Harmful effects of drinking Excessive TEA

Tea is one of the most widely consumed drinks. It is taken primarily as a hot drink for its stimulating effects. One feels refreshed after drinking it and gets over his tired feelings. This reputation leads to tea drinking habit, which in course of time becomes deep-rooted and difficult to give up.

The global tea market is immense, with over 6 billion cups consumed each day. This widespread consumption highlights the popularity of the beverage, but it also emphasizes the potential risks associated with overconsumption. When people drink tea excessively, it can introduce several health concerns that are often underestimated.

Why Tea Can Become Addictive

The most active alkaloid principle in tea is caffeine. This is an addictive drug as it stimulates the central nervous system. The effects are short-lived, but withdrawal symptoms observed are lethargy, headaches, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. All this shows that tea contains a strong drug which could lead to potential health problems.

One common issue that arises with regular tea consumption is caffeine dependency. Caffeine addiction is recognized by the World Health Organization as a clinical disorder, often comparable to other addictions. The symptoms of caffeine withdrawal can start as early as 12-24 hours after the last cup of tea, demonstrating how quickly the body becomes reliant on the substance.

Tea’s Composition and Its Origins

Tea is prepared from leaves of a shrub belonging to the camellia family. The plant is a native of Southeast Asia. The earliest record of its cultivation comes from China in the 4th century AD.

The chemical composition of tea leaves is as follows:

– Moisture: 5 – 8%
– Aromatic oils: 0.5%
– Caffeine: 2.5 – 5%
– Nitrogen: 4.75 – 5.5%
– Soluble substances: 38 – 45%
– Tannin: 7 – 14%
– Minerals: 5 – 5.75%

Tea contains a variety of compounds that contribute to both its flavor and its potential health risks. Tannins, for example, are responsible for the bitter taste of tea, but they also have astringent properties that can interfere with digestion. Studies have shown that tannins can inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron, which could contribute to deficiencies in people who consume large amounts of tea [Source].

Impact of Tea on Digestion

The primary effects of tea are due to alkaloids, caffeine, tannin, and aromatic oils. It is not only the composition of tea leaves that is harmful but also the composition of the infusion, which is prepared by boiling tea with water.

Tea is said to slow down digestion. It impedes the action of ptyalin, a digestive ferment in saliva, which acts on cooked starch. Tannin is responsible for the inhibition of this condition. This effect could, however, disappear once milk is added, as milk precipitates tannin.

But, it’s important to note that even when milk is added, tea can still have detrimental effects on the digestive system. Regular tea consumption can delay stomach digestion, potentially leading to gas formation, diarrhea, and constipation. For those suffering from acid reflux or other gastrointestinal issues, excessive tea consumption can exacerbate their conditions.

Kidney Disorders and Tea Consumption

Experiments show that 5 cups of tea increase urine production by 400 – 500% in people vulnerable to kidney-related ailments. This continued stimulation of the kidneys by caffeine might damage them. Tea could also promote kidney stone formation due to its high concentration of oxalate.

Recent studies suggest that the oxalate content in tea could be linked to an increased risk of developing kidney stones. In fact, a study from the Cleveland Clinic found that drinking large amounts of iced tea could significantly increase a person’s risk for kidney stones, particularly in men. Excessive oxalate in the urine binds with calcium to form stones that may require medical intervention to remove.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Tea

Drinking tea could aggravate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. According to a research conducted by Dr. Annette Rossignol, an associate professor of public health at Oregon University, women in China who drank between 1 – 4 cups of tea a day were twice as likely to have PMS than non-tea drinkers. Drinking 8 cups of tea increased the PMS occurrence tenfold.

While the exact cause remains unclear, some experts believe that the caffeine in tea may affect hormone levels, intensifying symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings. Women prone to PMS should monitor their caffeine intake and reduce tea consumption if symptoms worsen during their menstrual cycle.

Incontinence and Bladder Health

Drinking too much tea could lead to incontinence or frequent/urgent impulses to urinate. According to a recent study conducted at St. George’s Hospital London, caffeine could exert pressure on the bladder by causing muscles surrounding it to contract, increasing the need to urinate.

The relationship between caffeine and bladder health is particularly important for older adults. Incontinence is already a concern for many in this demographic, and excessive caffeine intake can aggravate the condition. For some individuals, even moderate amounts of tea can cause bladder irritation.

Impact on the Heart and Respiratory System

The respiratory and cardiac muscles are also stimulated by caffeine as coronary arteries get dilated, resulting in the increase in the rate of blood flow. The quickening of respiration lowers the level of carbon dioxide and increases the heat production of the body by 10 – 20%.

Excessive caffeine intake, often from tea, can lead to increased heart rate and palpitations. For individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, such as arrhythmias or high blood pressure, drinking large amounts of tea can exacerbate these issues. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that high caffeine consumption could be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, particularly in people who are genetically predisposed to caffeine sensitivity.

Conclusion

While tea is a beloved beverage worldwide, its excessive consumption carries notable risks. From kidney issues to digestive problems and even heart concerns, it’s important to monitor tea intake carefully. Enjoying tea in moderation, perhaps substituting with herbal varieties, can help avoid these harmful effects while still providing enjoyment.