Tea is a drink that is drunk in every home and office, during breakfast or lunch break. It is consumed to warm up, invigorate or simply have fun. The variety of options allows any consumer to find something to suit their taste. However, sometimes drinking a cup of tea can completely ruin your day by causing heartburn. Is an ordinary brewed drink really capable of causing us such trouble?
Why does it happen?
Of course, there are reasons for this disease.
If you notice the first signs of burning, analyze your tea drinking procedure. You may be using this drink incorrectly. What could you have done wrong?
- You drink immediately after eating . This is a huge mistake. Thus, the body is subjected to serious stress. After all, your stomach is already full of food. The liquid drunk after eating puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which leads to undigested food from the stomach back into the esophagus. There it irritates the mucous membrane and causes a terrible burning sensation.
Important! The release of hydrochloric acid and pressure on the esophageal sphincter causes heartburn!
- Caffeine can also have a harmful effect . Its excessive consumption affects the internal organs that are responsible for digesting food. An increase in the volume of gastric juice leads to pressure on the esophagus.
- If you're a sweet tea , be prepared to experience an unpleasant burning sensation. Sugar affects the functioning of the esophageal sphincter. Easily soluble carbohydrates relax his muscles.
- Fans of bagged tea are also at risk. Moreover, lovers of a cheap product are especially at risk, about which they usually say: “But this is not tea at all!” Cheap bags may contain various foreign impurities: dust or sand. They get through the bag directly into the drink. Once in the body, all these foreign mixtures remain in the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to disruption of the mucous membrane and glands of the digestive organs.
Advice! Avoid drinking cheap tea. It can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract!
- Lemon added to a drink is often the cause of illness, as it is a source of acid. Don't consume lemon too often. And if you still can’t live without tea, at least refuse to add this acidic product.
- Don't drink tea on an empty stomach . It coats the walls of the stomach, which prevents food from being digested.
How not to make a mistake with your choice
Before making a choice in favor of a certain type of tea, you need to decide what is expected from drinking this drink. Of course, it is better not to experiment and give preference to those manufacturers who have rightfully earned a good reputation. Also, tea lovers should listen to some advice, perhaps they will help you decide on a purchase:
- Bagged tea is not as healthy as we would like. It may contain unknown components that have nothing to do with the tea leaf. Having entered the body, foreign impurities can accumulate in organs, which subsequently becomes the cause of various complications. To avoid this, you need to dilute the tea leaves well.
- The amount of caffeine in green tea is higher than that in regular black tea. However, one cannot fail to take into account that it is the green variety that contains a large amount of antioxidants, which makes it absolutely useful and indispensable in human nutrition. If caffeine is still the cause of heartburn, then you can choose a variety where its content is minimal. Caffeine-free teas are not recommended for use by people with gastrointestinal problems. When the concentration of this alkaloid, which is caffeine, is reduced, a chemical method with ethyl acetate is often used, which can negatively affect the condition of organs such as the kidneys, liver and stomach.
- Additives in the form of dyes and flavors are also undesirable, since they are of artificial origin and are intended to give the tea a better appearance. When brewed, bags can also release small amounts of adhesive and chemical elements used in paper making.
- Supplements are especially harmful to people prone to allergies. You can never predict how a particular substance will behave in relation to an allergy sufferer. Tea may contain pieces of fruits, berries, and plants as additives, but not one of them is capable of imparting such a strong aroma to the tea leaf and preserving it for so long. Therefore, in this case, the same synthetic additives in the form of flavorings have a place.
If you like some special taste of tea, then it is better to add your favorite herb to a cup of ready-brewed tea. To do this, you only need a few leaves of mint, currant, thyme, monarda, lofant or whatever you like.
Black
Black tea is considered more harmful than green tea. Many believe that it contains too much caffeine, damages tooth enamel and worsens complexion and skin condition. But all this is fiction. There just has to be moderation in everything. If you drink sweet, overbrewed tea with lemon after a heavy meal, it is quite obvious that it will not bring any benefit. But if you take the tea ceremony thoughtfully, the drink will be beneficial. In addition, you can always add healthy herbs to a cup for heartburn: thyme, anise and mint.
