Kayla Blanton Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /byline/kayla-blanton/ Live Bravely Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:40:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Kayla Blanton Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /byline/kayla-blanton/ 32 32 I Got a Thai Massage in the Midwest. It Was Nothing Like ‘The White Lotus.’ /health/wellness/white-lotus-thai-massage/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:33:49 +0000 /?p=2699960 I Got a Thai Massage in the Midwest. It Was Nothing Like 'The White Lotus.'

The wellness treatments presented in 'The White Lotus' are hyper-glamorous. This writer's Thai massage was more authentic鈥攅ven in the Midwest.

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I Got a Thai Massage in the Midwest. It Was Nothing Like 'The White Lotus.'

Free up at least two hours of my afternoon, abstain from eating for an hour prior, wear clothes that allow my full range of motion, and be prepared for a physical and psychological experience. These are instructions I was given before my first Thai massage.

The pursuit of this service was admittedly inspired by on HBO. The third season (which wraps up this week with its long season finale on April 6) takes place at the eponymous hotel鈥檚 Thailand location, a wellness resort where guests receive no such guidelines upon scheduling their massages. The 鈥渟ports massage鈥 that Saxon Ratliff (played by actor Patrick Schwarzenegger) signs up for seems much different from the traditional Thai version鈥攐r at least the one that I experienced.

Ironically, my authentic wellness moment occurred in the West鈥攖he Midwest, to be exact鈥攁t a Cincinnati-based yoga school and studio serendipitously named the . And while my Thai yoga massage may be more aligned with the show’s larger setting, it admittedly wouldn鈥檛 fit within the walls of the titular hotel, and it would definitely be a bit too real for the swanky Ratliff family.

All About My Three-Hour-Long White Lotus-Inspired Thai Massage

When I arrived at the church-turned-Masonic-center-turned-yoga space, the smell of incense penetrated the building鈥檚 exterior cement block walls. I waited outside to be let in by Will Brashear, the school鈥檚 owner,聽and an Ayurvedic yoga therapist who has practiced and trained others in yoga and Thai massage for more than 20 years.

Brashear greeted me and led me up a set of stairs to a small balcony that looked over the school鈥檚 main yoga sanctuary. It was dimly lit by table lamps and candles, and the limited floor space was covered in blankets and pillows鈥攏o massage table in sight.

Rather than a fluffy bathrobe or counters covered in oils and lotions, the room was adorned with educational posters and tchotchkes. I kept my yoga pants and athletic tank on and placed my head on a pillow on the floor in the center of the room. My body did its best to melt into the warmth of a heated pad beneath me as I mentally prepared for an all-encompassing, nearly three-hour journey.

A White Lotus inspired thai massage, From L to R: An acupressure poster on the wall at the Lotus Yoga Temple; the Thai massage room setup, a blanket showing the seven chakras adorns the massage pad.
From L to R: An acupressure poster on the wall at the Lotus Yoga Temple; the Thai massage room setup, a blanket showing the seven chakras adorns the massage pad. (Photos: Kayla Blanton; Collage: Ayana Underwood/Canva)

But First, What Is Thai Massage?

At its core, traditional is the palming and thumbing of the body鈥檚 energy lines or meridians while it’s moved through assisted yoga postures and stretches鈥攕ome call it 鈥渓azy man鈥檚 yoga,鈥 Brashear told me. Along these meridians are acupressure points that, when massaged in combination with stretching, may release muscular tension, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. The 鈥渁ncient healing way,鈥 as Brashear called it, has been found to , , , and and draws inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and Japanese shiatsu.

It should “hurt so good” but should not exceed one鈥檚 pain tolerance or cause persistent discomfort.

Both in and outside of Thailand, every masseuse does Thai massage a bit differently. In Brashear鈥檚 opinion, many focus too much on forcing clients into pretzel-like positions and neglect the acupressure component, which not only increases injury risk but limits the opportunity for acupressure to do its magic. He calls his own form of Thai massage “Acu Thai,” an approach that aims to strike a balance between both components聽 (stretching and acupressure) and adds a third in the form of spiritual guidance.

