Can Green Tea Upset Your Stomach?
Green tea is known for its numerous health benefits and is often celebrated for its antioxidant content, which supports overall health and wellbeing. On the flip side, drinking too much green tea can potentially be a cause of upset stomach.
What Is Green Tea?
Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, which comes from China, India and several other countries in Asia. Depending on how it is processed, green tea may vary in taste, but generally has a light and slightly grass-like flavour.
How Does Green Tea Impact Your Stomach?
There is some evidence that drinking too much green tea can lead to stomach problems including nausea, indigestion and bloating. Those sensitive to caffeine may be more susceptible to these effects as green tea contains small amounts of the stimulant.
In addition, drinking large amounts of green tea may cause electrolyte imbalances or dehydration. Both of these can contribute to stomach discomfort and other symptoms.
Tips To Minimize Green Tea-Related Stomach Issues
To reduce the risk of green tea-related stomach issues, consider the following tips:
- Drink in Moderation – While the exact amount varies from person to person, the World Health Organization recommends up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day
- Choose Quality Tea – Low-quality or improperly grown and stored tea may contain unhealthy amounts of toxins or contaminants
- Eat Regularly – Eating regularly throughout the day will not only provide you with essential nutrients, but can also help minimize stomach upset
- Avoid Unhealthy Additives – Avoid adding unhealthy and refined additives to your green tea such as too much sugar or artificial sweeteners
Green Tea and Other Health Benefits
Despite potential stomach issues, green tea still contains many beneficial compounds and nutrients. Green tea is a rich source of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may help protect your cells from damage.
It is also very low in calories, making it a great substitute for sugary or higher calorie beverages. You can also add fresh herbs like ginger or mint to your green tea to boost its beneficial properties and enhance the flavour profile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, green tea can potentially cause stomach issues in some individuals. However, drinking it in moderation and avoiding unhealthy additives can help minimize the risk of stomach upset. Nevertheless, if you ever experience severe stomach pain after drinking green tea, be sure to consult a doctor.
