Alarming Viral Trend: TikTok Borax Eating Train

TikTok is back with yet another alarming trend— The borax train. This time it’s dangerous and we recommend you don’t try!

Individuals are consuming borax, a laundry powder, and pesticide, in an attempt to alleviate health issues like arthritis and lupus. However, medical experts and concerned netizens are sounding the alarm, as borax consumption can have severe consequences.

People are adding borax to smoothies or coffee and drinking it on video in an alarming trend 

What is Borax? 

Borax, also known as sodium borate or sodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral and a salt of boric acid. It is commonly used as a household cleaning product, laundry detergent, and pesticide. Borax has various industrial applications, including in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and flame retardants..

Side effects of consuming Borax:

•Gastrointestinal distress

•Kidney damage

•Reproductive and Development Issue

•Skin and eye irritate 

•Respiratory problems

•Dizziness, headache, etc

Real Use Of Borax

For years, people have used borax as a laundry additive, a pesticide, a household cleanser, an herbicide and to unclog drains. It can also be found in some paints, acne products and specialty oral care products, according to WebMD. (It can be safe when used topically and not swallowed.)

It’s unclear how “the borax train” became an online trend, but some sources cite the work of researcher Rex Newnham, who published work in the 1990s advocating that boron (not borax) was an essential mineral lacking from many diets.

What’s Boron?

Boron is an important element that’s most often found in fruits, beans, and other plant-based foods. It’s considered a micronutrient, which means that your body only needs a small amount of it daily to function. On its own, boron is a dark silver metalloid. In food, it’s most often found as a part of key biomolecules.

Boron is also naturally found in water and foods such as nuts and vegetables. There aren’t any specific dietary recommendations for boron, but it’s estimated that most adults consume about 1-1.5 mg daily according to WebMD

Neither are safe to consume

Before consuming any inedible element we should contact and take advice from experts to save us from any serious damage. 

TikTok is a fun place to be and it should be seen as that ONLY. It’s not a professional medical advice app so users should refrain from following such non-scientific advice.

Remember folks, your mouth isn’t a washing machine hence never ever consume washing powder or any kind of acid to clean the internal organs—it won’t work, ever. Trust us. If you or someone you know consumed borax, make sure to contact a physician immediately. Don’t try to induce vomiting or take any action without professional advice as it could worsen the damage