Is It True that Tea Can Cause Heartburn? Let's explore!!!
Tea is popular in every household due to its refreshing taste and health benefits. However, people are in dilemma since some say it can cause or increase the severity of stomach ulcers. Let us further look into this matter.
Two of the key components in tea that may upset your stomach include: caffeine and tannins. Caffeine raises acidity in the stomach. This can lead to discomfort whenever there is more acid than the stomach needs to work with; this might be much worse for people with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux issues. Having tea on an empty stomach only makes it worse because there is nothing in the stomach to absorb or neutralize the excess acid.
Tannins are one of the substances that could irritate the lining of the stomach. In those individuals who have a predisposition to gastritis or are sensitive to acids, such irritation will be heightened, leading to the feeling of nausea, among other symptoms, or giving way to a greater chance of having ulcers in the long term. Of course, it is not necessary that every person has to react the same around such substances. Although some hardly show any signs of discomfort while drinking tea, others feel its effects with one or two cups.
Several factors will decide upon the impact of tea on your stomach. First, it is up to the type of tea. There is more caffeine in black and green teas than in herbal teas; thus, herbal teas are usually the best on the stomach. Another important factor is timing. Whereas it irritates the lining of the stomach when taken on an empty stomach, tea consumed after a meal buffers its action. Finally, sensitivity of a person to caffeine and tannins varies, and with it the response to tea is very individual.
That said, one must know tea is not a direct cause of stomach ulcers. Most ulcers are caused by an infection with H. pylori bacteria or the long-term use of certain medicines, including NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Tea, on the other hand, can increase discomfort in those that have stomach ulcers or any chronic stomach problems.
So, not to take any risks, there are simple solutions: switch to decaffeinated or herbal teas; never drink tea on an empty stomach and also in moderation.
So, though it irritates some people, the tea itself is not a direct cause of the ulcer. Understanding your body reaction to tea will help you enjoy your favorite drink without discomfort.
