Side effects of immune boosters – seek qualified advice

Did you know that too many spices can be bad for you? How much is too much – is a question we need to ponder upon and find the right answers to. Just because a herb or spice has health benefits, rampant use of a supposed immune booster can lead to side effects. Side effects of immune boosters are often overlooked.

Overdoing spices as immune boosters have caused a new Covid related dilemma as per a recent article. Doctors fight new emergencies driven by Covid fear. There is an increasing trend of side effects in patients who consume self-prescribed natural supplements and herbs with an intention to boost immunity.

Vitamin D and immunity

Vitamin D toxicity is on the rise. Patients read on social media about unproven claims of Vitamin D supplements to increase their immunity against the coronavirus. But instead of consuming 1 pill a week, they end up taking high doses of the pill daily resulting in toxicity. Vitamin D levels need to be maintained below 100 ng/ ml. Higher vitamin D levels can cause liver toxicity. Spikes in calcium levels in the blood and urine are likely and lead to nausea, dizziness, dehydration, vomiting, drowsiness, and confusion among other things.

Immune boosting drinks and immunity

Patients with compromised immunity – specifically those with diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension among others tend to pump up on immune-boosting drinks, herbal supplements and homemade kadhas.

Nutritional supplements that contain zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D and homeopathic medications like Arsenium album are widely used.

Spices and immunity

Kitchen ingredients like methi seeds (fenugreek seeds), turmeric, black pepper, aloe vera juice, ginger, lemongrass, wheatgrass are favourite immune boosters against covid-19 and spurred by unproven social media messages.

Fenugreek seeds can help is blood sugar control, weight management and has various health-promoting benefits in regulated doses. However, rampant unregulated overuse can lead to serious blood-thinning effects and bleeding episodes as well.

Turmeric powder is popular for its antiseptic and antimicrobial activities. However, there are patients who consumed as high as 2 Tbsp of turmeric powder thrice a day for 2-3 months. The patient met the doctor with yellow eyes. All tests done to check for suspected jaundice or liver toxicity came negative. On further inquiry the doctor realized that it is due to over consumption of turmeric (haldi). Spices are rich in phytochemicals. However, if they are consumed beyond their upper limit for a prolonged period of time they can cause more harm.

Aloe vera and immunity

Aloe vera juice consumed daily for many years could result in liver injury. Excess intake of ayurvedic preparations such as ashwagandha, kadha concoctions, chyawanprash among others can lead to digestion problems and other health issues.

Why are immune boosters suddenly on the rise?

This sudden spike in interest among patients to consume these “immune boosters” is to keep them safe from getting covid-19. Consumers are adopting unhealthy practices after seeing social media posts to boost immunity and Government initiatives to promote home remedies to boost immunity using Ayurveda, homeopathy, yoga. Quacks are also cashing in on the opportunity.

In reality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has repeatedly asked people to consult an advisory of the Ministery of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) which suggests honey, ginger, turmeric, garlic and some herbal remedies with concoctions.

Consult a qualified expert before you consume these products, with the right dosages and duration. Do not self prescribe anything based on social media, neighbors or friends. The current trend of immune booster overuse is startling and an area of concern.

Side effects of immune boosters

Overuse of immune boosters can cause serious health issues. There can be drug interaction with current medications, lack of knowledge regarding acceptable doses, method of preparation, consumption pattern. These products may or may not be pure. They can additionally pose adulteration issues. It is more harmful, than good if you buy unknown store-bought supplements and products without proper labels or licenses. This current trend is dangerous and a serious problem faced by treating healthcare professionals.

Remedy for Covid fear

These are simple techniques and remedies which treat Covid fear effectively:

1. Salt water gargles,
2. Steam inhalations daily,
3. keeping weight within the ideal body weight range,
4. keeping comorbidities under control such a manage blood sugars and high blood pressure to keep them under control,
5. eating a well planned diet,
6. Sleeping well,
7. Staying well hydrated,
8. Wearing mask, face shield and washing hands/ sanitizing as necessary.

Self-prescription in an unregulated commercial market is very dangerous.

About Author

Pallavi Pinge is a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian | Content Director & Editor for health websites | has a passion for digital health and enjoys promoting health and wellness. She’s the founder and director of Ambrosia Wellness, where she provides personalized nutrition counseling, education, and coaching to individuals with various health conditions.  You can follow her on her social media channels below to stay tuned in with the latest in health and wellness | Health Blog | Contact her for appointments |