Many times in life we get the idea that if a little bit of something is good then more is better. That however, is not usually the case. Let’s look at a couple of examples:

Vitamins

Vitamins make many of us feel better. They can be good for us. However, there are certain vitamins that are stored in the liver. These include vitamins A, D, E and K. Many people take vitamin A because it can be good for the skin. However, you should be taking no more than 5000 IU’s a day. The reason is that it can be toxic to the liver and cause serious health problems.

Vitamin D is essential. It helps with bone density but it also boosts the immune system, aids in balance and heart health to name just a few. It is generally safe in a dose of 1000 IU’s daily. High doses can be toxic to the liver and cause dizziness and all sorts of problems. It is important to have your doctor follow levels if you are on a high dose.

Vitamin E can cause excessive bleeding if taken in high doses. Vitamin K in large doses does not generally cause problems in adults. However, it will interfere with those on Coumadin, a common blood thinner.

Lab and X-ray studies

Now that we have sophisticated scanners many people have chosen to have their whole body scanned. It sounds like it might be a good thing to do. However, more often than not what we find are abnormalities that people have from birth that will not cause problems but cause more tests to be done and anxiety that is not warranted. Then we end up chasing technology with technology.

Before you ask for a scan or test it is important to think it through. As an example, if you have back pain and you do not want to have surgery then do not ask for the MRI. It will likely be abnormal. MRI studies were performed on 98 people without back pain. Only 36% had a normal MRI. Half had a bulging disk, 27% had a protrusion and 38% had abnormalities of more than one disk. The chance of finding something was greater in those who were older.

Radiation exposure is cumulative

Every headache does not require evaluation with a CT scan. If you decide you want to have a heart scan to check for calcium in your coronary arteries consider that the radiation exposure is relatively high. If you decide to have a virtual colonoscopy (which is a detailed CT scan) you will again be exposed to a high dose of radiation. The radiation exposure over a lifetime adds up. That is why you need to once again think the procedures through and find out how necessary they are for your health and healing.

When it comes to your children, the same advice applies before they have multiple radiologic procedures. A recent study has found that children who underwent multiple CT scans have an increased risk of developing leukemia and brain cancer when compared to children who had not been scanned.

Procedures

Colonoscopy is a procedure that most of us will be getting every ten years. There are many people who worry when they have a little diarrhea or transient lower abdominal pain. They will often insist on having a colonoscopy before it is due to be repeated. It may not be necessary. Every procedure comes with risks. During colonoscopy the colon can be perforated and there may be a problem with the anesthesia. If a procedure is not warranted think about the complications before you push for it.

When it comes to your health, it is important to think about the consequences of taking supplements, and having procedures and tests. Moderation in all things is probably the best rule to live by.