Know the possible side effects of binge eating mushrooms

New Delhi: In the curry form or as a pakoda or grilled tikka – mushrooms are loved by foodies and fitness enthusiasts alike. Mushrooms are fleshy, edible fungi that come with plenty of micronutrients like calcium, sodium, fibre, and vitamin D with the sunshine nutrient in abundance. Vitamin D is the one nutrient found in mushrooms that otherwise is a rarity in dietary sources. With this, mushrooms can work wonders for bone health and may even improve immunity levels – a must, especially in times of COVID-19.

So far, so good – one may think that mushrooms are the second word for nutrition and good health. However, that is not completely true. According to wellness experts, binge eating mushrooms can in fact backfire on health and trigger a few serious side effects. Keep reading to know what they are.

What are the side effects of eating too many mushrooms?

Ever heard of homeostasis? It is a process of physical and chemical changes that take place internally to actively maintain stable survival conditions. This, experts say, is a side effect of mushrooms along with the ability to adapt to stress better. As per a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders, people who consumed too many mushrooms like shiitake, white button, and Portobello were less prone to depression as opposed to others. But it is not all bright with binge eating mushrooms as this could spike your vitamin D levels drastically and result in toxicity.

1. Weight gain: Excessive of everything is bad and mushrooms are no different. Eating too many mushrooms can result in weight gain due to calorie overload. Despite being a low-calorie food, mushrooms can result in obstructed gut, constipation, and vitamin overdose that could result in weight gain over time.

2. Vitamin D overdose: Also known as the sunshine nutrient, vitamin D is the key to better mental health, stronger bones, and immunity. However, if you eat mushrooms every day and in large quantities, it could result in vitamin D toxicity. Vitamin D overdose can have the following consequences:

3. Gut irritation: Mushrooms are not easy to digest which is why experts do not recommend eating them every day. Across its varieties, binge eating mushrooms can disturb gut health, result in inflammation and digestive distress consequently. If you are a die-hard lover of this versatile food, try including it in your diet with a variety of foods that are easy to digest.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.