5 Side Effects of Drinking Excess Green Tea

Green Tea, a concoction which from time immemorial was used as a medicinal herb in China is now one of the most sought after hot beverages. It has become the healthy elixir which is fast replacing other beverages in terms of consumption.

Known world-over for the health benefits of consumption of green tea and its active role in weight loss, it is considered to be one of the safest and healthiest drinks. However, like any other caffeine drink, consuming green tea in moderation is always recommended.

Although green tea is packed with several health benefits, the famous saying, ‘Too much of a good thing is a bad thing’, holds true for green tea as well. Excessive consumption of green tea is also known to have side effects. Most of these side effects affect individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or tannins.

Here are 5 side-effects of drinking excessive amounts of green tea:

* Stomach Irritation

Some compounds in green tea are known to induce excessive production of stomach acids. This can cause stomach irritation, stomach upset, heartburns/acid reflux, constipation, and nausea. Green tea is also diuretic and consuming excessive amount can lead to dehydration. Large amounts of green tea can also have a laxative effect on the digestive system and cause diarrhoea. To avoid this side effect, it is best to not consume green tea in empty stomach. It is ideal if you consume green tea an hour after your meal. However, if you suffer from acid reflux disease or stomach ulcers, it is best to avoid green tea.

* Sleep Disorders

Green tea contains caffeine which may cause sleeping problems for people sensitive to caffeine. There are also other chemical compounds in green tea which inhibit the release of the hormone which aids sleep. Excessive consumption of green can reduce sleep quality and cause insomnia, irritability, depression, anger, and anxiety. It is best to avoid drinking more than 2 -3 cups of mild green tea and to consume it at least 5 hours before your regular sleep time.

* Anaemia and Iron Deficiency

Certain compounds in green tea bind iron and block iron absorption. This leads to iron deficiency and in severe cases, anaemia. To avoid this side effect, it is best to moderate the consumption of green tea and add lemon to your cup of tea. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid drinking green tea immediately before or after your meals; give your body at least an hour to absorb the nutrients before you pick up your cup. In case you are already suffering from anaemia, it is advisable to avoid green tea altogether.

* Liver Disease

Excessive consumption of green tea leads to caffeine build ups which may stress the liver causing liver damage and disease. To avoid this side-effect you must limit your intake to a maximum of 4-5 cups of green tea in a day. It is also recommended to avoid combining green tea with antibiotics, stimulants, asthma medications or any other drug can pose a risk of liver damage.

* Deterioration in Bone Health

Compounds in green tea inhibit the absorption of calcium, therefore, excessive consumption of green tea may result in a deterioration of bone health. It is advisable to limit the daily intake of green tea to 2 – 3 cups a day. In case you tend to consume more than that, it is best to consult your physician for safe calcium supplements to support your bone health.

Most of these negative side effects are due to the caffeine content and only occur when the beverage is consumed in large amounts. Despite these side effects, the health benefits of green tea cannot be negated. If you stick to the mantra that, ‘moderation is the key’, and consume only the recommended amounts, you can safely reap the benefits of this herb.