'Dangerous!' Docs slam hoax TikTok potato juice ‘cure’ for strep throat
A viral TikTok trend of curing the rising Strep A infection by drinking potato juice has been deemed by doctors as simply "dangerous" and misinformed. Strep throat, caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria is a treatable disease but if left untreated or unnoticed, could turn out to be fatal.
Self-proclaimed doctors on TikTok who have come up with their elixir for Strep A infection claim drinking potato juice cures the infection. Although doctors allege drinking the starchy vegetable juice could only cure the fungus and not the bacteria. Moreover, even if one still prefers to drink potato juice doctors urge users to take this information with a grain of salt.
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What is the potato juice cure trend?
DIY TikTok content creators have concocted a so-called elixir for the infection called the 'potato juice cure' trend. The viral trend has caused a commotion on the web, with many users vouching for it. TikToker Damien Michaels told his followers to juice a raw potato and drink about a cup of it twice a day claiming it will “alleviate strep throat on contact.” He alleges in the video that the juice will cure the infection within two to three days period.
(Tiktok / iamdamienmichaels)
This prompted another user, self-described 'Mom Coach' Allie Casazza, to try the trend after which she reported the root veggie juice “freaking works," claiming her daughter’s strep throat infection was “completely gone within two hours.” However, the post has been since deleted.
What causes strep throat and what are the symptoms?
The strep throat infection is caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria, which creates symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen and red tonsils, pain when swallowing, and more. Although this infection is treatable and typically cured with antibiotics, in rare cases, the bacterial infection can lead to rheumatic fever and death in children and older adults if left untreated.
Why are docs warning against it?
After the viral video made rounds on the internet with many promoting the drink, Dr Idz on social media advised users against self-treating the “very contagious” infection with spud juice. “This is one of the most dangerous videos I’ve ever been sent,” he said about Casazza’s since deleted clip. “Do not treat your child with potato juice if they have severe strep throat symptoms,” he warned, noting even if the potato juice eases the infection, it does not mean it is completely eliminated.
Even though many users did not seem fascinated with the appeal of drinking potatoes, other users highlighted in the comment section that the veggie has antibiotic properties that can treat infections. The antibiotic compound salinomycin comes from a microbe found in potatoes, but it doesn't work against the streptococcus bacteria, as per clinical studies. Dr Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist on TikTok, explained that while foods such as potatoes might treat strep symptoms, they do “not kill the bacteria. You need antibiotics for that,” she asserted. Another woman who claims to be a registered nurse also seconded the notion saying antibiotics are the “correct” treatment for strep throat and could be “life-saving.”
Recent deaths with strep throat?
Most recently, a three-year-old boy Theo Emm suddenly died from a Strep A infection in Wiltshire, England on February 18. The little boy was watching cartoons when he suddenly collapsed into cardiac arrest. Another incident, was where a 7-year-old Hanna Roap from Wales died just 24 hours after being infected with the fatal disease. The World Health Organization also noted an increase in cases around the UK and Europe.
In 2017, a Canadian mom was sentenced to three years in prison after her 7-year-old son died from the infection as she failed to take the boy to a doctor even after suffering from a severe strep throat infection. According to National Health Service (NHS), “Strep A infections are more common in children, but adults can also sometimes get them. Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics. But rarely, the infection can cause serious problems. This is called invasive group A strep (iGAS).”
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