Published By: Sougata Dutta

Tea Consumption: Know The Risks

Know your tea statistics!

One of the main reasons excessive tea consumption can be harmful is due to the caffeine content. Caffeine is a stimulant that can have negative effects on the body when consumed in excess, such as increasing heart rate and blood pressure, causing anxiety and insomnia, and leading to dehydration. Additionally, tea contains tannins, which can inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron.

Insomnia

The caffeine in tea can cause difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to insomnia.

Dehydration

Drinking too much tea can lead to dehydration, especially if you are not also drinking enough water.

Headaches

Excessive caffeine intake can cause headaches, especially if you suddenly stop drinking tea after consuming it regularly.

Nausea and Vomiting

Drinking large amounts of tea can cause nausea and vomiting, especially if consumed on an empty stomach.

Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

The caffeine in tea can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be harmful for people with pre-existing heart conditions.

Bone Loss

Consuming too much tea can lead to a loss of bone density, especially in women.

Stained Teeth

Drinking large amounts of tea can lead to stained teeth, as tea contains tannins that can discolour tooth enamel.

In summary, drinking tea in moderation is generally safe and can have several health benefits. However, excessive tea consumption can lead to negative side effects, including insomnia, dehydration, headaches, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, bone loss, and stained teeth.

Ways to set a limitation of drinking too much tea-

  • Set a limit: Determine how much tea you want to drink each day and stick to that limit.
  • Alternate with water: Drink water in between cups of tea to help stay hydrated and avoid drinking too much tea.
  • Choose decaffeinated tea: If you're sensitive to caffeine, consider drinking decaffeinated tea to avoid the negative side effects of excessive caffeine consumption.
  • Monitor your intake: Keep track of how much tea you drink each day to ensure you're staying within your desired limit.
  • Drink herbal tea: If you're looking for a hot beverage without caffeine, consider drinking herbal tea, which is naturally caffeine-free.
  • Take breaks: Take a break from drinking tea for a few days or weeks to give your body a chance to reset and adjust to drinking less tea.
  • Be mindful: Pay attention to how drinking tea makes you feel and adjust your consumption accordingly. If you notice negative side effects, cut back on your tea intake.
Remember, drinking tea in moderation is generally safe and can have several health benefits. However, it's important to be aware of your tea consumption and take steps to avoid drinking too much if you're concerned about negative side effects.