Between stretches, as he meticulously massaged one point at a time, Brashear assessed and shared the greater meaning of my soreness using wisdom from of earth, water, fire, air, and space.

I Quickly Realized That Thai Massage Is a Little Painful鈥攂ut in a Good Way

Brashear began the massage by squeezing my socked feet from top to bottom and popping as many toes as he could. Interesting, I thought. After those acupressure points were tended to, he stretched each foot and ankle by telling me to press into his hand like a gas pedal. Moving up one leg, he applied deep, pointed, fingertip-focused pressure in vertical bursts on the center, inside, and outside of the appendage, ultimately reaching my outer thigh鈥攁 point he called 鈥渏umping circle鈥濃攁nd I involuntarily sucked air through my teeth. It was at that moment that I realized that this type of massage isn鈥檛 exactly relaxing.

In Brashear鈥檚 words, it should 鈥渉urt so good鈥 but should not exceed one鈥檚 pain tolerance or cause persistent discomfort. He told me to communicate any pain that felt like too much so that he could adjust accordingly. (I did, and so did he.)

(Will Brashear, an Ayurvedic yoga therapist, gives the author a Thai massage. Video by Kayla Blanton)

We Had a Pretty Deep Conversation

Brashear and I talked pretty much the whole time, which he said was standard, as conversation is integral to his assessment. I told him about the stresses of work and family, about my childhood as the eldest daughter, and about my desire to find more time for creative passions. All the while, he continued moving up and down each limb: squeeze, press, pop, stretch, knead, stretch again.

I rolled to each side so he could access the meridians there, then to my stomach so he could massage my back. At some points, he held onto rope handles suspended from the ceiling and used his feet and the weight of his body to apply pressure. Occasionally, he checked in to inquire about the soreness of particular points.

I Found Out That I Had Blocked Energy

According to Brashear, tender, knotted spots are a sign of blocked energy, which could be the cause of physical and mental challenges. Mine were located on meridians related to the elements of earth and space, which I was told signal a general imbalance between those elements in my life. After the massage, Brashear gave me specific yoga postures and self-care practices selected to restore equilibrium.

鈥淭o decrease the earth element, make sure you鈥檙e not taking on responsibilities that are not your own or could be delegated to others,鈥 he advised. To increase the space element, he told me to initiate a new project, take small risks, and do .

The massage’s conclusion came with more intense stretching. While laying on my stomach, Brashear pulled my arms up behind me into an assisted . I hung like a ragdoll. I returned to my back, and he palpated the points along my skull, finishing with my ears and jawline.

To seal the treatment, he placed his hands over my eyes and said: 鈥淪ee nothing but black, like a blank slate.鈥

Grounded, Dreamy, Real Results

Brashear invited me to lay in silence for as long as I wanted (which was only a few minutes) before we began our wrap-up chat. He told me he鈥檚 seen clients cancel surgeries, sob, and experience liberation from chronic pain both during and after his sessions. And that鈥檚 his end goal: to make people feel better. 鈥淭he emotional stuff is the most rewarding,鈥 he told me.

All the while, he continued moving up and down each limb: squeeze, press, pop, stretch, knead, stretch again.

Prior to my massage, I was a bit nervous. But I kept an open mind. I left feeling physically grounded, though my legs were a bit trembly. Mentally, I achieved a sleepy, dream-like state and wanted nothing but to sink into my bed indefinitely, which is saying a lot for a high-energy, restless person like me.

In the days following, I felt soreness in the areas where Brashear applied pressure, especially in those outer thigh spots, which ended up bruising. I haven鈥檛 yet tried the balancing practices he suggested, but I feel limber and less tense in my upper body, where I tend to carry stress.

It may not have taken place in a pergola in the jungle cushioned by plush towels like the massages in The White Lotus, but my Thai massage was effective and insightful. Plus, you don’t have to be at a luxury resort to appreciate an extra-long spa service.

Want more of聽国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Health stories?聽.

