Borax-wielding fanatics

Plus, the "Barbie" movie cast drank milk thistle tea for clearer skin. But does it work?

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Today's Ingredients Another day, another TikTok trend to clean up after. Borax is being hyped as a cure for joint pain. Only problem is, borax is toxic and too much will kill you horribly. Maybe they were confusing it with something else? Find out below. Also in today's Nutrition Edition:   • How milk thistle kept the "Barbie" cast in the pink   • You should probably eat more walnuts   • Why does food go right through me?   • Oh, sugar! A new kombucha health benefit? Bon appétit, Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Tim Snaith August 8, 2023 • 4 min read Main Course Don't be fooled — borax and boron are not the same. ⚠️Time for another TikTok takedown. There's been a recent flurry of posts on the supposed benefits of eating borax powder, a household substance commonly used for cleaning and pest control. Proponents claim that it relieves joint pain and boosts health. Experts, on the other hand, are calling it the "DUMBEST HEALTH TREND EVER!!" Yes, borax is a naturally occuring substance, but ingesting it — even in fairly small amounts — can be dangerous. ❌ Borax dangers: 😱   • vomiting   • skin rashes   • organ damage   • death It's possible this trend is rooted in confusion about the difference between borax and boron, an essential nutrient found in prunes, raisins, avocados, and other plant foods. ✅ Boron benefits:   • It may improve bone density and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms at daily intakes of 3–10 milligrams.   • It helps regulate hormones such as estrogen and vitamin D, which influence bone growth. This is a great example of why it's so important to take everything you see on social media with a pinch of salt (NOT borax) — unless you see it on Healthline's TikTok, of course. Tell us: Have you ever eaten soap? I did once, on a school trip to Paris, and I lost several days to illness. What is the wildest health advice you barely survived? Message us at nutritionedition@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!) Kitchen Kit What we're using Kombucha's reputation has grown over the years, and new research points to its benefits for people with type 2 diabetes (see below). However, it can be tricky to make kombucha safely at home. But no problem — Liquid I.V. uses powdered kombucha in this drink mix, which is formulated to hydrate you twice as fast as water alone! One of our testers — Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT — recently reviewed Liquid I.V. and found the products convenient and easy to use. Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.   Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Probiotic Kombucha 4.6  |  800+ ratings Details: Non-GMO with natural flavors and 5 essential vitamins Shop now Nutrition Spotlight We focus on a different nutrient each week — some well known, others more unusual. This week's healthful brew is … Milk thistle tea The cast of the new "Barbie" movie drank milk thistle tea as part of their skin care routine, according to skin care expert Jasmine Vico (who worked on the movie) in a recent interview with Vogue magazine. But will this medicinal herb give your skin an inner glow? While there isn't much research on how milk thistle affects skin health, it contains many skin-healthy nutrients, including antioxidants, fatty acids, and zinc. In the laboratory, silymarin in particular has been found to fight free radicals that harm skin cells over time. This may lead to benefits like reduced fine lines, smoother texture, and protection from UV rays. The tea also supports liver health to remove toxins, indirectly benefiting skin. Beyond the beauty perks, the herbal tea may help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Check with your doctor first if you're pregnant, if you take any medications, or if you have a preexisting skin condition. While they're unlikely, potential mild side effects include nausea and allergic reaction. Moderation is key. It's unclear whether drinking milk thistle tea is more beneficial than applying it directly to your skin. But the "Barbie" actors clearly believed that this antioxidant powerhouse was the key to having complexions as perfect and plastic-smooth as their characters. Learn more about the benefits of milk thistle for your skin, your liver, and more. the takeout What we're digesting 💖 13 reasons to eat more walnuts. In a nutshell, walnuts bring many nutritional benefits to the table, and they're easy to add to your diet. 💩 Pooping after eating: Is food going right through me? It may feel like that, but that's not what's really happening. 🫖 Kombucha may help lower blood sugar levels. A new study found that drinking kombucha every day may help people who are living with type 2 diabetes. 🥥 Is coconut oil actually good for you? On the whole, coconut oil has many evidence-backed benefits. But there's also a concern around heart health. Thank you for reading! Thursday's Nutrition Edition will be even more gripping than usual, promise. Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by my son's birthday cake.

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