If you frequently drink tea, limit the quantity and choose types with appropriate strength. Especially avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach, as this can cause negative effects on the digestive system.
Harmful Effects of Improper Tea Consumption
Tea is a beloved beverage worldwide. Tea, especially dry tea, contains hundreds of polyphenol compounds. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful oxygen molecules in the body (free radicals) associated with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and reducing wrinkles.
Dr. Vu Thi Thanh, Head of the Nutrition Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, states that tea also contains caffeine, which refreshes the mind, and phenolic compounds that support liver detoxification and the digestion of food, as well as boost immunity. However, despite its many benefits, improper tea-drinking habits can be harmful.
Nausea
Certain compounds in tea leaves can cause nausea, especially when consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach. Tannins, which give tea its bitter and astringent flavor, can irritate the digestive tissues, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like nausea or stomach pain.
If you notice any discomfort after drinking tea, consider reducing the quantity you consume. You might also try adding a bit of milk or eating a small amount of food with your tea. Tannins can bind with proteins and carbohydrates in food, helping to minimize digestive irritation.
Heartburn and Acid Reflux
The caffeine in tea can cause or exacerbate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. Caffeine disrupts the balance of stomach fluids, increasing acid levels and relaxing the sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach, allowing acidic substances from the stomach to easily flow back into the esophagus, contributing to increased overall stomach acid.
Drinking tea is good for health, but if consumed improperly, it can harm the digestive system. (Photo: Freepik).
Bloating and Indigestion
This beverage can produce gas in the digestive system and has diuretic properties, leading to frequent urination and dehydration when consumed in large amounts. Tannins also stimulate the stomach to secrete more acid. Drinking tea on an empty stomach increases acid secretion, which can damage the digestive system and increase the risk of peptic ulcers. Polyphenols and alkaline compounds in tea can inhibit the breakdown of nutrients in food. Consuming tea right after a meal can lead to bloating, indigestion, and digestive disorders.
Diarrhea
Drinking tea in moderation can limit side effects and enhance health benefits, such as contributing to anti-inflammatory effects, preventing obesity, supporting cancer prevention, and improving bone health. However, consuming large amounts of certain types, like black tea or green tea, which contain high levels of caffeine, can lead to diarrhea, insomnia, stress, and dizziness.
Constipation
Theophylline, a chemical in tea, can lead to dehydration effects, causing the stool to harden and resulting in constipation. Individuals who consume high-fat, high-protein foods may experience constipation when drinking tea due to digestive difficulties. Many people believe that consuming this beverage in the morning promotes regular bowel movements. However, drinking too much can lead to constipation.
Tannins in tea can combine with proteins in food to create indigestible residues that precipitate and form kidney stones. This compound can also react with minerals in food, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, producing acids that are harmful to the stomach.
Reduced Iron Absorption
Tannins hinder the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, impair blood circulation and brain function, and reduce energy synthesis in cells. Regularly consuming strong tea immediately after meals can cause the body to become iron deficient. This can result in symptoms such as pallor, dizziness, and fatigue. If you have low iron levels but still enjoy tea, consider timing it between meals.
According to Dr. Vu Thanh, the caffeine in tea acts as a diuretic, causing dehydration and sleep disturbances due to the presence of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and L-threonine, which stimulate the brain and increase the risk of miscarriage, cardiovascular disease, and prostate cancer. There are many unhealthy tea-drinking habits to avoid, such as brewing tea in thermal cups, steeping it for too long, using tea leaves multiple times, or becoming addicted to strong tea…