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Netflix鈥檚 鈥楢pple Cider Vinegar鈥 Shows Just How Scary Health Misinformation Can Get /health/wellness/netflix-apple-cider-vinegar-health-misinformation/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:19 +0000 /?p=2698492 Netflix鈥檚 鈥楢pple Cider Vinegar鈥 Shows Just How Scary Health Misinformation Can Get

Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar follows influencer Belle Gibson who faked a cancer diagnosis and claimed diet changes cured her. Here's how to avoid bad health advice online.

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Netflix鈥檚 鈥楢pple Cider Vinegar鈥 Shows Just How Scary Health Misinformation Can Get

As a聽health writer, I鈥檝e watched wellness trends come and go, each one claiming to be as life-changing as the last.

鈥淚 read that [insert detox drink or mushroom coffee here] is really good for you,鈥 people have said to me with promising smiles, time and time again. But they didn鈥檛 actually read the information anywhere. Most likely, they watched a conventionally attractive woman in a matching athleisure set sing the elixir鈥檚 praises on Instagram while plugging a brand-affiliated discount code. Or, they watched someone hop on camera to share their personal reasons for disavowing once universally accepted, scientifically-backed health advice like wearing sunscreen or getting vaccinated from infectious diseases like COVID-19聽and took the opinion as fact.

Netflix鈥檚 new original series Apple Cider Vinegar, marketed as a “true-ish story, based on a lie,”聽explores just how detrimental those embellishments can be. The show is a fictional retelling of wellness influencer . As an ambitious entrepreneur, she establishes an online following, mobile app, and cookbook rooted in the lie that she healed her terminal brain cancer with food, all while omitting the fact that she was never actually ill. Meanwhile, in a secondary plot, a peer-turned-rival influencer scrambles to hide her very real, active sarcomas from an equally robust following while selling the organic juices and coffee enemas that she claims put her in remission.

The moral of the story: neither schtick is sustainable, and both lead to more harm than good.

The Allure of Social Media Wellness Trends

鈥淭he wellness space is flooded with misinformation, fear-based narratives, personal anecdotes, and quick fixes,鈥 says registered dietitian . 鈥淭his type of information spreads faster than nuanced, science-backed advice.鈥

Such misinformation, defined by the (USDHHS) as 鈥渇alse, inaccurate, or misleading according to the best available evidence at the time,鈥 is a growing problem. There are a few reasons why.

鈥淚n an age of instant gratification, it can be incredibly tempting to try to find quick solutions to all of our problems with a swipe of an app,鈥 says , a board-certified internal medicine physician and researcher specializing in brain health. That鈥檚 especially because there is a 鈥渇undamental issue with access to healthcare in the United States,鈥 adds , a triple-board-certified endocrinologist and professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, and finding a doctor can be overwhelming, expensive, and frustrating. There is also a general, wide-reaching , Perlmutter adds, for many reasons鈥攖he main one being that with the health care system are so common. 鈥淢any people with legitimate concerns are turned away for 鈥榥ot being sick enough鈥 or 鈥榥ot motivated enough,鈥 which can scare them from seeking future care,鈥 Kumar explains.

Posting a dramatic before-and-after transformation, be it genuine or not, is one of the easiest ways to go viral online.

All of this makes it tempting for people to take health matters into their own hands鈥攅specially when information is so easily accessible. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a sense of community that comes along with chatting online and being a part of the wellness movement,鈥 adds , a registered dietitian, researcher, and member of Bragg鈥檚 scientific advisory board, which can be very alluring, she says.

As for influencers鈥 part in it all, they鈥檙e paid to 鈥減ackage advice in a way that feels relatable compared to the approach that doctors may provide,鈥 explains Larson, which lands nicely with people in vulnerable states in search of validation or answers. If users聽engage with that type of content鈥攎eaning they like it or comment on it鈥攖hey鈥檙e very likely to be algorithmically delivered more of the same, reinforcing the echo chamber of falsehoods, add Kumar and Perlmutter.

How to Spot Bad Wellness Advice Online

The USDHHS says that one of the most impactful ways we can throttle the spread of misinformation is by learning how to identify it and question it when we do. Here’s how to do just that.

1. Check the Source鈥檚 Credentials

If you鈥檙e learning from a person who is talking to their phone鈥檚 front camera, click on their profile and read聽more about their background.

