What started as an attempt to energize her gym session left 20-year-old Briatney Portillo in the ER, reminding us that chasing online trends can have very real, and sometimes frightening, consequences.
What Is Dry Scooping and Why Is It Trending?
The world of social media isn’t shy when it comes to, well, questionable ideas. The latest craze making the rounds, especially on TikTok, is called dry scooping. The idea is enticing in its simplicity: take a scoop of protein powder (yes, the kind you’d usually throw in a blender with water or milk), toss it back without dissolving it, and head straight to the gym, convinced it’ll make your workout supercharged and ultra-productive. Why bother with a shaker bottle when you can jump into fitness folklore with just a spoon, right?
This new trend claims it can offer a rocket-fueled burst of energy, enough to transform an ordinary gym session into something epic. But as we’ll see, the shortcut to gym glory may be more like a fast-track to the nearest emergency room.
Briatney’s Story: The TikTok Challenge That Went Wrong
Briatney Portillo, a 20-year-old from Miami, spotted this trend while scrolling through her social feed. Curiosity piqued (as it often does), she decided to give it a go herself—a decision she would soon regret. As reported in a video she later posted to social media, things took a turn for the worse shortly after her attempt at dry scooping.
« After taking the powder, » Briatney shared, « I started feeling tingling and itching all over my body. » Like so many of us facing unexpected side effects, she turned to Google and read that tingling was considered a « normal » reaction—at least according to internet wisdom. Reassured, she continued on, determined not to let a little itch get in the way of her workout.
She began her exercises, but quickly felt a heavy sensation in her chest, plus a light pain. « I thought it might be anxiety, or maybe a small panic attack, so I decided to ignore it and kept going, » she said. The ache eased a bit and, ever the trooper, Briatney pushed through it.
But soon, nausea and dizziness hit. Thinking a shower might help, Briatney went home before heading back out for her shift as a dancer at a club. In the changing room, things escalated. Despite the chill in the room, she began to sweat bullets—so much that even her bikini couldn’t keep the sweat at bay. « The chest pain came back, more intense this time, » Briatney described. « It spread to my back and my left arm. I knew those were heart attack symptoms. » There’s nothing like a brush with cardiology to ruin any evening plans.
From the Club to the Hospital: The Hidden Dangers Lurking in a Scoop
Briatney was rushed to the ER, where she underwent a battery of tests. One test showed an abnormal elevation in her troponin levels—proteins in the heart muscle—confirming she was experiencing a heart attack. Fortunately, doctors found her coronary artery only partially obstructed, sparing her more severe damage. While not the full-blown Hollywood version of a heart attack, even a « mild » infarction is nothing to laugh about.
What’s concealed in that innocent-looking scoop of powder? Want to know exactly what you’re knocking back? Protein powders, usually consumed before or after pumping some iron, are supposed to be diluted in some liquid before drinking. They’re marketed to help with fat loss, muscle growth, and reducing fatigue—almost magical! But reality check: these products generally contain a laundry list of ingredients beyond just protein (think casein or whey). Here’s a glimpse at what you might find:
- Amino acids
- B vitamins
- Caffeine
- Creatine
- Artificial colorings
- Sweeteners
- Emulsifiers
It’s strongly advised to keep an eye on the ingredient list—products are listed by weight, and that harmless-looking tub could be packed with a cavalcade of chemicals you didn’t bargain for. And let’s be honest, does anyone really want more chemicals with their exercise?
A Message of Caution: Think Before You Scoop (or Scroll)
After her ordeal, Briatney decided to warn her thousands of social followers about the risks of jumping onto viral wellness bandwagons. « I just want people to be careful about what they’re consuming. Just because you see it online, even if fitness influencers are doing it, that doesn’t make it safe, » she urged.
So next time you see a fitness trend topping your feed, maybe pause before swapping your shaker for a spoon. Mixing protein powder with water might not be the stuff of viral notoriety, but your heart will thank you for keeping things old-school. The Internet may be fast-paced, but your health is worth savoring—one (properly mixed) protein shake at a time.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
