Many people enjoy drinking tea because it has health benefits, like making you feel cooler and helping you lose weight. So, is drinking a lot of tea good? Here are 9 side effects of tea you can refer to to avoid overconsumption.
1.Reduced iron absorption
Drinking green tea or any other form of tea stimulates the body's ability to absorb a high concentration of tannins. This is a chemical that reduces iron absorption in the intestines. We are all aware that iron deficiency is a severe condition that has serious consequences for health, blood circulation, and all brain functions. People with iron deficiency should avoid overconsumption tea to avoid exacerbating their condition.
If you have been a vegetarian for a long time, this problem gets worse. Vegetarians are more likely to not get enough iron than people who eat a variety of foods because tannins are more active in plant nutrients than in animal nutrients. It is safest to drink no more than 700ml of tea a day and to do so in the middle of the day, after a meal, when the body has the most iron from the food.
2.Increased anxiety and stress
Tea is abundant in antioxidants, and it also contains a number of stimulants, which are substances that keep the body awake. Tea disrupts the natural circadian rhythm, which is a key cause of the rise in the number of psychological disorders. When you are fatigued and want to relax, forcing your body to stay active can gradually lead to muscle fatigue and tension.
Over time, the stress signal to the brain often causes you to appear anxious and vulnerable to stress and pressure. On average, a cup of tea contains between 11 and 61 mg of caffeine, which helps you stay mentally alert. The longer the steeping time, the higher the amount of caffeine in tea. You can refer to the caffeine dosage in tea and limit it to less than 200 mg per day without affecting your health.
If you drink a lot of green tea and the side effects make you too tired, try switching to herbal tea. This type of tea will contain fewer harmful compounds, thereby helping you relax and feel comfortable.
3.Disrupted sleep cycle
Green tea, especially when steeped for an extended period, can induce insomnia due to its high concentration of compounds that promote wakefulness. Melatonin is a hormone that signals sleepiness, allowing the brain to regulate the body's actions. However, caffeine will stop the production of melatonin, resulting in poor sleep quality. Your health will get worse over time if you don't get enough sleep. Your systems won't be able to eliminate toxins, leading to fatigue, pain, and dementia. Chronic sleep deprivation also contributes to excess body fat and issues with impaired glucose metabolism.
4.Nausea
Tea tastes bitter because of tannins. This is especially clear when you drink green tea. On the other hand, tannin hurts the digestive system and can make you nauseous or give you a stomachache if you use it too much. Each body has its own limit. People who are sensitive to tea should not drink more than 500 ml of tea a day to lessen the effects of tea.
5.Heartburn
Heartburn and acid reflux are symptoms that indicate poor stomach health. According to some studies, caffeine relaxes the sphincter, creating acid reflux and increasing the stomach's acidic environment. However, drinking tea isn't the only cause of acid reflux or heartburn. Other causes of heartburn and acid reflux exist, and drinking tea is merely one of many potential adverse effects. As a result, when this symptom arises, try limiting the amount of tea you consume. If the situation is not improving, seek medical counsel for early preventive measures.
6.Complications during pregnancy
Experts recommend that caffeine poses a significant risk to the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. If used too much, it can cause miscarriage or low birth weight. However, comprehensive research has yet to confirm this. Therefore, pregnant women should not drink green tea but use herbal tea to ensure the safety of pregnancy and baby. Licorice is an herb with a sweet taste, commonly used in medicine to make it easier for patients to consume. However, pregnant women should not use this herb to avoid the risk of premature birth.
7. Headaches
According to research, using 100 mg of caffeine every day for a long time will make headaches more severe and uncomfortable, affecting our health and life. When your body shows signs of headaches, try reducing the amount of tea to monitor and evaluate. If your habit of drinking tea is causing your headaches, gradually lessen your intake to relieve them.
8. Dizziness
When using teas containing sedatives, you will experience some side effects such as dizziness. However, this usually happens to people who consume excessive amounts of green tea. To prevent consuming too much at once, you can take tiny sips. You will have fewer dizzy symptoms as a result.
9. Caffeine dependence
Caffeine is considered an addictive stimulant when used over an extended period of time. If you are addicted to this substance, you will have difficulty giving it up or quitting, since you may experience headaches, anxiety, exhaustion, and pain. The level will differ from person to person.
However, with addictive stimulants, doctors always advise us to avoid them so that we do not grow reliant on them. The body does not require stimulants to function well, and it maintains a consistent biological rhythm for health and survival.
Drinking tea is a cultural tradition that many people value and find difficult to abandon, yet drinking it properly is an issue that we must address. Drinking tea in moderation and on a daily basis can help minimize the risk of chronic diseases.
As a result, you should balance your tea consumption to reduce the negative effects it has on your health. You can also consult a specialist for guidance and help on whether drinking a lot of tea is beneficial or not.
Vinmec International General Hospital has created a comprehensive health check-up package for all clients. The aforementioned package enables doctors to evaluate an individual's overall health through various tests, including liver, blood, kidney, blood pressure, heart rate, urine tests, and blood tests. Based on the examination results, the doctor will advise and provide the optimal nutrition, lifestyle, and activity recommendations for each individual's health condition. We also recommend regular health check-ups to lower your risk of developing numerous chronic diseases.
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Reference source: healthline.com