If they鈥檙e giving medical advice, do they have the certifications to do so? Look for specific letter credentials like MD, medical doctor, RD or RDN, a registered dietitian or registered-dietician nutritionist, respectively, or CPT, certified physical trainer, that go beyond vague placeholder titles. 鈥淎nyone can call themselves a nutritionist,鈥 says Cresci. Similar words that should raise red flags are 鈥渉ealth coach鈥 or an undefined, non-credentialed 鈥渆xpert.鈥

Also, check the profile鈥檚 username and activity history to ensure you aren鈥檛 interacting with a fake or spam account. 鈥淟ast year, I came across a TikTok that impersonated me by posting my videos and asking people to Venmo or Zelle them for access to GLP-1 medications,鈥 recalls Kumar. 鈥淧eople easily fell prey to this scam because the account was using my real content.鈥

2. Cross-Check Information Before Believing It, and Especially Before Sharing It

Getting information from a single source simply isn鈥檛 enough. Before you store something in your memory or discuss it with others, do a quick search of your own to corroborate the facts.

Look to reputable sources 鈥渓ike medical journals or government health websites,鈥 says , a registered dietitian, such as the or the . And even then, don鈥檛 be swayed by a single study鈥檚 conclusions. 鈥淥ne study doesn鈥檛 prove a trend,鈥 says Larson. Established research backed by multiple studies and credentialed professional input is the most reliable.

3. Be Wary of Quick Fixes or 鈥淢iracle鈥 Cures

Posting a dramatic before-and-after transformation, be it genuine or not, is one of the easiest ways to go viral online.

Anything that promises instant results鈥攆ad diets, workout programs, supplements鈥攊s something to be wary of right away. 鈥淎s an endocrinologist, I know about all the fad diets and quick fixes that promise to help you lose ten pounds in a week. To set the record straight once and for all: those trends never work,鈥 says Kumar. They鈥檙e 鈥渦nsustainable or misleading at best, and could put your health at risk at worst,鈥 she adds. Anything that truly sticks, health-wise, takes time and consistency.

Put differently: 鈥淚f it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,鈥 says Larson. 鈥淛ust because it worked for one influencer doesn鈥檛 mean it’s science-backed and safe for you to do.鈥

4. Ask Yourself: “Am I Being Sold Something?”

If there鈥檚 a shopping link to click or a promo code to punch in, think twice before proceeding or taking intel to heart. 鈥淟ikely, the influencer is pushing a product or service that suits their agenda, not your well-being,鈥 says Cresci.

This is especially the case for self-help books or supplements, adds Kumar. 鈥淚t鈥檚 trendy for influencers to have supplement brands, and while most won鈥檛 harm you, you are likely falling prey to marketing tactics,鈥 she explains.

The bottom line is: question everything, and remember that no piece of guidance is one-size-fits-all. 鈥淓ven if you鈥檝e confirmed the source as legitimate, you should always speak to your doctor before taking medical advice,鈥 says Kumar. 鈥淲hat works for the majority of people might not work for you.鈥

Want more of聽国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Health stories?聽.

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What Is Beef Tallow Actually Good For? /health/wellness/beef-tallow-for-skin/ Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:12 +0000 /?p=2692581 What Is Beef Tallow Actually Good For?

Before you replace your moisturizer and cooking fat with beef tallow, experts say you should exercise caution

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What Is Beef Tallow Actually Good For?

The tradwives of TikTok have superhuman trend-setting abilities. They’ve revived and have made whipping up complicated recipes and even everyday household goods from scratch鈥攍ike and 鈥攃ool again. Now, is a staple in their skincare routines and on their plates.

Over the last month, TikTok has exploded with videos of people applying beef tallow as a moisturizer, claiming that it heals skin conditions from acne to dryness to hyperpigmentation. In other , users share how they make their own tallow to cook with as a substitute for more conventional saut茅ing fats like olive oil and butter.

You might be wondering: What makes it so special? Registered dietitians and dermatologists help us get to the greasy bottom of it all below.

What Is Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow is the product produced after removing fatty tissues from cow meat and melting them down, a process that鈥檚 also called rendering. Once rendered, any solids are strained from the liquid, and the remaining liquid is tallow, explains , a registered dietitian at Balance One, a supplement company. 鈥淭he fat generally used is found around the loins or the kidneys of the cow,鈥 she adds.

