8 Precautions to Be Aware of Before Drinking Tea

A steaming cup of oolong tea sits on a board with tea making accessories.
 There are some precautions you need to be aware of before drinking tea, so that you do not end up damaging your health. (Image: Guido Vrola via Dreamstime)

Tea is growing in popularity, as an increasing number of studies reveal that it is rich in beneficial antioxidants that may boost your health. Drinking tea, especially green tea, is beneficial as it may help prevent cardiovascular diseases and certain forms of cancer.

There are some precautions you need to be aware of before drinking tea so that you do not end up damaging your health.
There are some precautions you need to be aware of before drinking tea so that you do not end up damaging your health. (Image: Nitr via Dreamstime)

Some precautions you need to be aware of

1. Do not drink tea on an empty stomach.

Tea will dilute gastric acid and inhibit the secretion of gastric fluids, reducing lower digestive tract function. It might even cause palpitations or stomachaches, which can be relieved with wintergreen lozenges or sugar water.

2. Do not drink tea 20 minutes before or after eating

This will dilute gastric fluids and inhibit digestion. The oxalic acid in tea leaves will also interact with iron and protein in food and inhibit their absorption by the body.

3. Do not drink tea before sleeping

Tea, especially tea made from freshly picked green leaves, is a stimulant that can cause insomnia.

4. Those with gout should avoid drinking tea too often

The tannin in tea interacts with uric acid, maintaining it at high levels in the body.

5. Do not take tea with medication

The tannin in the tea will interact with certain medications, lowering their efficiency.

6. Do not drink green tea if you have a stomach ailment

Green tea will irritate the problem. Red tea is more suitable.

7. Children should avoid drinking strong tea

The polyphenols in the tea will interact with iron in the food and inhibit its absorption by the body, which might cause anemia in children.

8. Pregnant women should avoid drinking tea that is strong

Both polyphenols and caffeine can impede the development of the fetus.

Top view of a sleeping woman wearing white pajamas.
Do not drink tea before sleeping. Tea, especially tea made from freshly picked green leaves, is a stimulant that can cause insomnia. (Image: Fizkes via Dreamstime)

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  • Raven Montmorency

    Raven Montmorency is a pen name used for a writer based in India. She has been writing with her main focus on Lifestyle and human rights issues around the world.

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