How much tonic water is safe?

We all love a gin and tonic, but how much tonic water should we really be consuming? You might be surprised to learn that there are some risks associated with drinking too much of this carbonated beverage. Keep reading to find out how much tonic water is safe to drink, and what the potential dangers could be.

The Basics of Tonic Water

Tonic water has been around for over 150 years and was originally used as a means of delivering quinine – a treatment for malaria – in colonial times. Nowadays, however, the use of quinine in tonic water is heavily regulated due to its potentially harmful side effects when consumed excessively. Despite this regulation, gin enthusiasts have nothing to fear – one would need an enormous quantity of G&Ts per day/night to come close enough (~1-litre) to developing any serious health issues!

What Is Quinine?

Quinine is a bitter compound extracted from the bark of cinchona trees found predominantly in South America (actually only found here!). When mixed with sugar and carbonated water it produces the deliciously refreshing treat we all know as tonic water.

The manufacture of tonic specifies around 83 mg/Litres (mgL-1) minimum concentration; thus indicating that up till ~11 Liters(!!) per day/night allows us zero chances of toxicity concerns…if only our G&T stomach capacity allowed such volume! However, there are medical conditions where individuals should steer clear away from quinines like myotonia congenital or sensitivity towards muscle relaxing medication.. not sure why they’d want g&t anyway.

How Much Is Too Much?

Nowadays given respective regulatory bodies’ approval on levels deemed okay for consumption standards coupled with its low concentration specifications, generally speaking/gin sipping, you don’t have anything worry about! Drinking in moderation won’t cause any harm unless you have other health problems. A standard G&T usually contains around 25ml of tonic water, which equates to roughly 20mg/Litre quinine concentration; this amount is considered safe for consumption on a daily basis!

There are some people who may be more sensitive or vulnerable to the potential effects of quinine. For instance, if you suffer from liver disease or take certain medications such as blood thinners, it is important that you consult with your doctor before consuming large amounts of tonic water.

The Risks

Too much of anything can be harmful and tonic water is no exception – particularly when consumed in copious amounts / during on frequent occasions! There are a number of risks associated with consuming large quantities – check out below:

Quinine Overdose

An overdose could occur after ingesting somewhere above ~2000 mg within hours/day leading up- due to various concoctions/remedies. Symptoms will persist include initially dizziness/confusion later developing into Seizures & Coma and unfortunately shortness-of-breath till respiratory failure.

Tonic Water Addiction

If one drinks several liters/gin-botles(full-workweek) worth of tonics every day/nigh-trime religiously, an addiction might gradually develop.. This level includes carbonated drink past its original medicinal purposes potentially causing caffeine sensitivity becoming synonymous syndrome which isn’t exactly healthy.

Inability to Consume Other Liquids

Consuming too much tonic water also means that it displaces other fluids in the body resulting in insufficient hydration leaving us feeling sluggish/dehydrated/sleepy at work!

Conclusion

To sum up: how much tonic water is safe? Generally speaking/for the layman population, drinking two-to-three standard gin and tonics per day shouldn’t pose any issues! However,/if there’s underlying medical condition(s), one should consider seeking professional medical help/advice before going all out. So go ahead and enjoy your G&T, but remember to drink in moderation!

Safe Levels of Tonic Water Consumption
Daily Quinine level limits= 500mg/day (EU); 83mg/Litre minimum specification in tonic water
Avg Quantity for Realistic Front Runner Gin Drinkers ~2-3 Standard Servings per Night / <1 Litre/Week

Disclaimer

This article is intended as a guide only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition(s). Always consult with your doctor if you have concerns about tonic water consumption levels, especially if suffering from liver disease/myotonia congenital.

References

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