Are there side effects to taking zinc?

Zinc is a mineral nutrient that is essential for our overall health and well-being. Our body requires zinc for various biochemical processes, including the immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. While zinc deficiency can cause numerous health issues ranging from acne to erectile dysfunction, an excess of this mineral may lead to side effects affecting different systems in your body.

In recent times, the use of zinc supplements has surged due to claims of anti-viral benefits against COVID-19. People have started taking these supplements without realizing how much zinc their bodies require or what could happen if they overdo it.

So buckle up; we’re going on a roller coaster ride exploring the hilarious side effects of consuming too much Zinc!

Where Can You Find Zinc?

Before we investigate into the potential side effects from excessive ingestion of this overzealous micronutrient let’s explore where you might find it naturally in everyday food!

Some tasty sources are:
– Oysters
– Beef
– Porkchops
– Legumes/Nuts
– Poultry

It sure sounds yum! So who wouldn’t want more? However, there’s only so much turkey one can eat before thinking about supplementing — but be warned optimal amounts should not be surpassed.

How Much Zinc Do We Need?

Although some foods contain high levels of zinc which can provide us with our daily needs – why would people willingly take risks at overdosing themselves with a supplement?!

The recommended intake varies depending on age and gender.
Here’s an overview:

Age Male Female
0–6 months 2 mg 2mg
7–12 months 3 mg 3mg
1–3 years 3g 3g
4–8 years 5g 5g
9–13 years 8mg 8mg
14–18 years 11 mg 9 mg
19+ 11 mg 8mg

The upper safe limit for an adult is around 40 milligrams per day. So indulge safely!

Now, let’s dive into the zany side effects of consuming too much Zinc.The results will make you question whether it’s worth taking supplements at all.

Digestive Chaos

Zinc poisoning, medically termed as acute toxicosis has a direct impact on your intestine and can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting or worst case: perforation. An experiment conducted found that consuming porridge with approximately double the daily intake requirements caused severe distress within two hours or less.

Apart from these gastrointestinal issues, zinc also affects your nutrition balance negatively. High doses of zinc can lead to mineral imbalances which may result in reduced iron and copper absorption leading to their deficiencies.

To put it plainly — Going out with a partner whilst poisoned by too much Zinc would only spell disaster:

” “Excuse me,” he said to his date while sprinting towards the restroom for an explosive bowel emergency – “I think I might have overdone my dose this morning.”

Dating Tips: Don’t go beyond limits if you want things to work out!

Immune System Madness

It’s quite intriguing how on one hand taking prescribed doses of Zinc helps boost our immune system to fight off infections whilst overdosing causes havoc! This hormonal chaos reduces macrophage activity- yep we are talking big stuff here- rendering you weaker when combating existing illness.

Immature ginger root extract brewed together with candied honey makes perfect sick-day tea. Then again – don’t grow bold and add copious amounts of Zinc in the hopes of bettering the benefits, as it could lead to chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Not only will your gut feel like a rumbling volcano but heavy breathing will be added on top – Grab some dim sum instead!

Neurological Oddities

Consuming more than 40mg for an extended period can be lethal in extreme cases leading to neurological damage. Still not convinced? Need we go further?!

Overdosing on Zinc may lead to nerve damage, which results in decreased sensation or numbness. It’s also been linked with hyperactivity, irritability or difficulty concentrating due to the disturbance caused in neurotransmitters pathway.

Thinking you could add those extra tablets right before exams since zinc “helps with focus”? I urge you against that! The likelihood is that it would backfire creating a nightmare where concentration withdrawal won’t occur until after the allocated time for completing tasks expires (leaving one drowning under hours worth of assignments).

So perhaps save money by sticking safe daily doses- at least they won’t make your grades suffer!

Endocrine System Mayhem

This very same mineral that operates within our immune system affects our endocrine balance if taken excessively.
Zinc regulates hormone secretion and absorption, thus its ingestion should be measured appropriately.

However excess consumption results in abnormal estrogen levels promoting symptoms resembling menopause; hot flashes, sweats all around- making everyday activities increase one’s own personal sauna experience!!

Bypass getting looked at weirdly when tromping across town barefooted- stray away from overdosing yourself! Enough said!

Conclusion

Man up! Make sure you are ingesting optimal amounts/mineral quantities instead of carelessly thinking ‘more is always better’. Schadenfreude aside– ill-conceived supplementation has led many down uncharted territory resulting unsavory side effects.

Moderation leads towards being nicer smelling individuals with happy digestive systems accommodating our innards’ natural rhythms. Let’s hope laughter helps lesson the effects of indigestion, nervousness, and sweating!

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