Worry, kidney failure, constipation, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular damage, and cancer are health issues that can arise from excessive tea consumption.
Tea is a popular beverage loved by many around the world. However, like any other drink or food, consuming too much tea can lead to various unpleasant side effects on health.
According to WebMD, drinking green tea in moderation is safe for most people. Green tea extract can be safe when used for up to 2 years or as a mouthwash for a short period.
Drinking more than 8 cups of green tea daily may not be safe. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects due to caffeine content.
Dr. Luong Y Phung Tuan Giang, President of the Vietnam Institute for Traditional Medicine Research and Development, states that green tea is considered one of the safest and healthiest beverages to consume. However, there are still several things to keep in mind when drinking green tea.
There are some side effects, although many of them are quite rare. Most of these side effects affect those who are sensitive to caffeine or tannins.
Causing Anxiety
The caffeine content in tea can have positive effects on some individuals, but it can adversely affect many others. Drinking too much tea may lead to restlessness, anxiety, increased heart rate, and insomnia.
Causing Addiction
If you rely on tea or coffee for an extended period, you may find it difficult to limit these beverages, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Fluoride Toxicity in Bones
This is one of the most dangerous health issues associated with excessive tea consumption. Tea contains high fluoride levels, which can lead to fluoride toxicity in the bones, resulting in pain.
Tea is good for health, but excessive consumption can lead to many dangerous side effects. (Image: Boldsky).
Prostate Cancer
This is the worst side effect of drinking too much tea. Those who consume a lot of tea each day have a 50% increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Kidney Failure
This is a rare side effect of drinking excessive tea, including iced tea; however, it can still occur. Recently, a 56-year-old American experienced kidney failure related to excessive tea consumption.
Constipation
Many believe that drinking tea in the morning helps the digestive system function efficiently, but excessive use can be harmful. A chemical in tea called theophylline can cause a dehydrating effect in the intestines, leading to constipation.
Stomach Issues
The caffeine in black tea can cause the stomach to produce acidic substances. Therefore, individuals with stomach issues like gastric ulcers should avoid black tea.
Cardiovascular Problems
Those with heart disease or recovering from cardiovascular disorders should avoid black tea. The caffeine in tea is not good for the cardiovascular system and can exacerbate issues with this organ if consumed in excess.
Risk of Miscarriage
Caffeine in tea can harm the fetus, posing a risk of miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid drinking tea or coffee.
Diuretic Effects and Sleep Disturbances
Caffeine in tea acts as a mild diuretic but can be harmful if consumed excessively (about 300mg of caffeine is equivalent to 6 cups of tea). It can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue.
Clinical studies in humans show that up to 1.6g of green tea extract is well tolerated in a single dose. The maximum tolerable dose in humans is reported to be 9.9g per day, which is equivalent to 24 cups of green tea.
Nonetheless, according to experts, each person should only drink about 4-5 cups of green tea per day and should seek medical advice when using extracts or products containing green tea extract.
