10 Foods You Should Avoid Eating Too Much

Someone once said, “Everything in moderation,” and it was probably about alcohol or betting on robot fights—but it might as well have been about food. The temptation to indulge is baked into the very idea of a treat. But too much of a good thing? That’s where the trouble begins. Food is one of the best examples of this age-old wisdom, because as we all learn sooner or later, overindulging—even in things that seem healthy or harmless—can come with some seriously unpleasant consequences.

Sure, scarfing down gas station burritos might seem like the most obvious recipe for digestive regret, but even foods with squeaky-clean reputations can lead you down a rocky road if you go overboard. From nutrient overdoses to blood sugar spikes to just plain unpleasant side effects, here are ten things you really never want to eat too much of.

1. Nutmeg: The Unexpected Psychoactive

Nutmeg sounds innocent enough—it’s in your holiday cookies, your pumpkin spice lattes, and that fancy French béchamel sauce. But behind that cozy aroma lies a dark secret: nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin, which, in large doses, is psychoactive.

Eating more than a teaspoon or two of nutmeg can cause hallucinations, nausea, dizziness, heart palpitations, and even seizures. There are stories of people attempting to get high off it—most of them end up regretting it. Stick to the pinch in your baking, and steer clear of overdoing it.

2. Tuna: A Fishy Mercury Dilemma

Tuna is protein-rich, lean, and generally good for you. But it also tends to accumulate mercury, especially the bigger varieties like albacore or bluefin. Mercury toxicity can cause neurological issues, including memory problems, tremors, and vision disturbances.

The FDA recommends limiting albacore tuna to about 6 ounces per week, especially for pregnant women and children. A little bit of tuna? Great. A lot of tuna? Not so much.

3. Cinnamon: Sweet but Sneaky

Cinnamon is a delicious addition to oatmeal and desserts, but not all cinnamon is created equal. The more common cassia variety contains high levels of coumarin, a natural compound that can cause liver damage when consumed in large amounts.

Sprinkling it on your toast is fine, but avoid spooning it into smoothies every day—or worse, trying the infamous “cinnamon challenge.” Too much cinnamon isn’t just spicy; it can be dangerous.

4. Spinach: Popeye Wasn’t Entirely Right

Spinach is packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. It’s a superfood. But eating too much of it can lead to problems due to its high oxalate content. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that can bind to calcium and form kidney stones.

If you’re prone to stones or are eating spinach every day in your smoothies, you might want to rotate in some kale or arugula instead. Balance is key, even in the land of leafy greens.

5. Brazil Nuts: Selenium Overload

Brazil nuts are one of the richest dietary sources of selenium, a mineral important for thyroid function and antioxidant protection. But they’re so selenium-packed that eating just 2-3 a day gets you to your daily limit. A handful? That might put you over.

Excess selenium can cause symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, gastrointestinal distress, and even neurological issues. So enjoy a couple as a snack, but don’t treat them like popcorn.

6. Chewing Gum: Bubble Trouble

Chewing gum may seem like a harmless habit, but going through pack after pack each day can cause problems. First, many sugar-free gums contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol, which can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea when consumed in large quantities.

Second, all that chewing can cause jaw fatigue or exacerbate TMJ disorders. And if you’re constantly swallowing air, you’re likely to experience bloating or discomfort. Gum in moderation is fine—gum as a hobby? Maybe rethink it.

7. Soy: A Double-Edged Sword

Soy is often hailed as a healthy alternative protein, especially for plant-based eaters. It’s in tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and even many meat substitutes. But soy contains phytoestrogens—plant compounds that mimic estrogen in the body.

While moderate consumption is perfectly safe for most people, very high intakes (like multiple servings per day, every day) may affect hormone levels, especially in those with thyroid issues or hormone-sensitive conditions. It’s always a good idea to mix up your protein sources.

8. Coffee: The Productivity Trap

Coffee is beloved for its ability to sharpen focus, boost energy, and fend off grogginess. But when one cup turns into six, side effects can sneak up on you: anxiety, jitteriness, insomnia, digestive issues, and even heart palpitations.

Caffeine tolerance varies, but most experts suggest capping it at around 400mg per day (roughly 3-4 small cups of coffee). If you find yourself shaking or snapping at your coworkers, it might be time to back off the brew.

9. Licorice: Not Just a Candy

Black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can lower potassium levels and increase sodium retention, leading to high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, and even heart failure if consumed in large amounts.

The FDA has even issued warnings about this—eating just 2 ounces of black licorice per day for two weeks could land someone with heart issues in the hospital. So maybe skip the licorice binge during movie night.

10. Carrots: Orange You Overdoing It?

Carrots are crunchy, sweet, and full of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. But too many carrots—like, say, multiple large servings a day—can cause carotenemia, a harmless but startling condition that turns your skin orange.

It’s not dangerous, but it is kind of embarrassing. If you start to resemble a traffic cone, maybe swap a few carrots for cucumbers.