OTC Cold & Flu Medicine Dangers
- Kim Moynihan
- May 14
- 3 min read
When you're sick with a stuffy nose, cough or fever, is turning to an over-the-counter cold medicine really the answer to feeling better?
Most OTC cold and flu medicines contain ingredients that supress, or deteriorate our systems. After the illness has passed, it's necessary to rebuild our gut health and our immune system -- a result of the medicine, not the illness. When you examine the ingredients in these medicines, this becomes very clear! Today we will look at Tylenol Cold & Flu Multi-Action.I have lots of concerns about the active ingredients -- acetaminophen, dextromethophan, pseudophedrine, etc.
Dangers of Inactive Ingredients
However, today we will focus on the INACTIVE ingredients. Is it necessary to add artificial dyes and sweeteners to a cold medicine you will swallow whole with a glass of water?
FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake
One of the color additives in Tylenol Cold & Flu is FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake. In some individuals, this artificial dye can cause allergic reactions, which may include symptoms like mild skin rashes, itching, or even more severe responses like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face. Additionally, studies have raised questions about the long-term health impacts of consuming synthetic dyes, suggesting a possible link to behavioral changes, particularly hyperactivity in children. Let's dig deeper and look at the "Aluminum Lake" part of this ingredient. Here are the side effects of that:Aluminum lakes are aluminum-based coloring pigments used in food and cosmetics. Some potential dangers of aluminum lakes include:
Allergic reactions Some people may experience allergic reactions to aluminum lakes, such as hives, eczema, asthma, and angioedema.
Developmental and reproductive toxicity Some aluminum lakes may have developmental and reproductive toxicity concerns.
Nervous system toxicity Aluminum exposure can cause neurological toxicity, especially if it's inhaled or injected.
Bone toxicity Aluminum exposure can cause bone toxicity, especially if it's injected.
Lung problems Inhaling large amounts of aluminum dust can cause lung problems, such as coughing.
Aluminum lakes are considered safe as long as they are not making up more than 10% of your total daily exposure to aluminum. Most of us would have no idea how much aluminum we are coming into contact with each day -- and I find that chemical exposure is usually much greater than we would expect.
Polydextrose
Polydextrose is used as a food additive for texture and sweetness. It has been shown to cause digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. If you’re experiencing digestive discomfort while sick, this ingredient may add to your woes. Since you aren't even tasting the medicine (hopefully!) why would they add a sweetener? Additionally, eating sugar is never recommended when you are sick because it suppresses your immune system.
Polyethylene Glycol
Often used as a laxative, polyethylene glycol is present in many over-the-counter products. While typically safe in small doses, some people may experience gastrointestinal irritation. This could mean added stress on your gut when you're already dealing with a cold. Exactly what you need when you are already not feeling your best.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is commonly used to give medications a bright white color. Despite being widely used, some research has raised concerns over potential inflammation and immune response issues. It might not be the best choice when you’re aiming to bolster your immune system. Do we need our cold medicine to be bright white? Titanium Dioxide is a heavy metal -- not what you want in your blood stream even on your best day.
When you use herbs to overcome an illness, you strengthen your systems -- from your digestive system to your immune system. You are not suppressing them. At the end of the illness, you are healthier than you were when you first got sick. Doesn't that sound like a much better -- and more effective -- solution?
Want to know what herbs will provide you with relief?
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