What are the potential harms of drinking too much green tea?
Nov 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, excessive consumption of green tea may lead to tooth discoloration, impaired sleep quality, gastrointestinal discomfort, reduced iron absorption, and increased burden on the kidneys. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Green tea contains certain pigments; if consumed in excess and teeth are not cleaned in a timely manner, these pigments can adhere to the teeth, causing discoloration and affecting aesthetics.
Generally speaking, excessive consumption of green tea may lead to tooth discoloration, impaired sleep quality, gastrointestinal reactions, reduced iron absorption, and increased burden on the kidneys. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Tooth Discoloration
Green tea contains certain pigments. If consumed in excess and teeth are not cleaned promptly, these pigments can adhere easily to the surface of teeth, causing discoloration and affecting aesthetics.
2. Impaired Sleep Quality
Green tea contains substances such as theophylline and caffeine, which can stimulate the nervous system. Excessive intake, especially before bedtime, may cause symptoms such as headache, insomnia, dry mouth, palpitations, and may also increase the frequency of nocturnal urination, thereby affecting sleep quality.
3. Gastrointestinal Reactions
Excessive consumption of green tea may stimulate gastric acid secretion and irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to excessive acid production and resulting in discomfort such as stomach pain, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating. These symptoms may be more pronounced when green tea is consumed on an empty stomach.
4. Reduced Iron Absorption
Green tea contains a large amount of tannic acid. Excessive intake may interfere with the body's absorption of iron. Long-term excessive consumption may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. In addition, tannic acid may also affect the absorption of other minerals such as calcium.
5. Increased Burden on the Kidneys
Green tea contains components such as caffeine and oxalic acid, which can be irritating to the kidneys. Drinking excessive amounts of green tea increases water intake, and the excess water must be metabolized by the kidneys, thereby increasing their workload.
It is recommended to drink green tea in moderation and avoid excessive consumption. If adverse symptoms caused by excessive green tea consumption occur and persist without improvement, timely medical attention should be sought, and active cooperation with the doctor's treatment is advised.
