5 serious matcha side effects

Although matcha is celebrated for its health benefits and dynamic properties, it is not without potential risks. Excess consumption can lead to serious side effects ranging from hepatic toxicity to high blood pressure.

1. Severe allergic reaction

A serious allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication. If you have a severe allergic reaction to matcha, symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itching and rash.

2. Esophagus cancer

Hot tea can increase your risk of esophagus cancer (tube in the throat that connects to your stomach). Symptoms may include swallowing, coughing, stomach burns and wrapping problems.

3. High blood pressure

Green tea has increased blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high over long periods, this may increase your risk of other health problems, such as heart attacks and cerebral vascular accidents.

4. Liver problems

In large quantities, green tea (800 mg of EGCG or more) can also increase your risk of liver problems. If you feel a worsening of liver function, symptoms may include stomach pain on the right, dark urine and jaundice (yellowing your eyes or skin).

5. Decrease in iron absorption

In high quantities, catechins in tea can decrease the absorption of iron.

Who should avoid matcha?

A health care provider can advise Matcha if one of the following elements applies to you:

• Severe allergic reaction: Avoid matcha if you have a known allergy to the tea plant or its components (ingredients or pieces). If you are not sure, ask a pharmacist or health care provider a full list of ingredients.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: In general, few clinical trials have studied green tea in pregnant or breastfeeding. But in Italy, the maximum daily quantity authorized (approved) is 120 mg of Gallatte d’épigallocatechine (EGCG) during pregnancy or during breastfeeding. The EGCG is an active substance in matcha in very concentrated quantities. Since there is little information on the effects and safety of matcha during pregnancy or breastfeeding, contact a health care provider to discuss advantages and risks.
• Adults over 65: The elderly participated in clinical trials related to matcha, but more in -depth research with larger, larger and longer term studies are still necessary. Some elderly people may have a greater probability of side effects of drugs. For this reason, use caution with matcha.
• Children: In general, few clinical trials have studied green tea in children. In a study, an average “exposure” to the EGCG varied between 5 and 87 mg per day for infants, toddlers or children. Since there is little information on the effects and safety of matcha in children, have a conversation with your child’s health care provider if you are considering matcha.
• Esophagus cancer: Hot tea can increase your risk of esophagus cancer. A health care provider may suggest avoiding hot tea if you already have several risk factors for this cancer.
• High blood pressure: Green tea could lift your blood pressure. A health professional may want to watch you closely if you already have high blood pressure.
• Liver problems: Large amounts of green tea (800 mg of EGCG or more) can increase your chances of liver problems. If you already have liver problems, a healthcare professional may want to watch you closely.

How many matcha should I take?

Although there are studies on matcha in humans, high quality clinical trials are always necessary. Consequently, no directive exists on the appropriate dose to take Matcha for any condition.

In clinical trials, however, some study participants took matcha products at the following amounts for cognition and attention:

• Drinking that contains 1.5 g of matcha twice a day
• Four g of matcha tea powder in the form of liquid tea or tea [food] Bar once a day
• Two g of matcha in the form of a capsule daily
• Three g of matcha in a tea bag daily
• Two g of matcha capsules daily

The specific dose may vary depending on the dose form and the medical condition treated. Follow the recommendations of a health care provider or label instructions when you take matcha.

Interactions

There is limited information on the possible interactions of drugs with matcha. Possible interactions are based on potential uses or side effects of Matcha. Use caution when taking Matcha with the following:

• Hypertension drugs: Green tea can increase your blood pressure. Thus, matcha could work against your drugs against blood pressure, like Zestril (Lisinopril). For this reason, your health professional may want to monitor and adjust your medication.
• Drugs inducing sleep: Matcha can contain stimulating substances, such as caffeine. Thus, matcha can work against drugs inducing sleep as an ambien (Zolpidem).
• Stimulate: Matcha can contain stimulating substances, such as caffeine. Matcha can have additive effects and worsen the side effects of other stimulating drugs, such as prescriptions for the hyperactivity disorder of the attention deficit (ADHD), such as ritalin (methylphenidate).

It is essential to carefully read the list of ingredients for a supplement and the panel of nutritional facts to find out which ingredients and the share of each ingredient included. Please consult this supplement label with your health care provider to discuss potential interactions with food, other supplements and medicines.

Summary

Matcha is a powdered green tea made under strict rules from the C. Sinensis tea plant. It may have potential use for brain health support.

But similar to many drugs and natural products, side effects and medication interactions are possible. Additional research is necessary. In addition, it is essential to properly diagnose and deal with serious medical conditions in a timely manner.

Before taking a Matcha, consult a pharmacist or health care provider to help you achieve your health objectives safely.