Tea is universally well-loved. It’s one of the most popular beverages in the world, second only to water. Can you get addicted to tea, though? Let’s find out!
Is Tea Addiction a Thing?
According to the Tea Association of the USA, the world consumes tea more than any other type of beverage. This begs the question: can an individual get addicted to tea?
As most of us probably know, tea contains caffeine; a natural stimulant that helps us stay alert and active. An average 8-ounce cup of tea is said to contain approximately 40 to 80 milligrams of caffeine. In comparison, coffee contains anywhere between 60 to 120 milligrams of caffeine.
While less than coffee, the caffeine content found in tea is higher than most soda brands. As a result, the risk of tea addiction is more likely than soda addiction.
It’s important to keep in mind that tea drinkers aren’t usually addicted to the tea itself, but the compounds found in it. Prolonged exposure to caffeine makes the body dependent and may oftentimes cease to function properly without a daily dose.
Symptoms that are associated with tea addiction can be the following:
- Drinking a cup of tea every hour or two
- Feeling irritable when unable to drink tea
- Sudden mood changes on being unable to drink tea
- Lack of concentration and fatigue when unable to drink tea
- Feeling depressed or anxious when you don’t drink tea for more than 12-24 hours
How Much Is Too Much?
Similar to coffee, drinking too much tea can be harmful to your system. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that people shouldn’t consume any more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which equates to approximately 4.5 to 12 cups of tea.
Pregnant women are advised to limit their daily caffeine intake to only 200 milligrams. The same is said for individuals with heart, kidney, and liver disease, along with those who experience severe anxiety and seizures.
Possible side-effects of drinking too much tea include the following:
- Iron deficiency
- Increased stress, restlessness, and anxiety
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Heartburn due to increased stomach acid production
- Nausea, especially when consumed on an empty stomach
- Recurrent headaches and dizziness
- Dependency to caffeine
Tea is linked to a number of health benefits, including improved cholesterol and heart health, decreased blood pressure, and reduced inflammation. However, like most beverages, moderation is key.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it might be best to reduce your tea intake before it causes any more adverse side-effects. Consulting your healthcare provider is likewise a great idea if you’re not quite sure how much tea is safe for your body.
Final Thoughts
Can you get addicted to tea? Yes, of course! Tea contains caffeine and small traces of nicotine, both of which contribute to its addicting factor.
Drinking too much tea can be damaging to one’s health, so make sure you don’t drink more than the recommended amount.