Camellia sinensis, also known as green tea, has many purported health properties, although the Food and Drug Administration has not approved it as a medicine. Drugs.com reports that herbalists' uses of green tea have included preventing cavities, treating disorders of the stomach and lowering cholesterol levels. Because of its stimulant qualities, people also use it as a method of dieting, because stimulants tend to decrease appetite. Whether you take green tea as a beverage or in the form of extract capsules, it can produce some side effects. Do not take any new supplement unless your doctor approves it, especially if you take prescription drugs. You may experience interactions with some medications and medical conditions.
Gastric Disturbances
If you take green tea leaf extract capsules, you may develop some disturbances in your gastric system, primarily as you begin your treatment. As your body acclimates to green tea, you may lose your appetite and develop nausea or an upset stomach. You may feel the sensation of heartburn as well. Drugs.com indicates these types of side effects do not generally pose serious health problems and should disappear as your body gets used to the supplement. You can overcome nausea and heartburn in most cases with over-the-counter medicines. If you feel the stomach sensations occur as serious problems or if they do not disappear, consult your physician.
Diarrhea and Constipation
Even if you do not get stomach problems from green tea leaf extract capsules, you still may develop one or the other of two bowel problems. The introduction of the supplement into your system may cause you to have a disturbance of normal digestion that places too much liquid in your stools, resulting in diarrhea with cramps. More likely, because green tea acts as a stimulant, you may get the opposite problem of hardened stools and constipation. Most stimulants tend to cause constipation. If you get either diarrhea or constipation because of your use of this supplement, in most situations, the problems will pass on their own. If you feel you have serious trouble with either condition, or if they continue, speak with your physician.
Arrhythmia
Green tea leaf extract also can cause you to develop an arrhythmia. This means it changes the way your heart beats. With this supplement, it usually will occur as an irregular heart rate. Although Drugs.com indicates this is not a serious side effect of the supplement, any change in your heartbeat can cause serious problems if it continues. Seek your doctor's advice about any arrhythmia you may experience.
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