Gastro doctor REVEALS 7 tea habits that secretly damage your gut and liver
ET Online |
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Ways you’re ruining tea (and your health) without realising
Tea is a daily ritual for millions, but according to a recent social media post by gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, how you drink it can make all the difference. While tea is naturally rich in antioxidants and can support digestion, immunity, and heart health, many people unknowingly drink it in ways that strain the gut, disrupt sleep, or burden the liver.
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Tea on an empty stomach
Starting your morning with tea might feel comforting, but doing so on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining. This often leads to acidity, nausea, bloating, or reflux-like discomfort. Pairing tea with food or having it after breakfast is a better option for your gut.
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Too much sugar in tea
Sugary milk teas or bottled iced teas may taste great, but they often contain excessively high sugar levels. Regularly consuming sugary teas can contribute to weight gain, fatty liver, and even increase your risk of metabolic issues. Choosing unsweetened or lightly sweetened tea can significantly reduce this impact.
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Slimming and detox teas
Many detox or weight-loss teas are marketed as quick fixes, but they frequently rely on strong laxatives. Over time, this can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weaken your digestive system. Relying on balanced food, movement, and hydration is always safer than depending on these teas.
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Excess green tea extracts
Brewed green tea is generally safe and beneficial, but concentrated green tea extract supplements can be harsh on the liver. In rare cases, extremely high doses have been linked to liver strain or toxicity. It’s best to stick to freshly brewed tea rather than high-dose extracts.
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Drinking tea piping hot
Sipping extremely hot tea, especially above 65°C can irritate the esophagus over time. Some studies associate regularly drinking super-hot beverages with an increased risk of esophageal damage. Allowing your tea to cool slightly before drinking is a simple yet powerful safety step.
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Tea late at night
Chai, green tea, and other caffeinated blends can interfere with your sleep if consumed late in the evening. Since quality sleep is essential for liver repair and gut health, late-night tea habits may do more harm than good. Switch to caffeine-free options in the evening to avoid sleep disruption.
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Hidden calories in boba tea
Bubble tea may seem harmless, but its combination of sugary milk tea and starchy tapioca pearls adds up quickly. Regular consumption can spike insulin levels, promote fatty liver, and contribute to weight gain. Dr. Saurabh Sethi reminds us to be mindful of these tea habits, as these small changes can go a long way toward protecting your gut and liver.
- Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general awareness only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider or your own doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concerns. ET bears no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes arising from the use of this information.