Regular tea consumption boosts digestive enzymes like catechin, increasing pepsin activity and promoting protein breakdown. This beverage also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, protecting the stomach lining and inhibiting harmful bacteria. Caffeine in tea stimulates bowel movements for stable function. However, certain tea-drinking mistakes can negatively impact gut health.

Adding too much sugar

While tea is rich in antioxidants and beneficial for overall health, adding sugar can negate these effects. Excess sugar feeds harmful gut bacteria, unbalancing the gut microbiome, which over time may lead to bloating, poor digestion, and gut inflammation.

Artificial sweeteners can also harm gut bacteria. Sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose disrupt the gut microbiome and increase digestive discomfort, causing nausea and diarrhea. Instead of sugar, add honey in moderation or use cinnamon and ground nuts to naturally enhance tea's flavor.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants. Photo: Bao Bao

Drinking tea on an empty stomach

Drinking tea in the morning provides a refreshing, alert feeling. However, tea contains tannins that increase stomach acid, which can cause nausea or digestive irritation if consumed before eating. Improper tea consumption negatively impacts digestion, potentially leading to stomach lining contractions.

Drinking tea that is too hot

Sipping hot tea can damage the delicate tissues in the throat and stomach lining. Regularly consuming hot beverages increases the risk of esophageal irritation and reflux. Allow tea to cool to a warm temperature before enjoying it.

Consuming tea at night

Drinking tea early in the evening, close to bedtime, can disrupt sleep and digestion. Green tea and oolong tea contain caffeine, a stimulant that keeps you awake and can lead to excess acid. Consuming tea too late also affects the body's natural recovery process during rest. Switch to caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint in the evening to improve sleep.

Using too much green tea extract

Green tea offers many health benefits, but excessive consumption, especially in concentrated extract form, can cause stomach discomfort. High doses of catechins and caffeine can irritate the gut, increasing liver pressure and leading to overload. Adults should consume tea in moderation, around two to three cups daily.

Drinking tea when experiencing heartburn or bloating

If you are experiencing heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, or bloating, drinking tea can worsen these symptoms. Caffeine and tannins in tea relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to reflux upwards and causing discomfort. It is best to stop drinking tea until your digestive system improves or opt for mild, caffeine-free herbal teas.

By Anh Chi (Source: Healthshots)