Subtle Signs You’re Getting Too Much
“I have not seen someone off the street who was taking a toxic level of vitamin A or D — those are very unusual,” says David Katz, MD, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center in New Haven, CT, whose medical practice specializes in nutrition. “What I’m more likely to see is a person with a dosing level of supplements that’s higher than optimal.”
Scientists don’t yet know if routinely getting a little bit too much of a vitamin or mineral is a problem, Katz says.
“There might be hints of concern, but they would be very subtle signs,” he says.
These fairly mild symptoms may include difficulty sleeping or concentrating, nerve problems such as numbness or tingling, or feeling more irritable — depending on the nutrient that’s going overboard.
The bigger concern, Katz says, is that we’re “garnishing the food supply with overfortification.”
He says manufacturers have shifted their focus from what they’ve taken out of food — such as its fat, sugar, or salt — to what they’re putting in, whether it’s vitamin D, probiotics, or omega-3 fats — whatever nutrient is in vogue.
“When more and more foods are enhanced, it becomes impossible for consumers to know what dose they’re getting over the course of a day,” Katz says. “Clinicians have to realize we might be introducing new dietary imbalances because of this practice.”
Too Much Vitamin C May Cause Digestive Symptoms
The most common side effect of high vitamin C intake is digestive distress.
In general, these side effects do not occur from eating foods that contain vitamin C, but rather from taking the vitamin in supplement form.
Youre most likely to experience digestive symptoms if you consume more than 2,000 mg at once. Thus, a tolerable upper limit of 2,000 mg per day has been established (
Summary
Ingesting more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day may lead to gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like diarrhea and nausea.
Vitamin C is known to enhance iron absorption.
It can bind to non-heme iron, which is found in plant foods. Non-heme iron is not absorbed by your body as efficiently as heme iron, the type of iron found in animal products .
Vitamin C binds with non-heme iron, making it much easier for your body to absorb. This is an important function, especially for individuals who get most of their iron from plant-based foods .
One study in adults found that iron absorption increased by 67% when they took 100 mg of vitamin C with a meal .
However, individuals with conditions that increase the risk of iron accumulation in the body, such as hemochromatosis, should be cautious with vitamin C supplements.
Under these circumstances, taking vitamin C in excess may lead to iron overload, which can cause serious damage to your heart, liver, pancreas, thyroid, and central nervous system .
You Eat A Lot Of Sugar
Bacteria that cause UTIs love feeding on sugar, so you run the risk of providing a feast for them whenever your sweet tooth strikes. Kalas V, et al. Structure-based discovery of glycomimetic FmlH ligands as inhibitors of bacterial adhesion during urinary tract infection. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1720140115
If you eat tons of added sugars and get a real surge in your blood sugar, you may end up with some of that sugar in your urine, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine.
Some foods and beverages, like coffee, booze, and chocolate, can also irritate your delicate urinary tract and exacerbate an existing UTI.
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Can Too Much Vitamin C Lead To Kidney Stones
Being in the midst of cold season, many of us try to take as many preventive actions as possible to avoid the sniffles, whether it’s washing our hands more frequently, taking more vitamins, sucking on zinc lozenges or popping extra vitamin C supplements.
But if you are a male, be aware of how much vitamin C you are taking. A recent study in the “JAMA Internal Medicine” journal found that men who ingested vitamin C supplements of 1,000 mg/day or more were at increased risk for kidney stones. Vitamin C intake through diet did not carry the same risk.
The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C in the United States is 75 mg/day for women and 90 mg/day for men.
“Most people get enough vitamin C from a balanced diet and our bodies absorb it most effectively from the foods we eat,” says Sarah Malik, MD, Nebraska Medicine gastroenterologist.
“People who might be susceptible to vitamin C deficiency, such as smokers, people with severe intestinal malabsorption or cachexia and cancer patients might be at increased risk of vitamin C inadequacy, may benefit from the use of vitamin C supplements under a doctor’s supervision,” says Dr. Malik.
Major sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, cantaloupes and strawberries. Approximately 70% to 90% of vitamin C is absorbed in moderate intakes of 30 to180 mg/day. However, at doses above 1g/day, absorption falls to less than 50%. Absorbed, unmetabolized vitamin C is excreted in the urine.
Vulva Owners: Lidocaine For Pain Flares
Lidocaine applied topically can reduce urethra pain for hours. Some people react to inactive ingredients in lidocaine gels or are allergic to lidocaine itself, so always test a small amount first. Desert Harvest Releveum is a recommended brand. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
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Experts Say Vitamin C Supplements Are Likely Useless At Best And Harmful At Worst
Although some studies have claimed that vitamin C supplements are helpful for preventing urinary tract infections, all experts are not convinced.
“It is likely harmless in small doses, but long term use of high doses can cause significant side effects including gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, inflammation of the esophagus, bowel obstruction , fatigue, headache, sleepiness, insomnia, and kidney stones. It can also interfere with other medications you may be taking,” Fleming told INSIDER.
