It’s common knowledge that any food or medication can be beneficial only when consumed in moderation. Overindulgence, however, can lead to severe consequences.
Today, Bright Side has compiled a list of popular foods that can harm your health if you consume them excessively.
Soy Sauce
In 2013, a man in the US took a bet that he could drink an entire bottle (about 33 oz) of soy sauce. He ended up having a seizure and losing consciousness, with doctors diagnosing him with severe dehydration and dangerously high sodium levels. This imbalance can result in a stroke.
Tea
In 2014, a 56-year-old man was hospitalized for kidney failure due to excessive cold tea consumption. He drank around 16 cups a day, which damaged his kidneys due to oxalate—a compound found in black tea. To avoid similar issues, it’s best not to exceed 6 cups of black tea daily.
Nutmeg
While a small amount of nutmeg is safe, consuming more than 2 tablespoons can lead to hallucinations.
Toothpaste
Back in the early ’90s, toothpaste tubes carried warnings: “Do not swallow; use only a pea-sized amount.” Swallowing a large quantity of fluoride-free toothpaste might just upset your stomach, but ingesting too much fluoride-containing toothpaste can be hazardous, particularly for children, as fluoride is toxic.
Soda
Sugary sodas are loaded with sugar, which can be detrimental to health. Research suggests that the lethal dose of sugar is about 0.5 oz per pound of body weight. For an average adult male, this equates to drinking around 784 oz of soda to reach a toxic level.
Tuna
While many people are aware that excessive tuna consumption can be harmful, they may not know what constitutes “too much.” Some tuna varieties contain higher mercury levels than others. For a person weighing 150 lbs, it’s advisable not to eat more than 0.3 lbs of tuna every 9 days.
Muscle Ointments
These ointments are designed to relieve muscle pain, but frequent use can be problematic. Although they are for external use, methyl salicylate, a common ingredient, can be absorbed through the skin and may lead to serious health issues.
Licorice
Consuming just 0.1 lbs of licorice over two weeks can result in heart complications. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can lower potassium levels in the body. Reduced potassium can elevate blood pressure, potentially leading to heart failure.
