Who should avoid or limit yerba mate consumption?
Yerba mate, an herbal tea from South America, is celebrated for its energizing properties and rich antioxidant profile. However, its significant caffeine content and other compounds mean it is not suitable for everyone. For those with certain health concerns or sensitivities, moderation or complete avoidance may be necessary to prevent negative health outcomes.
Individuals with caffeine sensitivity
If you are sensitive to caffeine, yerba mate can cause the same side effects as coffee or other stimulants. These can include:
- Anxiety and jitteriness: The caffeine can worsen anxiety disorders and cause nervousness.
- Insomnia: Drinking yerba mate, especially later in the day, can interfere with your sleep cycle and cause insomnia.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause palpitations or an irregular heartbeat in sensitive individuals.
- Digestive upset: Nausea, vomiting, or stomach irritation can occur, particularly with high doses.
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals
Medical advice generally cautions against or recommends limiting yerba mate for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
- Pregnancy risks: High doses of caffeine have been linked to miscarriage, low birth weight, and premature delivery. Since yerba mate's caffeine crosses the placenta, healthcare providers often recommend limiting total daily caffeine intake to under 200-300 mg.
- Breastfeeding risks: It is unknown if the compounds in yerba mate pass into breast milk. However, the caffeine content could cause irritability and increased bowel movements in nursing infants.
People with certain health conditions
Several pre-existing medical conditions warrant careful consideration or avoidance of yerba mate, primarily due to its caffeine content and other effects:
- Heart conditions: Individuals with a history of heart disease, arrhythmias, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should be cautious, as caffeine can cause irregular heartbeats and increase blood pressure.
- Bleeding disorders: Caffeine may slow blood clotting. If you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medication, yerba mate could theoretically increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Diabetes: Caffeine can affect blood sugar levels, potentially complicating blood sugar control for those with diabetes.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea: The caffeine in yerba mate can worsen diarrhea and other symptoms of IBS.
- Glaucoma: Yerba mate can increase the pressure inside the eye for at least 90 minutes after consumption, which is dangerous for those with glaucoma.
- Weak bones (osteoporosis): Long-term, high caffeine intake can cause the body to excrete more calcium in the urine, potentially weakening bones.
Individuals taking specific medications
Yerba mate can interact with several types of medications, potentially increasing side effects or reducing effectiveness. Always consult a healthcare provider if you are on any medication before adding yerba mate to your routine:
- Antidepressants (MAOIs): Combining yerba mate with monoamine oxidase inhibitors can lead to a dangerously high heart rate and blood pressure.
- Stimulant drugs: Taking yerba mate with other stimulants, like amphetamines, can cause excessive stimulation and serious heart issues.
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets): The caffeine may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Certain antibiotics (Quinolones): These can slow the body's breakdown of caffeine, leading to an increased risk of caffeine side effects.
- Lithium: Yerba mate can increase how quickly the body eliminates lithium, potentially affecting its efficacy.
- Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines): Yerba mate's stimulant effects can counteract the effects of sedatives.
Considerations for long-term and high-volume users
Research indicates that long-term, high-volume consumption of yerba mate is potentially linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly of the mouth, esophagus, and lungs. This risk is significantly higher for individuals who smoke or drink alcohol. Furthermore, studies suggest drinking the tea at very hot temperatures may be a contributing factor, as thermal injury to the esophagus can increase cancer risk. It is recommended to allow the beverage to cool before drinking and limit overall intake.
Comparison of yerba mate and coffee side effects
While both yerba mate and coffee contain caffeine and can cause similar side effects, there are notable differences in how the stimulant is processed and experienced. For some, this comparison can help in choosing the right beverage for their body's needs.
| Factor | Yerba Mate | Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Average Caffeine (8oz cup) | ~80–85 mg | ~95 mg |
| Perceived Jitters/Crash | Less common, often described as a “cleaner” energy boost | More common, with potential for a notable crash afterwards |
| Anxiety Effects | Can exacerbate anxiety disorders in susceptible individuals | Can exacerbate anxiety disorders in susceptible individuals |
| Digestive Impact | May cause acid reflux or worsen IBS symptoms, especially when consumed hot or on an empty stomach | Often more acidic, frequently causing stomach upset for sensitive individuals |
| Long-Term Cancer Risk | Associated with increased risk of certain cancers when consumed in large, hot volumes | No consistent link found with increased cancer risk when consumed moderately |
Conclusion
While yerba mate offers a stimulating and antioxidant-rich beverage experience, it is not a universally safe choice for everyone. Factors such as caffeine sensitivity, pregnancy, and pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease, anxiety disorders, or IBS should be carefully considered before consumption. Long-term, high-volume drinkers, particularly those who consume it at very hot temperatures, should also be aware of the increased cancer risk, especially when combined with smoking or alcohol. As with any dietary supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is the safest approach to determine if and when yerba mate is appropriate for your individual health profile. For an authoritative overview of yerba mate's uses, side effects, and more, you can visit WebMD's article on the topic.
