Have you ever had green tea on an empty stomach? Did it make you a bit queasy? Drinking tea every day offers so many health benefits, from boosting antioxidants to improving your mental clarity. Yet, if you’ve ever had green tea after going so long without eating, you might experience an unexpected wave of nausea. So, why does this happen?
The main culprit is tannins. These compounds have neuroprotective benefits, but the downside is that they give tea its bitter, dry taste. Depending on how sensitive your stomach is and how much tea you drink, tannins can irritate your stomach, leading to nausea, gas, heartburn and stomachaches in some people.
Drinking tea on an empty stomach or in excess can make these effects worse. Some research even points to tea as a possible trigger for gastroesophageal reflux.
It’s not just green tea; other teas made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant—such as oolong, white, and black tea—also contain tannins and caffeine, meaning they can cause similar symptoms when consumed on an empty stomach.
But you don't need to worry too much, because we've got a few tips to stop tea-induced nausea:
Drink Tea After a Meal
The simplest and most effective way to prevent nausea is to drink your tea after a meal. If green tea upsets your stomach, you may either could drinking it alongside food.
Add Milk or Plant-Based Milk
If you need to drink tea on an empty stomach, try adding milk or plant-based milk. The proteins in milk bind to the tannins, reducing their ability to irritate your stomach lining.
Reduce Tea Strength
Depending on your sensitivity, you can also try reducing the amount of tea you drink or brewing it for a shorter time. The longer you brew tea, the more tannins it contains.
Listen to Your Body
Ultimately, the key is to listen to your body. If certain teas consistently cause discomfort, it might be worth exploring other sources of antioxidants and health benefits.
By understanding the reasons behind tea-induced nausea and taking steps to stop these effects, you can continue to enjoy the many health benefits that tea offers without the unpleasant side effects.