With them, tea will become even healthier. The main thing is to avoid the above reasons that cause heartburn. Advice! Limit your consumption of black tea before bed! Don't go to sleep with a full stomach.
Other causes of heartburn
Not only the tea leaf itself can cause heartburn. It is often caused by sugar added to tea in excess. Often, fans of this drink feel a burning sensation after drinking sweetened tea; the discomfort in this case is explained by the effect of the sweet liquid on the gastric sphincter. The sphincter works by contracting muscles that respond to quickly digestible carbohydrates, under the influence of which it gradually relaxes and throws food from the stomach back into the esophagus.
The presence of such a useful product as honey, when added to tea, can also be one of the causes of heartburn. For any minor inflammation in the stomach, honey can lead to increased acidity.
Heartburn from tea bags
Brewing bagged tea often causes unpleasant symptoms in the form of a burning sensation. The fact is that you cannot be completely sure of the quality of such tea leaves; the bags can easily contain dust in the form of residues from tea production, as well as the most unexpected impurities. The bag itself is also made of synthetic material, and when brewed with boiling water, chemicals are easily released and mixed with the contents of the cup. Constant use of such tea infusion can cause disturbances in the entire digestive tract and lead to irritation of the mucous membranes. Moreover, such changes do not happen overnight; in order to feel them, you need to constantly use tea leaves in bags.
Currently reading: Is it possible to drink kefir for heartburn - when it helps and reviews
Heartburn from milk tea
Tea with milk very rarely causes heartburn, since milk itself softens the effects of caffeine. Heartburn may occur when these products are combined due to individual intolerance to milk. Often the cause of irritation of the mucous membrane is drinking tea with milk on a full stomach, when an extra sip of any liquid will lead to the reflux of contents from the stomach cavity back into the esophagus. As a result, the walls of the esophagus will be irritated and heartburn will occur.
Green tea and heartburn
In some pathological conditions in the digestive tract, green tea is a contraindication. So, with gastritis, such tea will invariably cause increased acid production, which will cause the development of painful heartburn.
Green tea is not recommended to drink together with alcoholic beverages or immediately after the end of the feast. In this case, the production of toxins may occur that negatively affect the digestive processes. If you drink this drink before breakfast, on an empty stomach, people with a sensitive digestive system may also experience esophageal irritation.
Heartburn when drinking bergamot tea
A certain category of tea lovers should be wary of bergamot used as an additive to this drink. The active substances contained in the fruits of this exotic plant can cause unexpected consequences. Thus, the content of thymol can provoke nausea, rash, and pain in the location of the stomach. The presence of bergapten also causes phototoxicity in people who are particularly sensitive to it. After drinking tea with bergamot, such people should not be in the sun with exposed skin for some time. The plant can provoke contraction of the muscles of the uterus, so it is also undesirable for pregnant women to drink this tea. It is not recommended to drink this type of tea before bed, as drinking such tea can cause problems falling asleep.
It is necessary to take into account that all of the listed qualities of this, in general, very useful plant, can be obtained only by drinking natural, high-quality tea. What you can buy in ordinary stores usually has nothing to do with bergamot, and tea gets its specific aroma thanks to synthetic flavors.
Heartburn from tea with lemon
This version of the drink should be consumed with caution by those who are prone to heartburn. The acid from this fruit can irritate the sensitive upper sphincter, resulting in pain from irritation of the walls of the esophagus.
For healthy people, tea with added lemon will bring one benefit and will not cause discomfort. It is only necessary to wash it thoroughly before cutting the lemon and adding it to a glass of tea.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea is used to relieve symptoms of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to its properties, it is possible to deal with representatives of pathogenic microflora, since ginger has excellent antibacterial properties. In addition, ginger relieves painful spasms, has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the walls of the intestines and stomach, relieves tension from them, and ensures the unhindered outflow of bile.