Once the tallow cools down, it solidifies into a butter or margarine-like texture. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been used for centuries in traditional cooking methods and even in non-food products like candles and skincare,鈥 explains , a registered dietitian and owner at Bravespace Nutrition, a nutrition therapy service. In the beauty world, much of the buzz around tallow stems from its alleged success in treating stubborn skin problems.

From an environmental and ethical standpoint, consuming or using tallow comes with the baggage of the beef industry, which is responsible for 3.7 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions nationally, per the . (But if you’re down to eat beef, tallow shouldn’t raise any concerns.)

TikTokers Are Adding Beef Tallow to Their Skincare Routines

According to a that analyzed the scientific data on tallow鈥檚 benefits,聽 the big draw to tallow is that it鈥檚 biocompatible with human skin, meaning it鈥檚 made up of lipids and fatty acids that mimic the composition of the epidermis. There are dozens of videos of alleged complexion transformations with nothing but a beef tallow balm to thank鈥攂ut dermatologists aren鈥檛 jumping on the train just yet. 鈥淲hile it does show some potential for hydration, the research is limited and inconclusive,鈥 says , a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Dermatologists Say Beef Tallow Can Be a Good Moisturizer

The hydration perk comes from its store of fatty acids like stearic acid and oleic acid, which help restore and strengthen the skin barrier and lock in existing moisture, explains dermatologist .

鈥淔rom a moisturizing perspective, it can work for some people, especially those with very dry or compromised skin,鈥 Kopelman explains. 鈥淗owever, when it comes to clearing acne and scars, I鈥檓 skeptical. Acne scars are deeper issues caused by skin damage and collagen loss, and while a good moisturizer can improve the overall look of the skin, tallow isn鈥檛 going to regenerate collagen or repair scars,鈥 she says.

But Beef Tallow Might Clog Your Pores

Because tallow is quite heavy and occlusive, meaning it acts as a protective, impermeable shield, it can also trap oils, sweat, and bacteria on the skin, Kopelman adds. 鈥淔or someone with acne-prone or oily skin, this could lead to clogged pores and even more breakouts,鈥 she adds. 鈥淎nother concern is hygiene鈥攊f the tallow isn鈥檛 processed properly, it could introduce contaminants or bacteria.鈥 She notes that it also has the potential to cause allergic reactions in those with sensitive skin.

The review mentioned earlier was inconclusive about other potential side effects of using beef tallow cosmetically. Some studies conducted on animals found it to cause eye and skin irritation. There is also concern about other ingredients brands could put into beef tallow skincare. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 marketed as 鈥榖eef tallow鈥 may actually be a mix of fats from various animals,鈥 says Dr. Kazlosukaya.

And that鈥檚 why, for now, you may not find many derms joining the chorus on this one. 鈥淚 approach these trends with caution. There are already so many wonderful moisturizers available,鈥 says Dr. Kazlosukaya. 鈥淯nlike tallow, these products are backed by extensive research, ensuring their safety and efficacy.鈥

Kopelman adds: 鈥淲hile tallow鈥檚 properties may warrant further investigation, this should happen in controlled lab settings where its physical properties and safety can be thoroughly evaluated. For now, it鈥檚 too early鈥攁nd too risky鈥攖o start slathering animal fat on your skin.鈥

Is Adding Beef Tallow to Your Diet a Good Idea?

鈥淏eef tallow is rich in healthy fats but also contains less healthy saturated fats,鈥 explains Best. It contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K, too, 鈥渂ut those levels depend a lot on the diet and quality of the animal,鈥 adds Metzelaar.

The Saturated Fat Content Can Be an Issue

In comparison, olive oil, for example, contains more heart-healthy unsaturated fats, Best says. 鈥淭oo much saturated fat can impact cholesterol and heart health negatively. And while the science around saturated fat is evolving, eating too much of it while not balancing other nutrients in your diet could still pose risks for some individuals,鈥 says Metzelaar.

