by Riza Shanti Lim

A respiratory attack is a nightmare manifested by those who exhibit symptoms of the fatal COVID-19. Due to fear, an over dosage of health supplements or vitamins is rampant. The same goes for herbs — taken extensively without a health care professional’s prescription.

Two months ago, a young, soft-spoken and dynamic Hispanic client of mine on wellbeing coaching, who is a regular face at my wellness center, the Orissa Holistic Garden Resort, approached me, complaining about his gastro-intestinal upset, fatigue, and sleeplessness. Knowing his mindful lifestyle plus his vegetarian diet, his issues didn’t make sense.

So I suggested we make a health map to figure out where his irregularities are coming from. He agreed. From his food, physical routines, mind state, relationships, spiritual practice, he was straight A. He lives a life that most people aspire for. He is such an admirable young fellow with incredible control and discipline.

So, what is the culprit right? What did we miss? While pondering, suddenly, as if someone clicked the light in my head, I saw the missing link – his dosage of nutrition supplements.

And so I inquired. He proudly disclosed with confidence not to worry about it for he is taking more of the required doses to ensure protection from the unseen enemy. He was referring to coronavirus.

Consumption of healthy food, herbs, vitamins and minerals is wonderful. However, even these glories have adverse effects if taken more than what your body requires.

For instance, black rice is a great grain support for the body to build energy and is a fiber-rich food. If a physically active person eats a big portion of it, the system will burn the calories easily, so it is fine. If a sedentary person, who sits in front of the screen the whole time consumes the same amount, weight gain and trouble in sleeping is predicted.

Vitamins are food support. Excessive intake of water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C and the superpower B family: Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folate (B9) and Cobalamin (B12), could be flushed out through water therapy.

While on the other hand, oil soluble Vitamins K, D, E, Calcium, just like fat, gets stored in fatty tissues and in the liver. Thus, if taken in excess, it damages the liver and disturbs digestive system functions. And when the gut is disturbed, so is your mental state for the stomach and the brain are strongly connected. Water intake cannot rid of these supplements’ residue. Be careful.

My client’s concerns diminished after going easy on his vitamins and following my advice of taking a break from them every six months for 2 weeks.

Just like everything else, too much doesn’t always mean better. Take the proper dose of your vitamins; hydrate; stay active; commune with Nature; make space for quiet time; surround yourself with positive people; and, keep in touch with your loved ones.

Life is good because of the right choices we make every day.

Namaste.