Acidity to dehydration: 6 side effects of amla

Amla (Indian gooseberry) is usually the solution to problems related to hair, skin and digestion. It consists of essential vitamins and antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits. It is not just one of your mother’s home remedies. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal practice, also believes in the power of amla. But like any other superfood, amla can also lead to a series of health problems. Dehydration and skin problems are just some of the side effects of amla you should be aware of.

What are the benefits of amla?

Here are some of the benefits of amla:

• Boosts immunity: It is rich in vitamin C, which is important for immunity. A strong immune system means your body can fight off infections easily.
• Beneficial for the heart: It can help lower cholesterol levels, and keep blood pressure in the normal range. These can support your cardiovascular health.
• Good for skin: Vitamin C helps in collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Aids digestion: It serves as a natural digestive aid, and promotes better absorption of nutrients. It can help to deal with stomach issues like indigestion and bloating.

Can amla harm you?

Just like every other thing, amla has various pros and cons too. The superfood can also prove to be harmful if consumed in excessive quantities or in certain conditions without a doctor’s or dietician’s consultation, explains Dietitian Dr Archana Batra. Therefore, it is necessary to understand several side effects of amla possesses to know the effects it might have on our body while consuming the food in several situations.

Who should not consume amla?

While eating amla is generally safe, overconsumption can be dangerous. The side effects of amla can be risky for people with the following conditions:

1. Amla is not for hypotension patient

Since amla is known for aiding hypertension, it has great abilities to lower and maintain blood pressure. But in case you are suffering from hypotension, that is low blood pressure, it is advisable to avoid excess amla consumption and indulge in exercising to keep your blood pressure level maintained. Experiencing any of the side effects of amla overconsumption can be dangerous.

2. Amla is not for low sugar

“Raw amla is also known for beneficiary properties as a home remedy to regulate diabetes because of its rich fiber properties that can absorb the excess sugar. But if you are suffering from low sugar (Hypoglycemia) or are on regular anti-diabetic medications, the case may not be the same for you,” said Dr Batra. The wonder food can hamper the medications and also lower blood sugar to an extreme level.

3. Heart patients should be careful

Amla can also lead to some negative reactions with certain medications. So, people who are suffering from heart ailment must consult their doctor for amla’s consumption.

Side effects of amla

Here are the possible risks and side effects of amla over consumption. Make sure to eat the right dosage to avoid these.

1. It can trigger acidity

The food is rich in vitamin C and a great source of ascorbic acid. Being acidic in nature, it can trigger acidity and cause irritation in the stomach for people who have had a history of hyperacidity problems. Therefore, acid reflux is a side effect of amla that one needs to be careful about.

3. It can make stool hard

Amla is undoubtedly a known remedy for constipation due to its rich fiber content. Nevertheless, excessive consumption can harden the stool. Amla contains high amounts of tannins. These can have a drying effect on the intestines and lead to constipation, especially if consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach.

4. Dehydration can occur

One of the major side effects of amla is that is can cause dehydration. Amla has diuretic properties and increases urine production in the body. So, it may also lead to dehydration and weight loss in some cases. Hence, ladies who are pregnant should also be extra cautious while consuming amla.

5. It can lead to skin problems

Amla is a diuretic, which means that it helps in getting rid of toxins and waste from our bodies. But if this water loss is not replenished, dehydration may lead to loss of luster in the skin, thereby causing dryness and early ageing. This is one of the biggest side effects of amla.

6. Hair fall can happen

Excessive amla consumption also promotes scalp dryness, hair fall, itchiness, dandruff, and other scalp related problems too. Amla is rich in tannins, which have astringent properties. These can dry out the scalp and hair, leading to hair breakage and hair fall.

How to consume amla safely?

The only key while consuming amla is the consideration of amount intake. Amla is a very beneficial food if taken in carefully in moderation. “But it can lead to various problems too if attention is not given to the amount of amla consumption and it is, therefore, advisable to eat 1 or 2 amlas per day or consult your doctor,” says the expert.