Does Tea impact Acidity, Constipation, Gas or Bloating, Indigestion & other Digestive problems?

For many of us, the day doesn’t begin without a cup of tea. It’s a staple at breakfast, a companion in the evening, and a much-needed break during a hectic day. But how does tea really impact our digestive system? Let’s sip and find out if tea is doing any good to your gut health or is it the culprit behind your constipation, gas or bloating, acidity and other issues of your  digestive system. Let us first know about the benefits of tea

How Does Tea Help Your Gut Health?

The positive impact of tea on the digestive system is primarily due to its polyphenol content. Polyphenols in tea can influence the gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. Both green tea and black tea may improve digestion. Both Green tea and black tea have potential benefits for gut health.

• Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These polyphenols promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Green tea may reduce gut inflammation and help maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. Green tea potentially lowers the risk of conditions like gastrointestinal diseases or irritable bowel movement. Green tea may also help in preventing constipation.

• Black tea

Black tea contains theaflavins and thearubigins, offering antioxidant benefits and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The fermentation process of black tea leads to the formation of compounds with prebiotic effects.

How does Tea harm your Gut Health?

Acidity and bloating

Tea, especially black and green tea, contains caffeine, which can increase stomach acid production and relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to acidity or acid reflux. Caffeine may also cause bloating and upper abdomen discomfort.

Tea contains tannins, which can increase the production of stomach acid, contributing to irritation of the stomach lining, feelings of acidity and bloating especially if consumed on an empty stomach.

Theophylline  in tea can relax the LES, similar to caffeine, potentially leading to acid reflux and acidity.

Drinking very hot tea can irritate the esophagus and stomach lining, which might trigger or worsen acidity and indigestion  symptoms.

Adding Milk to tea may reduce the bioavailability of tea polyphenols by binding to proteins in milk. Milk may alter the benefits of tea, especially in individuals with lactose intolerance causing bloating, gas, acidity and indigestion.

Constipation

Tea contains theophylline, which can lead to dehydration by increasing urine production. This dehydration can cause the intestines to absorb more water from the stool, making it harder and more difficult to pass, leading to constipation.

Tannins in tea can have a binding effect in the intestines, potentially slowing down digestion and contributing to constipation, especially if consumed in large quantities.

Although caffeine can sometimes stimulate bowel movements, in some people, it can have the opposite effect by dehydrating the body, which can make stools harder and more difficult to pass.

Love your chai? Here are 10 ways to consume it smarter

1. Choose the Right tea

Green Tea - Rich in catechins and known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea is a better choice for promoting gut health. It's less likely to cause acidity compared to black tea.

Black Tea: Also beneficial for gut health, black tea can be a good option, especially if you prefer its stronger flavor. Just be mindful of its tannin content.

2. Drink Tea Without Milk

To ensure you receive the full benefits of tea polyphenols, it's best to consume tea without milk. Proteins in milk can bind to these polyphenols, potentially reducing their effectiveness. And avoid overboiling your tea as it can trigger acidity to some individuals

3. Avoid Sweeteners

Unsweetened tea is preferable for gut health, as added sugars can contribute to weight gain and other metabolic issues that might indirectly affect your gut.

4. Add a sachet of ActiFiber to your cup of tea

One easy way to improve your gut health is by simply adding a sachet of ActiFiber Natural Gut Strength to your daily cup of tea. It mixes easily with no taste, colour or flavour, you won’t even know you have added it!

ActiFiber Natural Gut Strength is an ideal mix of Prebiotic (Nutriose) & Probiotic (Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969). Both ingredients are 100% Nature sourced & Clinically Proven to increase good bacteria, reduce bad bacteria which trigger common frequent infections, improve gut health, strengthen immunity and support your overall digestive health. Just one sachet-a-day to keep gut problems away!

5. Consume Tea 1 hour After Meals

Drinking tea after a meal helps buffer the stomach's acidity, reducing the risk of acid reflux or heartburn. It also aids digestion without irritating the stomach lining.

6. Limit intake if you’re sensitive to Caffeine

If you're sensitive to caffeine or prone to acid reflux, consider limiting your tea intake to 2-3 cups per day. Alternatively, you can opt for decaffeinated versions of green or black tea.

7. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Spices

Add ginger or turmeric to your tea for their gut-soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits.

8. Stay Hydrated

Tea can have a mild diuretic effect, so ensure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

9. Consider Herbal Teas

Herbal teas like ginger lemon tea, lemongrass tea, mint tea, chamomile, or peppermint are great alternatives. These teas can also soothe the digestive system.

10. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how your body reacts to tea. If you experience any discomfort, such as bloating or acidity, try adjusting the type of tea, the time of day you drink it, or the quantity.