The Downsides of Drinking a Lot of Tea

Tea is satisfying, soothing, and has numerous healing properties. However, it is possible to consume too much tea, and in doing so negatively affect your health. The downsides of drinking a lot of tea may not be obvious at first, but they’re good to be aware of!

You Might Have Trouble Sleeping 

Tea naturally contains caffeine; between 20 to 60 milligrams per cup. If you are drinking a lot of tea, the caffeine will add up. An excessive intake of caffeine has been linked to sleep disruption, headaches, and anxiety. Studies show caffeine may inhibit melatonin production, which is the hormone that signals to your brain it is time to sleep. Inadequate sleep can cause a variety of mental issues, increased headaches, and increased anxiety. The kind of tea you drink will determine how much you should safely drink, but avoid doing so close to bedtime if it has any caffeine.

It Can Stain Your Teeth 

The herbs and ingredients contained in tea are very potent and stain easily. You would not want to spill your tea on furniture or clothing because of how easily it stains. Naturally, drinking a lot of tea over a long period of time can stain your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can remove stains if you’ve developed a habit of drinking a lot of tea. For example, teeth whitening can significantly help reduce the appearance of stains. For your dental health it is also wise to limit your intake to minimize the deterioration and staining of your teeth. Consider changing your tea intake to capsules to avoid teeth staining.

Reduced Iron Absorption 

Tea is rich in a class of compounds called tannins. Tannins bind to iron in certain foods, making your digestive tract unable to absorb the essential mineral. Drinking a lot of tea can lead to an iron deficiency. If you have low iron levels, you may want to examine the amount of tea you are drinking and how much tannins are contained in it. Limiting your intake to 3 or fewer cups a day is safe for most individuals. You can also consider consuming your tea between meals to mitigate the tannins from binding to proteins eaten at mealtime.

Moderate tea consumption is a healthy choice for most people. Depending on the variety of tea and its compounds, most people are safe to drink 3 to 4 cups a day. Too much consumption can lead to trouble sleeping, however, as well as stained teeth and reduced iron absorption. Monitor your tea intake to develop the best and healthiest plan for you and your lifestyle. 

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