Dr. Luk notes that “the evidence on the effectiveness of vitamins in combating a UTI does not provide anything conclusive. However, studies do indicate that vitamin C can increase the acidity of urine and combat bacteria, thus, preventing UTIs from recurring.” Before taking any vitamins or supplements, check with your doctor, who can determine the potential benefits for you.
Who Experiences Changes In Urine
Anyone can experience changes in urine. It is more frequently seen in adult women, since a change in urine is a common symptom of urinary tract infections. Women more frequently experience these infections. Older adults and adults with a family history of kidney or bladder stones are also more prone to experience changes in urine.
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Key Points About Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary tract infections are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. These infections can affect any part of the urinary tract.
- Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.
- The most common symptoms of UTIs include changes in urination such as frequency, pain, or burning urine looks dark, cloudy, or red and smells bad back or side pain nausea/vomiting and fever.
- Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Other treatments may include pain relievers, and drinking plenty of water to help wash bacteria out of the urinary tract.
- Other things that can be done may help reduce the likelihood of developing UTIs.
Vitamin A For An Overactive Bladder
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which helps to improve immune system function, and decrease the risk of interstitial cystitis, bladder infections and bladder cancer.
According to medical experts, vitamin A also helps in the healing process, supports bladder health, repairs bladder damage, prevents urine leakage, strengthens weak pelvic muscles and reduces bladder inflammation. The RDI of vitamin A for men and women are 900 mcg and 700 mcg, respectively. Cod liver oil, milk, butter, eggs, baked sweet potatoes, broccoli, mangoes, squash, raw carrots, canned pumpkin and spinach are some vitamin A rich foods which can be consumed to overcome the problem of overactive bladder.
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Three Nutrients To Watch
Dwyer says vitamin D, calcium, and folic acid are three nutrients you may get too much of, especially through supplements.
Adults who regularly far exceed the 4,000 international units daily safe upper limit for vitamin D might may end up with serious heart problems.
Folic acid is added to enriched grain products — white flours, pasta, rice, breads, and cereals — to help prevent birth defects in babies due to folic acid deficiency in pregnant women. While folic acid fortification has cut the number of birth defects by 25% to 50%, it might have created other health concerns in people getting too much.
It’s not hard to get more than 1,000 micrograms of folic acid a day from fortified foods and supplements on a regular basis. Doing so might hide the signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults. Vitamin B12 deficiency can sometimes lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
There’s no need to worry about foods that are naturally rich in folate.
“Most people can now get enough folic acid without having to rely on supplements,” Dwyer says.
In fact, she says, “most people have no problem if they start with food, which is the healthiest and safest way to get them.”
Show Sources
Johanna Dwyer, DSc, RD, senior nutrition scientist, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health professor of medicine and community health, Tufts University School of Medicine.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, dietary supplement fact sheets.
Which Fruit Is Best For Urine Infection
Cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and other berries promote urinary tract health and provide protection against infection with an important compound that helps fight bacteria and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. One way to get a large amount of berries into your diet is through smoothies.
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Treatments For Urinary Tract Infection
If you are concerned about a urinary tract infection, first visit your doctor to for a proper diagnosis and rule out other possible causes. A short course of antibiotics is usually all it takes to get rid of a urinary tract infection, however, if you have several similar infections tell your doctor as there may be other underlying conditions causing the infections.
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Using Vitamin C For Utis
According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 90 milligrams for adult men and 75 milligrams for adult women 2. Certain people need more vitamin C than average. For instance, smokers need an additional 35 milligrams per day pregnant women need 85 milligrams per day lactating women need 120 milligrams per day.
According to geriatric specialist Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an instructor at Harvard Medical School, you should take 500 to 1,000 milligrams per day of vitamin C if youre using this nutrient to prevent bladder infections 48.
This is in addition to the recommended daily amount you should be getting, which means youd have to consume about six to 13 times the amount youd typically get on a daily basis. You can obtain this amount of vitamin C from supplements or naturally, through your diet.
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- According to the National Institutes of Health.
- This is in addition to the recommended daily amount you should be getting, which means youd have to consume about six to 13 times the amount youd typically get on a daily basis.
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Should I Avoid Sugar Completely If I Have Incontinence
You dont have to give up sugar all together, but you should definitely pay attention to the amount you consume. People are unique and what may be a big bladder irritant for one person isnt always necessarily one for someone else. The best thing to do is to keep a bladder diary and track what youre eating and drinking for a few days, as well as when you have leaks. If you start noticing certain patterns , it may be a good idea to cut back. You can also try an elimination diet by eliminating sugar all together for a period of time, then slowly introducing it back into your system to see if it makes a difference.
Of course, when it comes to sugar, moderation is key for anyone not just those experiencing leaks. Too much sugar is bad for anyone trying to stick to a healthy diet. If you can, try to stick to naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and limit foods with added sugar as much as possible.
