Contraindications of green tea: when it is not advisable to take it
We have talked a lot about the benefits of green tea, and we have even included it in many recipes that we have recommended. However, we must also bear in mind that also may have adverse effects, whether it is consumed in excess or that its properties may aggravate any medical condition that we have previously.
If you have read our article about coffee and the contraindications that it presents, you will see that we have told you something quite similar. This is because the tea (in any of its different varieties) contains caffeine. Although, yes, we must clarify that compared to coffee-its content is obviously much lower.
For example, while a cup of coffee contains between 60 and 120 milligrams of caffeine, a cup of green tea contributes between 10 to 15 milligrams. What's more, did you know that black tea is the variety of tea that has the most caffeine content? In fact it contributes between 25 to 100 milligrams.
This means that coffee can have up to 5 times more caffeine than equal amount of green tea. But anyway, if your doctor has recommended you to reduce caffeine, keep this in mind.
What can happen if we drink too much green tea
We will begin by talking about the effects that green tea has when it is consumed in greater quantity than recommended. That is why we must, first of all, know what is the recommended amount. Since The intake of caffeine must be less than 200 milligrams per day, this is equivalent to drink less than 5 cups of green tea a day.
In case of exceeding the amount that we mentioned may appear side effects as a result of excess intake. Among these effects may be mentioned alterations of mood such as increased nervousness or increased irritability, this is also associated with difficulties in sleeping.
Excessive consumption of green tea can also make us feel confused, headache, dizziness and ringing in the ears. It can affect the digestive system causing vomiting and diarrhea, as well as acidity in the stomach. It can generate irregular heartbeats in our heart and -because its caffeine content acts on our nervous system- it is also possible that it generates tremors and even convulsions.
That's why he remembers, as it's always said, excesses are not good, and green tea is no exception.
Contraindications of green tea
It is time to talk about the contraindications, that is, the situations in which we should not take this drink to avoid unwanted effects or the worsening of a medical condition. People who suffer from some of the following health problems: glaucoma, hypertension, peptic ulcers, acid reflux or anemia.
Beware of excessive consumption
As we indicated before, consuming an excessive amount of green tea can cause certain side effects, mainly because we exceed 190 mg. recommended daily maximum of caffeine.
Thus, symptoms such as high blood pressure, vomiting, headaches and dizziness, arrhythmias, insomnia and nervousness can occur.
Interaction with some drugs and medications
You also need to know that the interaction of green tea with certain drugs that you may be taking as a result of medical treatment can be harmful. Among the list of medicines that can be mixed with green tea are those that have in their compounds ephedrine, clozapine, lithium, inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAOI) and phenylpropanolamine. Anyway, the ideal is to check when you are taking a medication with your doctor if it is not compatible with caffeine or green tea for any reason.
It can also intervene in the action of sibutramine, a medicine used medically for the treatment of obesity.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy there are those who recommend drinking only up to two cups a day, but also other experts suggest that you should not consume any green tea because of its effects on the baby's nervous system. Therefore, we suggest you ask your trusted doctor who knows your case and will know what is right for you and your child.
However, there is no certainty about the effects of green tea on the fetus, since some studies have found that it could happen to the baby and cause some irregularities in his nervous system. For this reason, not only is its consumption not recommended during pregnancy, but also during breastfeeding.
Not suitable for children
Although it is known that green tea contains a smaller amount of caffeine than green tea, It is not a recommended drink for children, even if consumed in small amounts.
It is not recommended to take it on an empty stomach
For its content in tannins, when we consume green tea on an empty stomach can cause heartburn and constipation. In addition, we must moderate their consumption in case of heartburn and ulcers.
In summary, below we indicate when it is not appropriate to drink green tea:
- When we consume certain medications and drugs.
- Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Not suitable for children.
- Moderate your consumption in case of heartburn, ulcers and other digestive problems.