Tea is undeniably one of the most popular drinks worldwide, with preferences varying from classic masala chai to soothing chamomile and decaf varieties.
Each type offers its own set of natural benefits and health advantages.
However, like anything, moderation is essential, as excessive tea consumption can negatively impact your health.
If you feel that you’re becoming too reliant on tea, these surprising facts might encourage you to reduce your intake.
Here’s a closer look at how drinking too much tea can affect your health:
Sleep Disruptions
If you’re struggling with insomnia or poor sleep, excessive tea consumption might be the cause.
The caffeine in tea can interfere with melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep, leading to disruptions in your sleep patterns.
Reduced Nutrient Absorption
Too much caffeine can impair digestion and decrease the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients.
Tea contains tannins, which can block the absorption of iron from food.
To prevent this, it’s better to drink tea between meals rather than during them.
Increased Anxiety
While many people turn to tea for stress relief, excessive caffeine can actually increase feelings of stress and anxiety.
If you’re feeling restless or anxious, it might be worth cutting back on tea and switching to calming options like chamomile, green, or white tea.
Digestive Discomfort
Tea, particularly varieties with caffeine, can cause digestive issues. Caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can lead to heartburn, bloating, acid reflux, and other discomforts.
Pregnancy Risks
Excessive tea drinking during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the baby.
High caffeine intake may lead to complications, so it’s recommended to choose caffeine-free or herbal teas during pregnancy.
Headaches
While tea might seem like a remedy for headaches, consuming too much caffeine can actually contribute to them.
Relying heavily on caffeine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, particularly if you skip tea during intermittent fasting.
Nausea
Drinking certain teas, especially milk-based ones, can cause nausea. This is often due to tannins, which can irritate the digestive system and lead to bloating and stomach discomfort.