Thanks to the standard set on unrealistic beauty, a new trend, “The Tongue,” is now believed to help fight AGING. It’s the new order, and it’s seeing numerous fitness influencers selling the health benefits of Methylene blue, an anti-fungal dye used to clean fish tanks.
Ben Greenfield had told his 376K Instagram followers that Methylene blue was one of his favorite nootropics due to its enhanced mitochondrial benefits.
The podcaster from Washington also claimed the dye provides neuroprotective effects against brain inflammation, enhances the effect of light and oxygen therapies, increased memory and cognitive function.
Jordan Hasay, an American endurance runner, also promoted the substance and suggested it has helped her in many ways.
“It can help to improve focus, endurance, and sleep,” Hasay wrote in an Instagram post [now deleted], which appeared to be a sponsored post in collaboration with Trosciptions, a vitamin and supplement company. She added: “I like using @troscriptions ‘Just Blue’ product before my hard workouts. Check out @troscriptions for more info, and you can use code JordanBlue for a discount.”
Equally, makeup artist Luba Cohen shared a selfie to Instagram and proclaimed without proof that Methylene blue can improve energy production, protect cells from damage and enhance memory function.
Her caption read: “MB has been very important for me while recovering from being sick. There are a few brands on the market but my absolutes favorite is @troscriptions it comes in small lozenge. You place it between your cheek and gums and let it dissolve.”
While it’s not harmful to most humans, some experts have opposed influencers’ claim that the dye helps enhance cognitive abilities, fight aging and boost metabolism. The substance injected or consumed orally is often prescribed by physicians to treat methemoglobinemia, a condition in which blood can’t deliver oxygen to different parts of the body.
Australian Dr. Darren Saunders tweeted: “I have just discovered the trend of fitness influencers sticking methylene blue on their tongue as a metabolic or cognitive enhancer and I can’t stop laughing. OMG, of course it also slows down your chain of again. Whatever the hell that is.”
Saunders recalled that one of his peers consumed a bottle of the dye and suffered side effects for months in medical school.
“Worst mess I’ve ever seen,” adding that the woman’s mouth and eyes turned blue. Accordingly, Canadian physician Dr. Jon has warned his TikTok audience against taking methylene blue, claiming it can cause potentially deadly complications for people who also take anti-depressants.
Dr. Jon also dismissed claims that the substance could be beneficial in treating cases of COVID-19.
@dr.jon.l #stitch with @abienergy22 no to methylene blue for covid #covid19 #pandemic #science #health #doctor #fypシ ♬ original sound – Doctor Jon