You're Eating Too Much Citrus If This Happens To You
The taste and feel of a cold, tart orange is delightful and can be just the right thing when you want your thirst quenched. Citrus fruits in general make a flavorful, healthy addition to any diet, as they are low in fat and calories, but high in water and fiber, which helps fill you up, according to Healthline.
Citrus fruits are well-known for being high in vitamin C, but they also contain a host of other nutrients that are good for the whole body. Flavonoids have been found to assist with heart health, and potassium balances fluids and minerals and aids in muscle control, according to Health. Citrus fruits help your body absorb iron, which is essential to the formation of red blood cells. And because they have a low glycemic index, they increase energy slowly so you don't crash after a sugar rush.
But too much of a good thing can have adverse effects, and citrus is no different.
Watch out for these symptoms
The most obvious sign you'll probably notice if you consume too much citrus is digestive distress. San Diego nutritionist Laura Flores told Live Science, "When [oranges are] eaten in excess, the greater fiber content can affect digestion, causing abdominal cramps, and could also lead to diarrhea." The same can happen from the excess vitamin C if you're consuming too much citrus. For an adult, the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams. More than 2,000 milligrams per day can bring on diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, headache, and insomnia (via the Mayo Clinic).
You might also see the effects of too much citrus in your smile. Citrus fruits are full of acid that can eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. That same acid can also cause heartburn, particularly for those who are predisposed to it.
Because of the high potassium level in citrus fruits, people who are taking blood pressure medications called beta-blockers should be careful with how much they consume. Beta-blockers increase the level of potassium in the body and too much citrus could lead to dangerously high levels.
For most people however, an orange a day is a safe and healthy choice. Just don't overdo it and suffer the ill effects.