Thread by @FaheemYounus

Myth: Herbs, supplements, sanna makki, special diets and vitamins are harmless. Take them to boost your immunity against CIVID. What’s the downside?

Fact: The benefits of these substances are unclear; their occasional side effects are well documented

This thread explains...

1/

Traditional Asian/Chinese herbs can cause kidney or liver damage.

High concentrations of arsenic, lead, cadmium were found in 61% of herbs.

theguardian.com/australia-news…

2/

Vitamins are helpful if you’re deficient. But taking them blindly, risks overdose

Overdose of Vit B/C can cause nerve/liver damage

Overdose of Vit A/D/E/K can cause nausea, irregular heart beat, stroke

How’d you know when its excessive?

3/

healthline.com/nutrition/can-…

Sanna Makki (Senna) is a potent laxative. We sometimes use it for colonoscopy prep:)

It can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, pain, nausea, electrolyte imbalance

4/

rxlist.com/consumer_senna…

Omega-3, garlic, mangoes, green tea etc have no documented or measurable effect on immunity or protecting against COVID

They serve as distractions and false sense of security.

(Like wearing headphones for music while driving distracts us from traffic rules/ auditory cues)

5/

Zinc overdose can cause not just nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain but also REDUCE immunity and bone density.

Zinc can also impact the absorption of your regular potentially lifesaving medications.

6/

ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zin…

Summary:

If you’re deficient in a nutrient, take it

Blind/excessive use may cause:

Medical side effects
Waste of money/energy
False sense of security
Sustainability issues
Distraction

Instead FOCUS on what works and SUSTAIN it:

6ft dist./avoid crowds
Handwashing
Mask

End/