Best Supplements For Urinary Incontinence In 2022
Urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control is a phenomenon that occurs commonly in older adults, but it can occur at any age. It is the involuntary or reflexive leakage of urine a problem of an overactive bladder. It occurs when control over your urinary sphincter is weakened or lost.
Some older folks have reported severe cases in which urine leaks when they sneeze or cough. You can easily treat light urinary incontinence at home without surgery or even seeing a medical doctor.
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How Do You Prevent Uti When You Feel It Coming
How to prevent UTIs
Bladder Conditions And Urinary Tract Infections
Diabetes can affect the function and structure of the lower urinary tract, which in turn may play a role in patients with diabetes having more UTIs, overactive or underactive bladder, and problems with urination, says Michael J. Kennelly, MD, Professor of Urology and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Carolinas Medical Center.
Over time, people with diabetes may lose sensory function. This can make it hard to know that you have to go to the bathroom. As a result, people may wait too long to go to the bathroom, or if the urine stays in the bladder too long, it may raise your chance for getting a bladder or kidney infection.
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What Causes Urinary Tract Infections
Normal urine is sterile and contains fluids, salts, and waste products. It does not contain bacteria, viruses, or fungi. A UTI occurs when germs, most often bacteria from the digestive tract, get into the opening of the urethra and start to multiply.
Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.
How Much Vitamin C Should You Take For Uti
If youve read anything in this article, youll already know the more important question is, Should I take vitamin C for UTI at all?
But say you are going to give it a shot maybe youve had testing that has identified nitrate-reducing bacteria, or maybe youve been advised to try it.
What do the studies tell us and what is a safe dosage of vitamin C?
First, lets take a look at how vitamin C the average person needs to stay healthy, then put it in the context of treatment.
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Cranberries And Blueberries To Promote Urinary Tract Health
You may have heard that drinking cranberry juice helps to combat UTIs, but did you know why? Cranberries and blueberries contain plant compounds called proanthocyanidins, which prevent infection-causing E. coli from attaching to the urinary tract cells. When they cant attach, they cant stay and wreak havoc in your system with a painful UTI. Make sure to include some of these berries or their juices in your diet to keep your system functioning at its best.
Literature Search And Study Characteristics
The flow chart for study inclusion is shown in . For vitamin C from diet plus supplement, 8 studies in 7 articles,,,,,, were included involving 2,021 cases among 194,443 participants. For vitamin C from diet, 14 studies in 12 articles,,,,,,,,,,, were included involving 5,765 cases among 292,002 participants. For vitamin C from supplement, 9 studies from 8 articles,,,,,,, were included involving 3,331 cases among 1,199,984 participants. For circulating vitamin C, only 1 article was identified.
For vitamin D from diet plus supplement, 3 articles,, were included involving 842 cases among 49,156 participants. For circulating vitamin D, 4 articles,,, were included involving 1,737 cases among 12,944 participants. No articles were identified for vitamin D from diet only or supplement only.
For vitamin E from diet plus supplement, 6 articles,,,,, were included involving 1,760 cases among 194,182 participants. For vitamin E from diet, 9 studies from 8 articles,,,,,,, were included involving 2,985 cases among 275,265 participants. For vitamin E form supplement, 7 articles,,,,,, were included involving 3,070 cases among 1,199,723 participants. For circulating -Tocopherol, 4 articles,,, were included involving 614 cases among 1,256 participants. For circulating -Tocopherol, 3 articles,, were included involving 579 cases among 1,151 participants. The detailed characteristics of the included studies are shown win .
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Symptoms Of Infection With Hepatitis C
Symptoms of acute infection with hepatitis C
Acute infection is the period when you first contract the virus, during this period most people do not seem to experience any noticeable symptoms.
For the 25-35% of people who do, the symptoms are normally vague and non-specific.They can include: Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting
About 20% of the people who develop symptoms experience jaundice. This can be seen in the yellowing of the skin and eyes. This is a sign of the livers functions being affected as bilirubin begins to build up in the body. Jaundice is a recognised sign of liver problems and may lead to a test for hepatitis C being suggested.The problem for most people is that they are unaware that they have been infected because of the lack of symptoms. As these symptoms are similar to many other short term infections most people are unlikely to seek medical attention.
And even when they do, most doctors will not necessarily suspect or test for hepatitis C.
Symptoms of chronic infection with hepatitis C
Chronic infection doesnt mean that you have symptoms, chronic means that the infection is ongoing, that you are living with the virus.
The hepatitis C virus is associated with a wide spectrum of liver disease. This ranges from minor inflammation to cirrhosis, and in certain cases liver cancer.
Chronic fatigue
Pains in the upper part of the abdomen
Dry eyes, irritable bowel and irritable bladder
Do not assume that all of your aches and pains are related to hepatitis.