Negative Effects of Green Tea

Although green tea is known to have very few side effects it does have a few possible adverse reactions that could cause complications for some individuals. 

Like most generally safe things in life problems can take place when something is used in excess. This is becoming increasingly apparent now that people are consuming larger quantities of supplements and herbal remedies. Some individuals are consuming larger amounts than would be regarded as a safe amount to ingest on a regular daily basis. When consumed in larger quantities virtually any product can become unsafe so a good rule of thumb is to always use a product in moderation rather than excess. In rare cases green tea can also cause a drug interaction or blood clotting issue to occur. 

Used as a medicinal drink for centuries green tea has proven itself time and again to be a beneficial herbal supplement. It has been sipped in Asian countries for thousands of years. That is one of the reasons why it is now showing such a dramatic increase in Britain, Canada, and the United States. Its reputation is well known.
The popularity of green tea is increasing as more individuals discover the anti-cancer anti-aging metabolism boosting compounds that are found within it.

Although generally sipping tea is a good thing there are instances where issues can arise. The most common health issue that occurs from the consumption of green tea is an adverse reaction to caffeine. This can be displayed in symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, insomnia, heart palpitation, dizziness, headache, or a loss of appetite and is generally not too serious of a health concern.

A caffeine overload is rarely a problem when this beverage is taken in small quantities because it contains very low quantities of caffeine. But as mentioned previously, due the beneficial medicinal properties of antioxidants more individuals are ingesting it in supplement form and thus in larger quantities.

Besides drinking numerous cups individuals are now often consuming the extracts or concentrated pill form of green tea's essential ingredients. If individuals are also drinking other caffeinated beverages like dark soda pop or coffee then this can open these individuals up to a possible caffeine overdose. It is important to note that the use of some oral contraceptives can increase the effects of caffeine within the body. Individuals who suffer from heart problems, kidney disorders, stomach ulcers, psychological disorders or who drink large amounts of caffeine or may be pregnant might find themselves experiencing ill effects from drinking large amounts of green tea.

Individuals with underlying health issues should consult a doctor before using any product in supplement form and should consider restricting the usage to minimal quantities.

Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties so quite a few people now use it to help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory illnessWhat a lot of people may not know is that this beverage has anti-clotting properties and in larger doses can help to prevent platelets from clotting. This is not usually an issue and can be important in the prevention of heart attack and stroke but for individuals using blood thinning medications it can be a deadly combination.

ASA is a popular anti-inflammatory but it also dilutes the blood. Omega 3 supplements are often used as an alternative therapy in the treatment of some chronic illness including arthritic disorders and it can also thin the blood as well. When using these treatments in conjunction with large amounts of green tea it can cause a serious risk of internal bleeding.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea Are Delightfully Many
 

Those individuals taking blood thinning medications for other problems such as cardiovascular disease or stroke should also be very careful in their use of green tea as it is rich in vitamin K which can cause the drug "Warfarin" to be less effective. Other drugs which can have possible adverse reactions when combined with green tea or its supplements are Phenylpropanolamine (an ingredient found in some weight loss medications as well as some over the counter cough and cold remedies), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, Ephedrine, Lithium, Clozapine, Benzodiazepines, Adenosine, and some Beta-blockers. 

It all comes down to being responsible. Up to 5 cups a day is generally considered safe but if you have health issues it may be wise to avoid taking pill supplements or large portions of matcha which are stronger more concentrated forms of this plant based product. Like all things in life the ideal is to not take it to the extreme. 

There are many beneficial medicinal properties to be found within green tea but as in the use of all herbal products discuss usage with your family practitioner and especially if you are on blood thinners or will be using this herb in large quantitities. Always discuss alternative therapies with your doctor before you begin them. 

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