Long-term Tea drinking does have a certain impact on the stomach. This is because tea contains large amounts of polyphenols and caffeine, both of which can be quite stimulating to the stomach and intestines. This is especially true for those who are physically weak, have spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, or have fragile gastrointestinal systems.

Does Long-Term Tea Drinking Affect the Stomach and Intestines?

Drinking Tea when you have poor gastrointestinal health does have an impact. Patients with poor gastrointestinal health are generally not recommended to drink strong tea, as tea contains alkaloids and plant alkaloids that can stimulate damaged areas of the stomach, hindering recovery and prolonging the course of the illness. It may also exacerbate symptoms such as abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and watery stools. If one drinks light tea in moderation, the impact is relatively smaller. It is suggested to drink fermented teas like Black Tea, ripe Pu'er, and white tea, as the polyphenol content in these teas is reduced, minimizing irritation to the stomach. Additionally, black tea can nourish the stomach and help protect the gastric mucosa, aiding in the treatment of peptic ulcers.

Patients with poor gastrointestinal health should also pay attention to the following when drinking tea: 1) It is recommended to consume tea within an hour after meals; it is not advisable to drink tea on an empty stomach to avoid stimulating the gastrointestinal mucosa. 2) Do not drink very hot tea, as it can cause strong irritation to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach, which is detrimental to health.

What Kinds of Tea Do Not Harm the Stomach?

1) Black Tea: Black tea is made by fermenting and baking tea leaves. It does not harm the stomach and can actually nourish it. Regular consumption can also help reduce inflammation and protect the gastric mucosa.

2) Pu'er Tea: After drinking Pu'er tea, a protective film forms in the gastrointestinal tract, which can speed up peristalsis and improve gastrointestinal function, so it typically does not harm the stomach.

3) Rose Tea: Rose tea can remove grease from the gastrointestinal tract, helping to alleviate the burden on digestive functions, so it usually does not harm the stomach.

4) Buckwheat Tea: Buckwheat tea has an inhibitory effect on gastric acid, improving discomfort in the stomach. Therefore, it typically does not harm the stomach.

It is also recommended to develop good eating habits, such as avoiding raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods like sashimi, ice cream, fatty meats, and chili peppers, which can benefit the stomach. When eating, chew slowly rather than gulping down food, and avoid overeating.