IIE DIGITAL DESK : The recent interview, Milind Soman, India's first supermodel, revealed that many models consume up to 15–20 cups of tea or coffee daily. He attributes this habit to the high-pressure nature of the fashion industry, where stress often leads to reliance on stimulants like caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol. Soman himself abstains from tea and coffee, opting instead for fruit juice, a choice he made after learning about the potential health risks associated with excessive caffeine intake.
Dr. Narander Singla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explains that consuming 15–20 cups of tea or coffee daily can have significant health consequences. Short-term effects include jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia, upset stomach, and nausea. Over time, such high caffeine intake can lead to elevated heart rate and blood pressure, cardiovascular strain, sleep disruption, and physical dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability. Additionally, excessive caffeine can interfere with iron absorption, increasing the risk of anemia and other nutrient deficiencies
Soman also points out that many models combine high caffeine intake with smoking and alcohol consumption, often as coping mechanisms for stress. Dr. Singla warns that this combination can be particularly harmful. Both smoking and alcohol are carcinogens, and when combined with high caffeine intake, they amplify the strain on the heart, liver, and nervous system. This trio can dehydrate the body, disrupt sleep, and tax the liver by competing for the same metabolic pathways, worsening anxiety and mood swings, especially in individuals with pre-existing mental health or cardiac conditions
Certain groups are more susceptible to the adverse effects of excessive caffeine, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and adolescents, individuals with heart disease, anxiety, or liver disorders, and those who metabolize caffeine slowly are at greater risk of complications.
Milind Soman's personal lifestyle reflects his commitment to health and wellness. He avoids processed foods, fried items, and limits meat intake, focusing on a diet rich in fruits and whole foods. His fitness regimen includes yoga, swimming, cycling, and running, which he believes contribute to his overall well-being and longevity. Soman's approach serves as a reminder of the importance of mindful consumption and the potential health consequences of excessive habits.