A Harvard-trained gut specialist has issued a health alert to Britain's tea lovers, revealing that several everyday tea habits could be seriously damaging their digestive systems and livers.
The Nation's Favourite Drink Under Scrutiny
With Brits consuming over 100 million cups of tea daily, according to the UK Tea and Infusions Association, this warning comes as a potential shock to the 84% of Britons who enjoy a daily brew. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a board-certified gastroenterologist with 1.3 million Instagram followers, has identified seven common tea-drinking mistakes that could be wreaking havoc on your health.
The Seven Damaging Tea Habits
1. Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach
Dr Sethi's first warning concerns having tea without food. The acidity in tea, along with compounds like caffeine and tannins, can irritate your stomach lining. This irritation may lead to acid reflux, nausea, and general discomfort. Additionally, tea acts as a diuretic, potentially causing dehydration and impairing iron absorption - particularly concerning for those with anaemia.
2. Consuming Sweetened Teas
The Harvard expert urges people to limit their intake of iced teas or milk teas due to their high sugar content. Some contain 30-40 grams of sugar per serving, which regularly consumed can significantly increase your risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or diabetes.
3. Relying on 'Detox' or Slimming Teas
Dr Sethi reveals that many 'slimming' teas contain laxatives that offer little genuine health benefit. Regular consumption can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and gut damage. He advises never exceeding recommended amounts and consulting NHS guidance on laxatives.
4. Overusing Green Tea Extracts
While green tea itself is healthy, Dr Sethi warns against over-reliance on green tea supplements. These concentrated forms have been linked with a rare but real risk of liver toxicity, despite their antioxidant benefits.
5. Drinking Tea Too Hot
Many Brits pour boiling water straight onto their teabag, but Dr Sethi recommends waiting until the water cools below 65°C. A 2020 Chinese study found that regularly consuming tea hotter than this temperature significantly increases oesophageal cancer risk.
6. Having Caffeinated Teas Late at Night
Even though tea contains less caffeine than coffee, drinking chai or green teas late can disrupt sleep patterns. This sleep disruption hinders your body's natural overnight repair processes, including those essential for liver and gut health.
7. Overindulging in Bubble Teas
Dr Sethi issues a stern warning about bubble tea's high sugar content and 'hidden calories'. The sweet mixture combined with starchy tapioca pearls can lead to unexpected calorie intake, potentially causing insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Protecting Your Health While Enjoying Tea
To avoid these health complications, Dr Sethi emphasises the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and nutritious diet alongside any tea consumption. By being mindful of these seven habits, Brits can continue enjoying their beloved national drink without compromising their gut and liver health.
