery patients to boost hydration, has now become a viral phenomenon. However, experts are questioning the health implications of this trend, reports Ferozan Mast in a recent article on Best Life Online.

What Is the WaterTok Trend?

The WaterTok trend involves adding flavored syrups or artificial sweeteners to water, often creating concoctions that resemble sugary drinks. This approach, while initially aimed at encouraging increased water intake, has led to widespread use of syrups designed to mimic the taste of candy or soda. “In all honesty, water is water,” says Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, in an interview with CNBC. “You can get it alkalized, you can get it sparkling, but really none of these methods change the effect on your body. [The current trend] really isn’t that different from drinking Kool Aid.”

Misconceptions About Zero-Calorie Sweeteners

Many proponents of WaterTok believe that using zero-calorie sweeteners in their flavored water makes it a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. However, this perception may be misleading. “Anything in moderation is fine,” Dr. Naidoo explains, “but I do want people to be aware that just because it’s zero calories does not make it a healthy food. Your body may be getting hydrated, but it may be affecting you in a bad way somewhere else.” According to Dr. Naidoo, these beverages are comparable to diet sodas rather than offering true hydration benefits.

Why Are People Using Flavorings?

The popularity of WaterTok can be partly attributed to the taste preferences of its followers. Many individuals find it difficult to drink plain water and opt for added flavors to make it more appealing. “In a perfect world, [people] would be drinking just regular water,” obesity medicine specialist Jeff Stanley, MD, told Forbes. “But we know some people just don’t like it or don’t drink enough. So, adding in a bit of [flavoring] can be helpful.”

However, experts are quick to point out that this convenience comes at a cost, as the artificial additives may have unintended health consequences.

Risks of Artificial Sweeteners

One of the primary concerns raised by health professionals involves the potential impact of artificial sweeteners on gut health. Dr. Ruchi Mathur, a professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, warns that these sweeteners are “not benign for the microbiome of the gut.” Her research found that the diversity of gut bacteria was lower in participants who consumed non-sugar sweeteners, compared to those who did not. “We found that the richness of the bacteria in the small bowel was less in those subjects consuming non-aspartame non-sugar sweeteners when compared to controls, whereas bacterial richness in those consuming aspartame was similar to controls,” she explains.

Dental Health Risks Linked to Syrup Additives

Another significant issue tied to the WaterTok trend is its potential impact on dental health. The syrups and powders used in flavored waters often contain high levels of sugar or citric acid, which can damage tooth enamel. “Some powders and syrups may contain high levels of sugar or citric acid that can erode tooth enamel and cause tooth decay,” says Dr. Abdul Matin Azizi, principal dentist at Harley Private Dental. “Sugar can feed the bacteria in the mouth, leading to the production of harmful acids that attack teeth. Citric acid can also erode tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity and pain.” Furthermore, the food dyes present in these products may lead to tooth discoloration over time.

Broader Health Concerns: Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risks

The potential dangers of flavored water extend beyond oral health. According to Dr. Al-Imran Khan, GP at Mercuri Health, the artificial ingredients found in these syrups could pose broader health risks. “Artificial sweetener or flavoring ingredients such as those used in powders and syrups to be mixed with water can lead to many health issues including cardiovascular disease or possibly early onset diabetes,” Dr. Khan warns. He advises consumers to consider healthier alternatives, such as infusing water with natural ingredients like lemon slices, which provide flavor without the potential health drawbacks.

A Trend Worth Reconsidering?

While the WaterTok trend might appear as a fun and easy way to stay hydrated, experts caution that its long-term health effects could outweigh the benefits. The use of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and added sugars complicates what should be a straightforward approach to hydration. As Dr. Naidoo emphasizes, “[This is] just a different form of drinking a sweet beverage like diet soda,” and it may not offer the genuine hydration benefits that many assume.

Given these concerns, it may be wise for consumers to rethink their flavored water habits and opt for more natural hydration methods. For those looking to increase their water intake, adding fresh fruit, herbs, or even a splash of real lemon juice could be a healthier alternative to the syrup-laden drinks popularized by the WaterTok trend