Just like alcohol can get you drunk, so can tea.
In fact, during our daily tea-drinking routines, most of us have likely experienced some degree of being “tea drunk.” Common symptoms include stomach discomfort, hunger pangs, and heart palpitations.
Of course, more severe reactions to being tea drunk can occur. These include headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, weakness, and trembling. You might feel an emptiness in your stomach, yet it feels as if something is churning inside, rising to your throat with an urge to vomit that cannot be satisfied. In serious cases, it can even lead to foaming at the mouth.
The Mechanisms Behind Getting Tea Drunk
While it’s commonly believed that the stimulating effects of caffeine are the main cause of tea drunkenness, this is only part of the story. There are two primary physiological pathways that lead to this state:
1. Electrolyte Imbalance
Excessive tea consumption leads to frequent urination, causing a loss of essential ions like sodium and potassium. This disrupts the body’s electrolyte balance, which can result in symptoms such as heart palpitations, dry heaving, and dizziness.
2. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
The alkaloids in tea strongly stimulate the central nervous system, triggering an abnormal increase in adrenaline secretion. This can lead to hypoglycemia, causing dizziness, a racing heart, hunger, and fatigue. (Adrenaline is a hormone that raises blood sugar. This spike in blood sugar then signals the pancreas to release insulin, which in turn lowers blood sugar. This can cause blood sugar levels to drop below the normal range, bringing on hypoglycemic symptoms.)
How to Sober Up from Tea Drunkenness?
The remedy for being tea drunk is surprisingly simple: just drink a glass of sugar water or eat a few pieces of candy, and the feeling will naturally pass after a short while. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t refuse a cup of tea on an empty stomach, have a glass of sugary water or chew on some candy beforehand. White sugar, rock sugar, brown sugar, or honey in water will all work. Other sweet snacks are also effective.
Additionally, try pairing your tea with salty or sweet snacks like dates, olives, peanuts, or small pastries. This helps replenish sodium ions and increase blood sugar, reducing the likelihood of becoming tea drunk.
Of course, if you don’t have any sugar or food on hand, don’t panic. You surely have the plain water used for brewing the tea, right? Simply drink some plain water—several large glasses—and the unpleasant symptoms will gradually subside.
How to Prevent Getting Tea Drunk?
First, avoid drinking tea that is too strong.
Even if you’re using it for a mental boost, moderation is key.
Second, don’t drink too much tea.
“Too much” refers to both the volume of liquid and the variety of teas consumed in one sitting. Overindulgence can easily get you “drunk.” A daily intake of 5-15 grams of dry tea leaves is a good guideline.
Third, always have tea snacks available.
You’ll often notice that seasoned tea drinkers keep more than just fine tea on their tables; they also have an assortment of snacks. Nibbling on these while enjoying your tea can be highly effective in preventing tea drunkenness.
Finally, never drink tea on an empty stomach.
If you’re already hungry, eat something before you drink tea. An empty stomach has a high concentration of gastric acid, and tea can dilute these digestive juices, impairing digestive function. It’s particularly important to avoid drinking highly stimulating teas, such as raw Pu-erh or new, young teas, on an empty stomach or gulping them down quickly.
Whether you are a seasoned tea connoisseur or a newcomer, being mindful of tea drunkenness is crucial. The advice above isn’t just for beginners. Practicing healthy and mindful tea consumption is important for everyone. While tea is a wonderful beverage, it’s best not to overindulge!