It鈥檚 Great for Cooking Veggies and Frying

The real pro of using beef tallow in the kitchen is its high smoke point, which makes it versatile and ideal for frying or roasting vegetables compared to more delicate oils, Metzelaar says. It has a rich, savory flavor, which may not always gel well with sweet notes but can be used as a substitute for butter or shortening in recipes like pie crusts because it creates a flaky, tender texture, she adds.

Metzelaar says that you can also use it to fry eggs, sear meats, or make french fries, but that it鈥檚 best to eat tallow in moderation. 鈥淯ltimately, it鈥檚 another tool in your cooking arsenal,鈥 she says. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 the right fit for you depends on your preferences and how it fits into your overall diet,鈥 she says.

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You Have No Idea How Gross Your Water Bottle Is. Here鈥檚 How to Clean It. /health/wellness/how-to-clean-water-bottle/ Sun, 17 Nov 2024 11:00:53 +0000 /?p=2686035 You Have No Idea How Gross Your Water Bottle Is. Here鈥檚 How to Clean It.

People don鈥檛 clean their water bottles enough, if ever. Experts discuss the risks of this bad habit and the best ways to keep your bottles clean.

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You Have No Idea How Gross Your Water Bottle Is. Here鈥檚 How to Clean It.

As an active person, staying hydrated is one of your top priorities. Cleaning your water bottle should be聽high up on your to-do list, too, but for many of us鈥攍et鈥檚 be honest鈥攊t鈥檚 not.

This makes for a humbling (and gross) reality check when you go for a drink, glance down at your mouthpiece, and are forced to reckon with a film of mystery gunk that has collected there since the last time you washed it.

Due to busy schedules, forgetfulness, and a lack of extra tumblers, water bottles get nasty quickly. Although we love the sustainable choice of reusing one, that commitment requires some care-taking to avoid illness and maintain good water-bottle hygiene.

Below, experts dig into the dirty details and share their tips for keeping your water bottle safe and sanitary, no matter how many sweaty hikes or shared sips it endures.

What Types of Bacteria Are Lurking in Your Reusable Water Bottle?

According to the , a not-for-profit organization in the water treatment industry, all drinking water contains microbes or heterotrophic microorganisms, a catch-all term for types of bacteria, mold, or yeast.

A that swabbed water bottles found that the most common bacteria in reusable bottles were associated with antibiotic-resistant, hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia and meningitis (which can be fatal), and food poisoning, which comes with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

The survey also concluded that Americans鈥 reusable water bottles, on average, contain 20.8 million CFUs of bacteria鈥攁bout 40,000 times more than you鈥檇 typically find on a household toilet seat.

Exactly what type of invaders your water bottle collects depends on if it has a screw top with nooks and crannies for germs to stow away in, whether or not you share your bottle with others, or if you use it for anything other than water, like coffee or sports drinks, explains , a professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of California Irvine’s Joe C. Wen School of Population and Public Health.

Sugary beverages, in particular, leave behind nutrients for bacteria to feed on and multiply.

Drinking from a Dirty Bottle Can Make You Sick

If you don鈥檛 clean your water bottle properly, all kinds of bacteria can start to grow. Ingesting water from an unclean bottle can result in gastrointestinal or respiratory issues, says , a professor of Food and Nutrition at Florida State University.

How to Tell When Your Water Bottle Is Dirty

Acceptable levels of heterotrophic organisms, also known as heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), vary by country.聽The Environmental Protection Agency鈥檚 HPC standard for any given drinking water sample is less than or equal to 500 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL).

When your water surpasses that threshold, and/or other bacteria strains are introduced to the mix鈥攍ike when a water bottle goes uncleaned after a workout鈥攚ater safety is called into question.

You won鈥檛 always be able to tell how dirty your water bottle is. That鈥檚 a big reason cleaning them falls by the wayside: they 鈥渓ook鈥 clean.

According to the , more noticeable signs of contamination are visible mold spots, an unpleasant smell, cloudy water, or an off-putting taste.

Instead of waiting for it to show signs of grime, just get into the practice of cleaning it daily at a minimum.

