Maintaining a healthy gut is essential. Often linked to digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome, the state of your gut affects nearly every aspect of your overall well-being. An unhealthy gut can lead to a compromised immune system, decreased energy, and even poor mental health.
Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize gut health. We consulted experts to identify some potentially harmful factors that could jeopardize your gut health. They pointed out that supplements with high doses of antioxidants and multivitamins with too much zinc can be problematic. Discover the risks associated with each below.
2 Common Supplement Errors That Can Lead To Indigestion And Stomach Pain, Experts Say
1. Taking High-Dose Antioxidants
Although antioxidants are typically advantageous when consumed in reasonable quantities, an overabundance can disrupt the fine balance between free radicals and antioxidants within the human body. It is vital to maintain this equilibrium, experts tell us, to ensure optimal health and prevent potential negative effects that may arise from an imbalance.
Excessive antioxidant intake can hinder the body's natural processes, leading to unforeseen complications. Thus, moderation is key to reaping the benefits without causing harm. Dr. Kevin Huffman, CEO & Founder of Ambari Nutrition, sheds more light on this and notes that you should "beware of high-dose antioxidants [because] beta-carotene and high-dose vitamin E supplements might sound harmless, but studies suggest that they can upset the equilibrium of gut bacteria.
High doses of beta-carotene appear to increase lung cancer risk in smokers, while high-dose vitamin E supplements have been linked to increased bleeding risk."
2. Opting For Too Much Zinc
Consuming large amounts of zinc as a supplement can cause irritation to the stomach lining, resulting in discomfort and digestive issues. Excessive zinc can also disturb the balance of gut bacteria, which may negatively affect the helpful microbes essential for proper digestion and maintaining overall gut health.
Michael O. McKinney, MD from Healthy Outlook explains: "Zinc forms an important part of the immune system but is toxic in excess; this interferes with the gut lining, making it irritated and inflamed. It also results in an imbalance of the bacteria levels in the stomach, causing digestive issues when taking too much of this metal." To prevent potential complications, it's best to adhere to suggested zinc intake guidelines and consult with a medical expert before starting high-dose multivitamin supplements.
This precaution ensures that you are taking the right amount and not putting your health at risk. McKinney says to always seek professional advice to make informed decisions about your vitamin regimen.
The Bottom Line
Supplements often appear to be an easy and appealing solution for enhancing your health. Who wouldn't want a miracle pill to address all their wellness concerns?
However, the reality is more complex. While there are certainly many supplements available that can provide significant benefits, there is also a considerable number that can lead to negative side effects.
Chatting with your doctor will help you find what works for you and prevents stomach indigestion and pain.
