Does drinking tea really help digestion?

Digestive issues like bloating, stomach cramps, and constipation can be difficult to deal with. So in your search for relief, can tea help with digestion?

The humble cup of tea certainly has some health benefits. For one, it's a rich source of antioxidants. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, these compounds may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

But when it comes to digestion, the promises of weight loss and anti-bloating teas often sound too good to be true. And they probably are. Many of the studies behind tea's benefits are based on herbal extracts, which are taken in larger amounts than what's found in tea. So it's hard to say whether a cup of tea would offer the same benefits.

While occasional digestive discomfort isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, if symptoms persist, it’s worth consulting a doctor to rule out an underlying medical condition.

1. What is “good” digestion?

Digestion is the process by which our food is broken down into smaller absorbable units. This enables the body to convert nutrients into energy and excrete the rest as waste.

Good digestion means that the process is working effectively and efficiently to properly absorb nutrients, with minimal discomfort to the body (if any), and then naturally eliminate some food waste.

The digestive system stretches from the esophagus to the anus, and each part has its own function.

But the digestive process doesn't always go smoothly. A variety of factors can affect it, including:

Food intolerance

pressure

Sleep problems

Allergies

Alcohol

Dietary issues

Lack of exercise

chronic

Lifestyle factors such as a poor diet can also play a role.

2. Does tea help digestion?

Drinking tea is comforting and may be more likely to help relieve abdominal discomfort or bloating. But what else does tea do besides its soothing properties? Tea may provide comfort by helping regulate gut flora, reducing inflammation, or aiding gastrointestinal motility [defecation].

Whether you prefer black tea, green tea, or herbal tea, it makes a difference, said Dr. Carolyn Miller, a family medicine physician in Tennessee. “Different types of tea may help with digestive disorders, for example, peppermint oil, and therefore peppermint tea, may help relieve symptoms associated with IBS.

Peppermint’s soothing properties may be due to a substance called Piperita L. Menthacarin. This promotes relaxation of muscle tissue, according to a 2018 review published in the journal Nutrition. Another 2018 study in the Journal of Digestive Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed that peppermint oil has a positive impact on digestive health.

However, we don’t know to what extent these findings can be transferred to drinking peppermint in the form of a tea, as the strength and dosage will vary. There may be similar benefits, but there is no specific evidence to support them.

Image source: Pixabay

It’s a similar story with ginger tea, which may help relieve nausea and vomiting and is safe to use during pregnancy.

A 2015 review in the European Journal of Medicine and Pharmacology found that ginger extract may help relieve nausea symptoms. But again, we don't know if these findings apply to ginger tea.

Fennel is another traditional remedy for digestive issues. It may have a variety of positive effects on the digestive system, from relieving stomach ulcers to improving constipation.

However, drinking tea is not a panacea for digestive ailments. It is important to speak with a doctor to determine any underlying causes of digestive discomfort and find an appropriate treatment plan.

3. What is the science on tea and digestion?

There's some evidence that regular tea drinking can support digestive health in the long term. A 2012 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who drank an "average" amount of tea — about three times a week for more than six months — were less likely to develop digestive tract cancers than non-tea drinkers.

However, the level of evidence varies depending on the beverage you choose. Research suggests that flavonoids in black and green teas have antioxidant properties that can calm the digestive tract and may reduce the risk of stomach and esophageal cancers," Farrell-Allen said.

A 2019 systematic review in the Journal of Nutrients also suggests that black, green, and oolong teas may favorably alter the balance of the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. However, more research is needed.

Some studies have shown that drinking black, green or oolong tea may be linked to weight loss, adds Dr. Carolyn, who is a professor of chemistry and psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This may be because they increase levels of beneficial bacteria in the human gut.

As for herbal teas, research is minimal, but fennel, mint, and ginger have all been used in teas to support digestive health.

It's worth consulting your doctor before adding herbal tea to your daily routine, especially since some varieties can interact with medications.

Source: Chongqing Tianji Network Co., Ltd.

Source: Live Science "Does tea really help with digestion?"

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