6 Signs and symptoms of zinc excess are often underestimated

Zinc is one of the important mineral intake needed by the body so that its function can run properly. When compared with the intake of other minerals, the amount of zinc needs is very small, that is, only 10-13 milligrams per day for adults.

Therefore, be careful not to get an excess amount that can actually cause health problems. So, what are the signs and symptoms of zinc excess that are often underestimated? Here's the explanation.

What are the signs and symptoms of zinc excess?

1. Nausea to vomiting

If you experience nausea to vomiting after eating meat, you may experience excess zinc. Yes, red meat is a good source of zinc for the body. Even so, excess zinc is also not good for the body, you know.

Quoted from Healthline, 17 studies have proven that zinc supplements are effective in shortening the duration of colds. But on the other hand, as many as 46 percent of study participants actually experienced nausea and vomiting afterward.

This is because participants received a zinc supplement dosage greater than 225 milligrams. As a result, they experienced nausea and vomiting 30 minutes after taking zinc supplements at a dose of 570 milligrams.

Although vomiting can also help remove toxic zinc from the body, it can also lead to complications that can harm the body. We recommend that you consult your doctor immediately if you experience it.

2. Stomach pain and diarrhea

Usually, stomach pain and diarrhea can occur along with symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The combination of these symptoms can be a sign that you have excess zinc, even zinc poisoning.

Still from the same study, as many as 40 percent of participants reported stomach pain and diarrhea after taking zinc supplements. The fatal impact, most consuming zinc intake can trigger intestinal irritation and bleeding in the digestive tract, although the cases are relatively rare.

3. Flu-like symptoms appear

Indeed, there have been studies that reveal that zinc supplements can speed up the duration of colds. However, that doesn't mean you can consume zinc too much so that you recover quickly from the flu. The reason is, it can also cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills, headaches, and fatigue.

Because the symptoms are similar to flu, you may find it difficult to distinguish which symptoms are excess zinc and seasonal flu symptoms. This condition makes it difficult to diagnose symptoms of poisoning or excess zinc.

4. Decreased HDL levels

In fact, zinc intake from food and supplements can also affect levels of good cholesterol, aka HDL in the body. The more zinc that enters the body, the lower your HDL cholesterol.

Normally, good HDL cholesterol in the body is 40 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dl) or more. A study shows that taking zinc supplements with doses of more than 50 milligrams per day can reduce HDL cholesterol levels, aka below 40 mg / dl.

In fact, normal HDL cholesterol levels can help maintain heart health. This means that you are at risk of developing heart disease if your HDL cholesterol levels are below normal limits.

To know how to increase levels of good fats in the body, you can eat 7 foods high in fat that are good for the body.

5. The tongue tastes bitter or like metal

If you have recently taken a sore throat medication in the form of a tablet or liquid and your tongue feels bitter, you may have an excess of zinc.

Zinc plays an important role in the sensitivity of your taste buds, aka your tongue. While insufficient zinc intake can cause hypogeusia or the tongue's inability to taste food, excess zinc intake can have a similar effect.

Excess zinc entering the body can change the sensitivity of your tongue. You will feel a bitter sensation on the tongue, even taste like metal.

6. Easily sick

Many people take zinc supplements to help increase endurance. But be careful, excess zinc in the body can actually have the opposite effect, which is to weaken the body's immune response.

This condition is usually a side effect of anemia and neutropenia, which is an abnormality in the levels of neutrophils or a type of white blood cell in the body. A small study revealed that as many as 11 healthy men their immune system decreased after taking 150 milligram zinc supplements twice a day. Instead of making your body healthier, you get sick easily.

What should I do if I have excess zinc?

If you experience one or more of these symptoms of zinc excess, consult a doctor immediately to confirm a diagnosis. As first aid, try drinking a glass of milk first to relieve symptoms.

The high amount of calcium and phosphorus in milk can help inhibit zinc absorption in the digestive tract, which is then excreted through urine. After the symptoms begin to decrease, immediately consult the nearest doctor.

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