However, if you fall behind and skip a few days, remain on the lookout for a tell-tale layer of dark slime known as a biofilm. It鈥檚 something that you will likely have to remove your lid and peek inside to notice, especially if it鈥檚 only been a few days since the bottle鈥檚 last wash.

Even then, if you don鈥檛 see anything, it鈥檚 worth taking a paper towel to swipe the bottle鈥檚 inner walls. If your napkin comes up soiled with a black, brown, or green substance, that鈥檚 not a good sign. You may also notice a weird odor emanating from its opening, or your water may suddenly taste off.

Does the Material or Design Impact Bacterial Growth?

In short, yes. 鈥淧lastic bottles, especially those made from softer materials, can develop scratches over time, creating spots where bacteria can thrive, and certain slightly porous plastics can further promote bacterial colonization,鈥 explains Wu.

On the flip side, metal bottles are usually smoother, less porous, and therefore scratch-resistant, she adds, which makes bacterial growth less likely.

Regarding design, Wu adds, 鈥淣arrow openings are harder to clean thoroughly, increasing contamination risks.鈥 So, your best bet is to go with a metal or glass bottle with a wide mouth.

How to Clean Your Water Bottle

鈥淭reat your water bottle like a utensil,鈥 says , the CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness. If it鈥檚 dishwasher safe, she strongly recommends running it through a wash cycle.

Below are some more expert tips for water bottle washing.

Clean Your Water Bottle After You Purchase It

When you鈥檝e bought your ideal water bottle, don鈥檛 race to use it. Baum says it鈥檚 important to clean and sanitize it with hot water before your lips ever touch it鈥攂ecause who knows how dirty its journey to the store was.

Wash Your Water Bottle Daily, and Do a Good Job

Rao recommends washing the bottle with warm, soapy water, especially if you use it frequently or for beverages other than water. (Reader: just聽rinsing the bottle under some running water doesn鈥檛 qualify as cleaning it.)

Clean Your Reusable Straw with a Small, Long Brush

Flushing the narrow spout with water won鈥檛 cut it. This is especially the case if your straw is plastic because, as Wu notes about plastic water bottles, they are most easily scratched and, therefore, more likely to harbor bacteria.

Regardless of material, straws are small and compact, making them the perfect hiding places for bacteria, so they always need a good scrubbing from end to end with a slim brush tool like .

Dismantle Your Sip Spout and Clean Each Individual Piece

If your sip spout is made up of聽multiple pieces, break down your bottle before cleaning it to ensure you can sanitize all of the聽hidden pockets where moisture and residue get trapped, for example, the joint where the straw folds in and out.

When the lid construction is more cumbersome, you can soak it in hot, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly or toss it in the dishwasher. If you have the option, use the sani rinse cycle; this will clean your dishware at a higher temperature than a normal wash and kill more germs.

If You Have a Water Bladder, Give It a Similar Treatment

Your hiking water reservoir can be treated like a giant water bottle. Soak it in hot, soapy water or use a cleaning tab, like the , scrub the inside (including the narrow drinking hose, which will require a slim, straw-cleaning brush), drain it, and rinse it well before refilling for the next adventure. During the soak stage, make sure to also fill the hose with cleaning solution.

Narrow-Neck Bottles Require Attention to Detail

Professor Wu points out that bottles with narrow necks make thorough cleaning difficult. Cleaning one efficiently might take a slender bottle-cleaning brush or, more simply, a soft sponge that鈥檚 easy to manipulate around its curves without missing any spots.

Don鈥檛 Forget to Wash the 国产吃瓜黑料

鈥淧eople often carry their water bottle throughout the day and rest it on various surfaces,鈥 says , a board-certified family physician in North Carolina, like, for example, in a sweaty duffel or on a musty tree trunk. For that reason, cleaning the outside of your bottle with the same soapy water method matters.

The easiest way to keep your water bottle clean is to make washing it part of your daily routine,聽Malchuk says, just like brushing your teeth. That way, you鈥檒l never have to wonder how gross it is, which, as we鈥檝e established, could be very.

Want more of 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Health stories?聽.

The post You Have No Idea How Gross Your Water Bottle Is. Here鈥檚 How to Clean It. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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