Harvard trained Gastroenterologist lists out 7 tea habits that are wrecking the gut

People across the world drink tea, because of its antioxidant properties and its ability to create relaxation. Most people have a tea addiction, and can't start their day without it. However, many tea consumption practices actually damage your digestive system, instead of providing any benefits to your gut health. Gut Doctor Dr Saurabh Sethi, trained at Harvard, lists out 7 tea habits that are wrecking your gut. Take a look...

Drinking tea before breakfast creates negative effects on your digestive system. The stomach maintains its acidic state throughout the fasting period of an overnight rest. The stomach acid production increases when you consume tea because it contains caffeine, and tannins. The combination of acidity and heartburn symptoms with bloating and gut lining irritation occurs, when you drink tea on an empty stomach. The repeated exposure to these conditions may trigger chronic inflammation, which damages the gut mucosa, leading to impaired digestion and reduced nutrient absorption. People who drink tea before eating, often experience both anxiety symptoms and decreased energy levels. The digestive system receives better protection when you drink tea after finishing your meal.

People commonly add sugar to their tea for sweetness, but excessive sugar consumption leads to negative effects on gut health, according to Dr Sethi. The consumption of high amounts of sugar through sweetened tea, creates an environment that allows dangerous bacteria to thrive, which results in digestive problems including bloating and constipation. The consumption of sugar disrupts the natural balance of gut bacteria while creating long-term health problems that include obesity and diabetes. The digestive benefits of tea compounds become neutralised, when you add excessive sugar because it negatively affects gut function.

The fast weight loss claims of detox and slimming teas come with dangerous side effects for your digestive system, says Dr Sethi. The digestive tract experiences irritation from laxatives, caffeine and other herbal compounds, which are present in numerous detox and slimming tea products. The body experiences abdominal pain, diarrhea and dehydration, when people use these products repeatedly. The short-term laxative effects of detox teas create a false sense of gut cleansing, but they can permanently harm your natural bowel movements and gut bacteria when used excessively. People should approach detox teas with caution, because they should not use them as a regular treatment for gut health.

Green tea contains polyphenols which help support beneficial gut bacteria in the digestive system. Green tea extract supplements become harmful when consumed in amounts that exceed recommended levels. The consumption of excessive green tea extracts results in stomach problems, nausea and diarrhea. The combination of caffeine and tannins in green tea is not considered healthy, and one should not exceed 3-4 cups everyday, even less if possible.

Hot tea consumption above 140°F (60°C) creates damage to your digestive system, and gut health. The cells that line your esophagus and stomach become damaged when you drink tea at temperatures exceeding 140°F (60°C) which can lead to inflammation. The repeated contact of hot liquids with mucosal tissues leads to increased sensitivity, and makes them more susceptible to dangerous substances. The hot liquid can lead to painful burns in your mouth and throat area. Drinking tea at a comfortable warm temperature instead of scalding hot, protects your digestive system from potential harm.

The consumption of caffeinated tea during evening hours creates indirect harm to gut health, because it disrupts your ability to sleep. The quality of your sleep directly relates to the state of your gut health. The production of stomach acid becomes more active when you consume caffeine during evening hours, which can intensify acid reflux symptoms and indigestion problems when you rest. The evening time should include herbal teas without caffeine, because they promote relaxation while allowing your digestive system to work peacefully without gut, or nervous system stimulation.

The popular beverage bubble tea, unites tea with tapioca pearls and typically includes large amounts of sugar. The tea base contains antioxidants which benefit health, but excessive sugar and calorie content in bubble tea can damage digestive health. Drinking bubble tea in excess leads to sugar overload, which disrupts gut bacteria and produces inflammation while increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. The tapioca pearls in boba tea contain no fiber or essential nutrients which results in empty calorie consumption that fails to support digestive health.