With wellness and health evolving into a major lifestyle trend today, the use of dietary supplements seems to have become quite the norm. They are often marketed as a fast-paced solution to fulfill the nutritional deficit in an individual’s diet. While they do offer several advantages when used correctly, the overuse can present potential harmful effects. In this article, we’ll explore the harmful effects of overusing dietary supplements.
Increased Risk of Health Conditions
Overconsumption of dietary supplements, particularly those containing iron, Vitamin A, and selenium, can increase one’s risk of numerous health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
Interaction with Medication
Dietary supplements can interact poorly with medications. Indeed, when combined with certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs, dietary supplements might lead to potentially dangerous reactions.
Dependency and Subsequent Nutritional Deficiencies
The human body is designed to derive nutrients from a diverse diet of whole foods. Over-reliance on supplements can create a dependency preventing the body from effectively absorbing nutrients from food.
Possible Side Effects
- Excessive Vitamins: Vitamins are crucial for our bodies. But taking an overdose of vitamins, beyond the recommended allowance, can cause nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other side effects.
- High Doses Of Iron: This can lead to constipation, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. It may cause serious issues like heart disease too.
- Fat Soluble Vitamin Overdose: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble, meaning they are stored in the body’s fatty tissue. If overdosed, they can build up in your system and become toxic.
Conclusion
While dietary supplements can fill gaps in your diet and provide numerous health benefits, their misuse could also cause harm. When considering dietary supplements, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider first to avoid any unforeseen health risks. Remember, dietary supplements are meant to supplement a balanced diet, not replace it.