Raghav Chadha admits to drinking about ‘8-10 cups of tea’ a day ‘when electioneering or campaigning is going on’; how it affects body

But what happens when you drink too much tea in a day?

Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist at Tone 30 Pilates, told indianexpress.com, that tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system and can delay the release of melatonin, the hormone that signals the body it is time to sleep. “Having too much tea can affect sleep cycles in the long run, making them lighter and less restorative in nature. Instead of feeling well-rested, you will end up feeling unrefreshed, experience reduced mental clarity, and higher stress levels the following day,” she said.

Having too much tea can affect sleep cycles in the long run (Source: Instagram/@raghavchadha88)

Dr Narander Singla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, added that in the short term, you may feel jittery, anxious, suffer from insomnia, an upset stomach, or even nausea and vomiting. Your heart rate and blood pressure will spike. In fact, caffeine can also interfere with iron absorption, increasing the risk of anaemia and other nutrient deficiencies, he added.

According to Dr Singla, over time, these health risks grow even more concerning:

• Cardiovascular strain due to persistent elevation of heart rate and blood pressure
• Sleep disruption, affecting mood, immunity, and long-term mental health
• Physical dependence on caffeine, leading to withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability, and fatigue

He recommended ensuring moderation, and sticking to about 1-2 cups a day to avoid further health problems.

Practical strategies to reduce tea intake

According to Joshi, the best way to reduce one’s tea intake is to introduce healthier alternatives into the diet. “Start by replacing one cup of tea with herbal infusions or warm lemon water to keep the comfort of a hot drink without the caffeine hit. Pair each remaining cup of tea with a small snack containing healthy fats and protein, which helps stabilise energy levels and reduces the urge for another cup,” she suggested.

Over the course of few weeks, she recommended gradually diluting the tea with more milk or water before fully replacing it, allowing the body to adjust while minimising headaches or fatigue.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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