5 Dangers of Drinking Tea If You Consumed Too Much

Tea, especially black and green varieties, contains significant amounts of caffeine. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to several adverse effects, such as insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, headaches, dizziness, and an increased heart rate.

For some individuals, excessive caffeine can also cause gastrointestinal disturbances, such as stomach upset and acid reflux. Chronic overconsumption of caffeine can lead to dependence, and sudden withdrawal can result in symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and headache.

Tea contains tannins, compounds that can bind to iron in the digestive tract and reduce its absorption. This can be particularly problematic for individuals who are prone to iron deficiency or anemia.

Drinking large amounts of tea, especially during meals, can significantly lower the body's ability to absorb iron from plant-based sources (non-heme iron). Over time, this can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Tea, particularly black tea, is high in oxalates, which are compounds that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Oxalates can bind with calcium in the kidneys to form calcium oxalate, a common type of kidney stone.

Individuals who are prone to kidney stones or have a history of them should be cautious about consuming large quantities of tea. Symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or side, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.

While tea itself is not highly acidic, some varieties can stain teeth due to their tannin content. More importantly, adding sugar or honey to tea can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Consuming sugary tea frequently can lead to cavities and other dental problems. Additionally, the astringent nature of tannins can sometimes cause dry mouth, reducing saliva production and thereby increasing the risk of oral health issues.

Some teas may contain contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful substances due to the way they are grown and processed. Drinking large amounts of tea over a long period can increase the risk of exposure to these contaminants, potentially leading to adverse health effects.

Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, for example, can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms such as numbness and cognitive dysfunction. Choosing high-quality, organic teas and being mindful of the source can help mitigate this risk.