However, in the case of a peptic ulcer or gastritis, as well as in the presence of tumors in the digestive tract, you should forget about drinking such tea. Instead of benefit, the opposite may happen: heartburn, pain in the location of the stomach, and even the development of more dangerous conditions.
Currently reading: Why heartburn occurs from bananas: reasons, what to do and reviews
Heartburn from mint tea
To prepare this tea, a common plant in the form of peppermint is used. In the vast majority of cases, this tea is beneficial for the digestive system, since the essential oil content extracted from the plant has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the esophagus and intestines.
Peppermint tea will benefit those who suffer from high acidity in the stomach, as well as irritable bowel syndrome. Drinking this tea has a calming effect and helps eliminate the causes of heartburn. To provide yourself with an environmentally friendly addition to tea, peppermint is easy to grow yourself, and the dried raw material does not lose its valuable qualities.
Green
We have already cleared up the misconceptions about black tea. What about green? Many are sure that such a miraculous drink can never harm the body. It is indeed endowed with a number of beneficial properties and contains more vitamins and minerals. This is due to its more gentle processing. In addition, green tea acts as an antioxidant.
Could this noble drink be the culprit of heartburn? Yes, without a doubt. Firstly, it also contains caffeine. In addition, many people do not brew it correctly. They drink this tea after overeating, at night, add sugar and lemon. Because the drink is light in color, people tend to brew it longer to make it more intense. This is a big mistake. Thus, tea loses its beneficial properties and even becomes harmful. And on top of that, after digestion it becomes terribly bitter.
On a note! Do not brew green tea with boiling water! This way you deprive the drink of most of its beneficial properties. The water temperature should be no more than 80 degrees Celsius.
Interesting article: What foods help with heartburn?
Questions about tea for heartburn
Each person has an individual reaction to certain stimuli. So, tea for heartburn helps many people and relieves discomfort. What is beneficial for some may be harmful for others. There are many recipes that bring healing. And everyone trying to cope with the problem must choose their own unique and inimitable one. The truth is, without trying which tea helps most with heartburn, it is almost impossible to cope with the condition without the use of medications.
Is it possible to drink tea for heartburn?
In this case, it is necessary to take into account the individual tolerance of certain products. Is it possible to drink tea for heartburn? Yes. At the same time, it should not be strong and natural. Packaged options only make the situation worse. It is not clear what quality the drink is and what additives it has. Tea for heartburn is taken in small quantities exclusively natural.
Does tea help with heartburn?
This drink helps many people. Although it is necessary to take into account some nuances. Does tea help with heartburn? Yes, if it is prepared with additional ingredients. Tea with milk really helps in reducing the burning sensation. Another point to consider is the temperature of the tea. The drink should be warm. Hot, on the contrary, causes a burning sensation and discomfort.
What tea to drink for heartburn?
Warm green tea helps many with a burning sensation. When deciding what tea to drink for heartburn, you should proceed from the following principles:
- Optimal amount of milk.
- Naturalness of the product.
- Minimum amount of brewing.
- Warm welcome.
In this version, tea for heartburn will help and relieve troubles.
Tea for heartburn during pregnancy
Heartburn is one of the unpleasant sensations that cause concern during pregnancy. It is necessary to get rid of it in ways that cause minimal harm. Tea for heartburn during pregnancy should be drunk in minimal quantities. Experts recommend weak green tea without additives.
Herbal tea for heartburn
In this case, the choice is individual. Herbs help some, but for others they are almost intolerable. Herbal tea for heartburn is selected by trial and error. Most doctors recommend consuming herbs for heartburn:
- Calendula.
- Chamomile.
- Aloe juice.
- Plantain.
Weak brewing provides a stable effect and prevents the situation from getting worse.
How to avoid?
Of course, this trouble can be avoided by remembering the tips for proper brewing and use of the product.
- Don't brew tea too strong. It greatly stimulates the production of digestive juices.
