Supplements you should avoid taking without consulting an expert | Health News
Our “pollution-ridden and toxin-laden lifestyle” puts a tremendous demand on the body for nutrient supply, often more than what food intake entails. Even with all the best ways to prevent a poor diet, the nutrient content of food these days is far from what they were decades ago, stressed Suyash Bhandari, functional nutrition and chief, iThrive Essentials.
According to Bhandari, conventional farming practices and nutrient-depleted soils have meant that our food often lacks the nutrients it should have. On top of this, daily stressors such as meeting deadlines, constant exposure to screens, financial pressures, and emotional challenges can further deplete our nutrient reserves.
That is where incorporating high-quality supplements is crucial. However, not all supplements are created equal.
Supplements that you should avoid taking on your own.
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Iron – Taking iron supplements without monitoring iron levels can lead to hemochromatosis (iron overload), damaging the internal organs, said Bhandari.
Calcium – Popping calcium pills without checking the levels of vitamin D and magnesium can lead to soft tissue calcification, causing calcium stones to be deposited in the joints or internal organs.
The decision to incorporate calcium supplements into your routine is not a one-size-fits-all answer (Source: Freepik)
Vitamin E – Taking vitamin E at high doses (>400 IUs) increases oxidative stress instead of decreasing it, which can lead to increased inflammation, Bhandari said.
Vitamin A – Taking Vitamin A more than 10 K IU for more extended periods can cause hypervitaminosis (Vitamin A toxicity) which can decrease life span, Bhandari said.Story continues below this ad
What to note?
It’s essential to ensure that your supplements are free from unnecessary additives, fillers, preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners, or even contaminants like heavy metals.
This also goes hand in hand with dosage. “Even the dosage of longevity-directed supplements such as glutathione or NAD+ can easily make them more toxic than beneficial. Every person is different, and the only way to effectively maximise any supplement supplementation protocol is when you know exactly how your body is functioning today, including your diet, way of living, stress levels, and what is happening internally,” said Bhandari.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
