How Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach Can Cause Acid Reflux :
๐ต ☕ Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with many health benefits and varieties to choose from. However, drinking tea on an empty stomach may not be the best idea, especially if you suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid reflux is a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest, throat, or mouth. This can happen when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus, becomes weak or relaxed.
GERD is a chronic and more severe form of acid reflux that can lead to complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or esophageal cancer. GERD affects about 20% of the US population and can be triggered by various factors, such as obesity, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, or certain medications.
But what does tea have to do with acid reflux and GERD?
The Role of Caffeine in Acid Reflux
One of the main components of tea that can affect acid reflux is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the production of stomach acid and relax the LES, allowing it to open more easily. This can create more pressure in the stomach and push the acid up into the esophagus.
Caffeine can also interfere with the digestion process and delay gastric emptying, which means that food stays longer in the stomach and increases the risk of acid reflux. Furthermore, caffeine can affect the sleep quality and cause stress, which are also factors that can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
The amount of caffeine in tea varies depending on the type, brewing method, and serving size. Generally, black tea has the highest caffeine content, followed by oolong tea, green tea, and white tea. Herbal teas are usually caffeine-free, but some may contain other ingredients that can trigger acid reflux, such as peppermint or citrus.
According to Healthline1, a typical 8-ounce cup of brewed black tea contains about 47 mg of caffeine, while a cup of brewed green tea contains about 28 mg. For comparison, a cup of brewed coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.
The Effect of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach
Drinking tea on an empty stomach can amplify the effect of caffeine on acid reflux. This is because there is no food in the stomach to buffer the acidity and prevent it from reaching the esophagus. Moreover, drinking tea on an empty stomach can cause nausea, stomach pain, or dehydration.
According to Medical News Today2, drinking tea on an empty stomach can also reduce the absorption of iron from plant sources (non-heme iron) by up to 64%. This can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which is a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues.
Therefore, it is advisable to drink tea after meals or snacks, rather than before or between them. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of tea without risking your digestive health.
How to Prevent or Reduce Acid Reflux from Tea
If you love tea but suffer from acid reflux or GERD, here are some tips to prevent or reduce your symptoms:
Choose low-caffeine or decaffeinated teas, such as herbal teas or rooibos tea.
Avoid adding milk, cream, sugar, honey, or lemon to your tea, as these can increase acidity or trigger acid reflux.
Brew your tea for a shorter time or use less tea leaves to reduce the caffeine content.
Drink your tea in small sips and avoid gulping it down.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and dilute stomach acid.
Avoid drinking tea before bedtime or lying down after drinking it.
Eat smaller and more frequent meals and avoid overeating.
Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, carbonated drinks, or citrus fruits.
Maintain a healthy weight and avoid wearing tight clothes that can put pressure on your abdomen.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Elevate your head when sleeping by using extra pillows or a wedge.
Consult your doctor if you have frequent or severe acid reflux symptoms that interfere with your daily activities or quality of life. You may need medication or other treatments to manage your condition.
Conclusion
Tea is a wonderful drink that can offer many health benefits. However, drinking tea on an empty stomach can cause acid reflux or worsen GERD symptoms due to its caffeine content. To prevent or reduce this problem, you should drink tea after meals or snacks, choose low-caffeine or decaffeinated teas, and follow other lifestyle changes that can improve your digestive health. If you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you should always consult your doctor.
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