- After eating, wait at least 30-40 minutes before having tea. Let the food digest. But even after that, limit the amount of tea you drink.
- Try drinking tea like the British. Adding milk will reduce the production of hydrochloric acid.
- Don't drink the hot drink, let it cool down. Take care of your esophagus.
Interesting article: Proper nutrition and diet for heartburn: the most complete information!
Patient's symptoms
Tea of various degrees of processing (large and small leaves), including without additives and preservatives, can cause an increase in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. If a person at the time of taking it has pathologies of the digestive tract, then heartburn occurs. In severe cases, attacks of nausea and vomiting may occur after drinking the drink.
It is necessary to urgently call an ambulance if severe pain in the epigastrium, vomiting with blood, severe diarrhea, nausea, or excessive sweating occurs after drinking tea.
Heartburn may appear 30 minutes after drinking tea
Some healthy people also experience a change in the general condition of the body after drinking liquid. This may manifest itself as the following symptoms:
- Sour smell in mouth.
- Burning in the area behind the sternum.
- Unpleasant sensations in the stomach.
- Drowsiness.
It is noted that changing the body position from vertical to horizontal does not improve the condition. The burning sensation may not only persist, but also intensify. If you experience regular discomfort in the digestive tract after drinking a drink, it is recommended to make a scheduled appointment with a general practitioner, who will conduct an examination, prescribe medications if necessary, and write down recommendations.
Useful video
For more information about gastritis and heartburn from tea, watch the video below:
As it turned out, even the most healthy and harmless products at first glance can cause an unpleasant burning sensation. If you experience heartburn, do not rush to completely eliminate tea from your diet. Try to follow the rules for its use. And then you will understand that to get rid of heartburn you need to change your diet, give up bad habits and avoid overeating. And tea can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dangerous supplements for heartburn
The composition of herbal raw materials should not contain components, the use of which may worsen the disease:
- liquorice root;
- raspberry leaves;
- yarrow;
- anise;
- Chinese rose.
Mate tea has strong stimulating properties, as it contains a lot of caffeine and stimulating enzymes. But cinnamon and cardamom, on the contrary, help get rid of painful sensations.
Which drink is safer?
Any drink will contain caffeine. However, the percentage of the component present may vary. Green tea contains a larger amount, unlike black tea. Despite the high presence of caffeine in the composition, the drink is rich in antioxidants, which have a tonic effect on the body, promote rejuvenation and improve health.
Some types of additives allow you to expand the taste characteristics of tea. Others may end up in drink packaging by accident (for example, dust) or due to the negligence of unscrupulous manufacturers.
If you cannot deny yourself the pleasure of drinking several cups of tea a day, then give preference to those varieties that are sold not in bagged form, but in loose form.
You can purchase them in various departments specializing in the sale of quality tea.
Of course, tea purchased in such places will cost more than usual, but it will have a more “noble” taste and a less harmful composition.
It is believed that tea should be completed with every meal, so it is often taken after a heavy meal, thereby creating a large load on the sphincter. As a result, it cannot withstand the pressure and opens slightly, allowing a small portion of juice from the stomach to enter the esophageal mucosa. Thus, it makes no difference whether you drink green or black tea, since discomfort can be caused by the effect on the sphincter and an excess of pepsin.
A high caffeine content is also found in unflavored teas. Therefore, it is preferable to drink teas with the addition of various extracts, extracts and other substances that will have less negative effect on the functioning of the digestive tract. Even a slight presence of caffeine in predisposed people can cause the occurrence or recurrence of gastritis, colitis, ulcers, and heartburn.
Why can heartburn from regular tea occur again and again? Both green and black tea contain caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system.
This ingredient causes some harm to the human body, as it has irritating properties, dilates blood vessels and stimulates the activation of not the most favorable processes.
Tea also contains tannin, a substance that has a pronounced tanning effect.
A large amount of tannin that enters the human body with black, green or any other tea can lead to dyspeptic disorders and impaired appetite.
