Drinking tea is a beloved habit across the UK. However, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist has now issued an alert to anyone who drinks tea and shared seven habits to avoid
A Harvard-trained gastroenterologist has warned people to examine their tea-drinking habits, as they could be wreaking havoc on your gut and liver.
Brits are renowned for their love affair with tea, downing over 100 million cups daily – totalling roughly 36 billion cups each year. The UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA) reveals that 84% of Britons enjoy a brew every single day. But have you ever considered what this might be doing to your body? Harvard-educated gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi has now taken to Instagram to warn his 1.3 million followers about potentially harmful tea-drinking practices that could be damaging their health.
“I’m a board certified gastroenterologist and here are [the] seven worst tea habits wrecking your gut + liver,” he wrote on his post.
He then went on to share seven common mistakes people make when drinking tea, and how it can effect your health negatively.
1. Having tea on an empty stomach
Dr Sethi’s first warning advised against sipping tea without food, urging people to grab a bite before or during their cuppa.
He explained that consuming tea on an empty stomach irritates the stomach lining because of its acidity and compounds such as caffeine and tannins.
This can subsequently trigger acid reflux, nausea, and general discomfort.
It may also cause dehydration since tea acts as a diuretic and could hinder iron absorption, especially problematic for those suffering from anaemia.
2. Drinking sweetened teas
Next up, Dr Sethi went on to urge people to limit the amount of iced teas or milk teas they drink, due to the high sugar contents. He told his followers: “Iced teas or milk teas can pack 30 – 40 grams of sugar.”
This means that drinking these kinds of sugary teas on a regular basis can increase the risk of someone getting conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or diabetes.
3. ‘Detox’ or Slimming teas
For his third point, Dr Sethi revealed that detox teas, or ‘slimming’ teas might not be as beneficial as they’re marketed to be.
Whilst they might prove effective for you, the doctor went on to explain that the ‘slimming’ component in these teas is typically some form of laxative.
Consuming these tea ‘laxatives’ too frequently can result in overall dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, as well as gut damage.
Due to this, it’s crucial to never consume more than is recommended, and you should also consult the NHS‘ guidance on laxatives in order to prevent any lasting harm to your body.
4. Overdoing green tea extracts
Whilst sipping green tea is generally recognised to be a superior and healthier option compared to your standard black tea, it’s also vital not to go overboard.
If you’re not keen on the flavour of green tea, then green tea supplements have become a trendy method to still obtain the benefits of the green tea, such as the antioxidants and polyphenols, without having to consume it.
However, Dr Sethi issued a stark warning about over-reliance on these supplements, as they’ve been associated with a rare, ‘but real’ risk of liver toxicity.
5. Drinking scalding hot tea
While many of us are guilty of pouring boiling water straight from the kettle onto our teabag, Dr Sethi has advised tea lovers to hold off drinking until the water has cooled to below 65C.
He further explained that regularly consuming tea hotter than 65C has been shown to heighten the risk of oesophageal cancer.
A Chinese study published in 2020 found a significant link between regularly drinking tea hotter than 65C and Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in the thin, flat squamous cells lining the oesophagus, the tube connecting the throat and stomach.
6. Drinking caffeinated teas late at night
Although different types of tea contain significantly less caffeine compared to coffee, it’s still crucial to be aware of its presence.
For this reason, Dr Sethi advised tea drinkers to steer clear of chai and green teas late at night. He elaborated that caffeine lingers in our bodies, which can disrupt our sleep.
This can subsequently hinder your body’s ability to repair itself effectively during the night, such as your liver or gut.
7. Overindulging in boba or bubble teas
Dr Sethi issued a stark warning to bubble tea lovers, cautioning them about the high sugar content and ‘hidden calories’ in their favourite drinks.
He explained that the sugary concoction, combined with starchy boba pearls made from tapioca, can lead to an unexpected calorie intake. This could potentially result in insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
To avoid these health issues, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced lifestyle and follow a nutritious diet.
