Why Do We Get Drunk on Green Tea?

Currently, green tea is a popular beverage enjoyed by many people due to its beneficial effects. Some even feel “addicted to green tea.” But why do people feel dizzy after drinking it?

Causes of Green Tea Intoxication

Green tea contains tannins, which are astringent compounds. If consumed on an empty stomach, these substances enter the intestines and can cool the spleen and stomach.

At that point, you may experience a feeling of restlessness, nausea, dizziness, discomfort, rapid heartbeat, and weakness in the limbs… This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “green tea intoxication.”

Tannins can also irritate the stomach lining. Their ability to stimulate the stomach to secrete more acid may lead to a loss of appetite and poor nutrient absorption.

Avoid drinking green tea overnight.

How to Use Green Tea Properly

Avoid drinking immediately after meals: Green tea contains tannins, which can bind with iron and protein in food, reducing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Tannins are known to “neutralize” iron, limiting its uptake. It’s best to wait about 15 – 20 minutes after eating before drinking.
Do not drink green tea overnight: Overnight green tea typically loses its color and develops a stale smell as some vitamins break down. Therefore, it is advisable to consume green tea within the same day.
Avoid drinking green tea when taking medications: Compounds like tannins and caffeine in green tea can interact with medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse reactions.
Do not drink green tea on an empty stomach: Consuming green tea when hungry can lead to discomfort, nausea, and dizziness, commonly referred to as “green tea intoxication.”
Avoid drinking green tea in the evening before bed: Green tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system and disrupt sleep.
Pregnant women should limit green tea consumption: Green tea can stimulate the nervous system, leading to insomnia and increased heart rate, which may affect the fetus.
Drink tea with light snacks: Good tea pairs well with any light snacks, providing relief from discomfort that might arise from tea intoxication, especially for those who enjoy sweet or savory treats.
Avoid freshly picked tea leaves: Fresh tea leaves often contain higher concentrations of caffeine and active alkaloids compared to older tea. It is best to let the tea age for at least half a month before consuming.
Keep the tea light: Reduce the amount of tea and steeping time to avoid overly strong brews. Drinking milder tea not only helps avoid side effects but also refines your palate.

How to Handle Green Tea Intoxication

If you drink tea, do not consume it too strong or too much to avoid intoxication.

When experiencing tea intoxication, it is essential to rest, hydrate, warm your hands and feet, and apply pressure to specific acupressure points such as the temples (on both sides), Yintang (between the eyebrows), Baihui (top of the head), and Fengchi (the hollows at the base of the skull) to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, you can mix lemon, ginger, and sugar in water to stabilize your heart rate and consume candies, jams, or cakes to counter low blood sugar.

It is advisable to rest and avoid driving or strenuous activities, as the effects of tea intoxication may linger and could lead to fainting due to low blood sugar.

Be mindful in the future when consuming green tea; avoid drinking it too strong or in excess. While it is rare to become so intoxicated that one cannot drink, consuming strong and large amounts can easily lead to intoxication, particularly for those who are not accustomed to drinking tea.

As soon as you feel the effects of tea intoxication, the most effective way to improve your condition is to eat something immediately. Below, we present three foods that can help you alleviate this discomfort:

Meat: The best food to recommend is meat, which can easily make you feel better and satisfied.
Sugar candies: These aim to increase your blood sugar levels, preventing any side effects from drinking tea.
Drink syrup: Besides eating some foods, syrup can be a wise choice when feeling intoxicated, by mixing a little water with honey, brown sugar, or hard candy.

Be especially cautious if you have cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, as tea intoxication can lead to serious complications. In such cases, you should seek medical attention directly.