Doctor reveals 3 supplements that can be toxic to the brain and nervous system
Supplements have become the go-to addition in people's lives over the past couple of years, where they buy the most popular ones and include them in their routines for better health.
According to the
Council for Responsible Nutrition
(CRN), findings from 2022 reveal that three-quarters (75%) of Americans use nutritional or dietary supplements. The reasons for the same range from "maintaining my health" to "live healthier or adopt healthier habits."
While consuming these supplements is not entirely harmful, not every supplement in any amount will be beneficial to your body. Now, Dr Bing, a neurologist, has revealed 3 supplements that can be toxic to your brain and nervous system health.
On his Instagram account, Dr Bing shared a video on the topic that has garnered 10.7K views and 269 comments. "3 supplements that can be toxic to your brain and nervous system if you take too much", added the doctor in the caption.
The viral video
Talking about the supplements, Dr Bing said, "Here are three supplements you need to be careful about taking."
Zinc
Image credits: Getty Images
The doctor shared how people usually take it for immune support or to fight off colds.
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It's found in multivitamins, lozenges and even some over-the-counter cold remedies, he added.
"Now zinc is essential for our bodies and can be found in multiple food sources but the problem is when people take supplements daily for months they can easily go over the safe limit."
Excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption and copper is essential for the nervous system. Low amounts of copper in the body can cause Myeloneuropathy, which is damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, leading to numbness, tingling and trouble walking.
"I've seen several cases where people come in with progressive weakness and sensory loss due to copper deficiency from long term zinc overuse," explained Dr Bing.
Vitamin A
Image credits: Getty Images
People typically take Vitamin A supplements for skin health, vision or immunity. It is present in a lot of supplements like cod liver oil or other liver-based supplements. "Unlike water soluble vitamins, Vitamin A is fat soluble which means it stores in your liver and it can accumulate over time.
Too much of this can lead to a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri, which is increased pressure in the brain that mimics a brain tumour.
" This can cause headaches, vision problems and even permanent vision loss.
Vitamin D
Image credits: Getty Images
Vitamin D supplements are included in diets for bone health and immune support. They are recommended for those at risk of Vitamin D deficiency such as infants and those above 50.
"However, taking too high doses of Vitamin D can cause calcium to build up in your blood, which can affect the brain, leading to things like confusion, fatigue, depression and sometimes even psychosis," explained the doc.
"So while these vitamins and minerals are essential for our bodies to function, moderation is key. Like almost everything in life, more is not always better," he added.
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