Dangers of AI in healthcare (Image Source: Freepik)
A 60-year-old man was hospitalized after following ChatGPT’s advice to remove salt from his diet and replace it with toxic sodium bromide. Experts warn against relying solely on AI for health guidance.
These days, many people turn to ChatGPT for advice, whether it’s picking an outfit, fixing a bad hair day, or figuring out what to eat. It feels almost like talking to a friend who always has an answer and is there for you no matter what. Recently, a 60-year-old man ended up in the hospital after following ChatGPT’s suggestion to swap regular salt for sodium bromide. While this chemical was once used in medicines over a century ago, it can be dangerous in large amounts.
According to a case report in the Annals of Internal Medicine (published by the American College of Physicians), the man had been using sodium bromide for three months. He ordered it online after reading on AI that bromide could replace chloride, not realising it was meant for cleaning, not eating.
Doctors found that he had ‘bromism,’ a condition caused by excessive bromide in the body. During his stay, he also developed paranoia, hallucinations, and skin problems.
“He was very thirsty but refused water we offered because he believed it was contaminated,” the report noted. He was treated with fluids and electrolytes, and once he was medically stable, he was transferred to the psychiatric unit.
Why salt matters for your health
Salt, or sodium chloride, is important for the body. Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explains that, “Sodium helps with nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining the body’s fluid balance. Cutting it out entirely without medical supervision can cause hyponatremia, a dangerously low sodium level in the blood.”
When sodium levels drop too far, it can lead to headaches, confusion, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and death. A 2018 BMJ study titled ‘Effect of longer-term modest salt reduction on blood pressure’ found that both very high and very low sodium intakes are linked to higher health risks.
What happens when you stop eating salt completely?
As per American Heart Association, your body needs about 1,500 mg of sodium every day. Without enough sodium, your cells can swell, causing headaches, confusion, and nausea. You may also experience low blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy or you may even faint. Since sodium helps muscles contract, too little can lead to weakness or cramps. Without enough sodium, your nerves can’t work properly, which may cause seizures.
Dr. Gupta warns that AI tools cannot replace a doctor. “AI can give general information, but it doesn’t know your medical history or lifestyle. It’s dangerous to make big changes to your diet or medication without a doctor’s guidance,” he said.
AI like ChatGPT works by predicting answers based on patterns in data. It is not aware of the latest clinical guidelines for your personal case, and it cannot monitor side effects or run tests. He further explains that AI can help you learn more about your health, but it’s safest to use it as a supplement to and not a replacement for real medical advice. The safest way is to talk to a doctor who knows your health well and can give advice after taking the required tests.
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Author: stuartbramhall
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