Ask tea lovers, all they need is a cup of hot tea to start their day. In fact, it helps you whenever you feel down during the day. So much so that you end up drinking several cups of tea throughout the day. And this is where the problem begins. It is rightly said that excess of everything is bad for health and this holds true for tea as well. While tea contains antioxidants and benefits us in many ways, drinking it in excess or without proper knowledge can lead to several digestive problems, the most common of which is flatulence. Let us explain further.
When do you feel bloated after drinking tea:
Many of you complain of bloating in the morning or at the end of the day. Isn’t it? While people recommend paying attention to food and lifestyle during such conditions, they forget to drink tea. To enjoy tea to the fullest, without any unwanted side effects, it is very important to know the right time to drink tea. This means, never drink it on an empty stomach – whether in the morning or throughout the day. This leads to the formation of gas and acid which causes bloating, heartburn and other digestive problems.
Also read: Beyond tea: 5 smart ways you can use tea leaves at home
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Why does drinking tea cause a bloated feeling?
Now, we will explore the connection between your favourite beverage and digestive troubles. Tea contains tannins which are diuretic in nature. This leads to the production of digestive acids in your stomach, which if not detoxed, leads to gas formation in the body. Also, if taken in excess, the caffeine content in tea makes you feel dehydrated – a major cause of bloating.
Bangalore-based nutritionist Dr Anju Sood explains, “Regular, green or herbal tea – all of these are considered natural dehydrators. Our body is made up of cells, and these cells are filled with water. By drinking excess amounts of tea, you flush out the water from these cells, leaving you dehydrated. As the excess water is flushed out, the body retains the water we get from the food we eat.”
What is the right way to drink tea without any side effects:
Nutritionist Mehar Rajput advises that people with “sensitive gut” should limit their intake of tea and “those who suffer from stomach infections” should avoid it altogether. But for others, never drink tea on an empty stomach. She says tea should always be paired with some food to avoid excess acid production in the gut.
Ground Level:
Considering all the above factors, we feel the best way is to avoid drinking tea first thing in the morning. Instead, you can have some nuts, detox drinks, etc. and then have your morning tea. The same applies for evening tea – always have it with some snacks (preferably healthy) to avoid acid reflux.
Enjoy your tea, everyone!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.