Most people think that overdosing on certain drugs and alcohol is harmful to health. But do you know that even everyday foods and drinks that are considered healthy can be toxic? Some of them have even killed people.
Let's learn about surprising foods that can be dangerous if consumed excessively through pictures.
Vitamin D
According to CNN, a British man who visited a private nutritionist started taking 150,000 IU of vitamin D daily, which is 375 times the recommended amount. After a month, he began experiencing leg cramps accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and ringing in his ears.
Vitamin D is not a water-soluble vitamin that the body can easily eliminate, so excess amounts are stored in the liver and fat cells until needed. Consuming significantly more than the daily recommended dose can increase levels to toxic levels and may lead to vitamin overdose.
Water
Water is essential for our survival and bodily functions, but consuming a large amount in a very short period can actually lead to water poisoning. Excessive fluid intake can disrupt the normal balance of electrolytes, and there have been reports that this can potentially cause fatal impairments in brain function.
Excessive fluid intake can also cause hyponatremia, which occurs when sodium levels in the body become too diluted and cells begin to swell. Swelling can lead to a range of health problems from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions.
Salt
Sodium is essential for performing bodily functions, but excessive intake can lead to dehydration called hypernatremia, which may result in seizures, coma, or even death.
In 2013, a man drank 1 liter of soy sauce with his friends and eventually fell into a coma, nearly dying from salt overdose.
Apple seed
The rumor that apple seeds are toxic is true. However, a significant amount is required to cause death, and it must be consumed in a specific way. Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which is composed of cyanide and sugar, and when metabolized and broken down in the digestive system, this chemical decomposes into highly toxic hydrogen cyanide, which can be fatal immediately.
Fortunately, amygdalin is released only when crushed or chewed, and the human body can handle small amounts of hydrogen cyanide. (Depending on the apple variety) about 150 to several thousand crushed seeds can pose a risk of cyanide poisoning, and an average apple contains 5 to 8 seeds.
Tuna sashimi
Eating too much tuna sashimi can cause serious neurological problems due to high mercury levels. The reason tuna is particularly dangerous is because it is a larger fish that accumulates more methylmercury in its muscles.
Since the amount of mercury varies in each piece, it is difficult to determine how much is dangerous. For safety, it is recommended to limit tuna consumption to once a week, but it is best for children and pregnant women to avoid it completely.
Black tea
Drinking too much black tea poses a risk of excessive caffeine intake, but it is more likely to lead to an overdose of oxalate.
Live Science reported that a 56-year-old man from Arkansas, who drank 16 glasses of iced tea a day, suffered kidney damage and ultimately required dialysis. The 16 glasses of iced tea caused his daily oxalate intake to exceed 1500 mg, which is much higher than the recommended amount of 200-300 mg.
Chocolate
Although in large quantities, chocolate contains the deadly chemical theobromine for dogs.
Side effects of theobromine include arrhythmia, internal bleeding, seizures, and in the worst case, it can lead to death.
banana
Bananas are known to be healthy foods, but they can actually be deadly. The amount of bananas we usually eat is not dangerous, but if you eat 400 a day, your heart could stop beating.
It is caused by a condition called hyperkalemia, which results from excessive intake of potassium in the blood.