Indore-based nutritionist Dr. Sangeeta Malu says often doctors recommend avoiding certain types of diet, controlling or reducing the intake of certain elements under special circumstances. However, it is necessary that people consume a healthy and nutritious diet every day and avoid being on any kind of diet unless recommended by the doctor because they can harm the body. Excessive intake of any particular element can have various side effects on the body. Here are some elements you must know about:
Sugar
Everyone is fond of having something sweet at the end of the meal. But, if this sweet is consumed in excess it can have a negative effect on health. Apart from causing diabetes with time, it also lowers the immunity of the body. It also causes other problems like fatty liver, forgetfulness, pimples or eczema, acne and premature wrinkling, heart diseases, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Trans and Saturated Fats
Trans and saturated fats are considered to be the biggest hazard because their excessive intake not only increases the level of bad cholesterol in the body, but also lessens the levels of good cholesterol, and further increases the risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes, heart diseases, etc. The American Heart Association has also confirmed the health risks due to excess consumption of trans fat and saturated fat.
Iron
Iron is required by the body to make hemoglobin, but higher levels of iron in the body too can be harmful. Hemoglobin is responsible for supplying oxygen to different parts of the body. But when there is too much iron in the body, the risk of hemochromatosis increases, which can damage the liver and heart. Apart from this, due to excess iron, diseases like diabetes, arthritis can also occur in a person.
Protein
Increasing the levels of protein in the food can reduce the absorption of carbohydrates, which also lowers the levels of fibers in the body, resulting in constipation. At the same time, the condition worsens in people suffering from kidney-related issues. The body finds it difficult to expel the waste out due to protein metabolism. Also, in the year 2013, a study led by Lonice Delimaris suggests that excessive consumption of a high protein diet can prove to be dangerous for our bones.
Sodium
Excess of sodium harms your body the most. Higher levels of sodium in the body can cause high blood pressure, heart diseases and increase your chances of stroke. Apart from this, it also weakens the bones and results in loss of calcium. A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology confirmed the direct relationship between excess consumption of salt and a higher risk of death.
Nitrates
Nitrates are basically chemical compounds, which are also a part of the nutrients family. But consuming large amounts of food, which contains higher levels of nitrates can lead to symptoms like headache, abdominal cramps, increased heart rate and nausea.
