In life, if someone drinks too much alcohol, friends often suggest drinking dark tea to sober up. After drinking tea, urine output increases, and a noticeable smell of alcohol can be detected in the urine, giving the impression that the alcohol has been easily expelled. Indeed, drinking tea may make one feel somewhat better, but frequently relying on tea to sober up can cause significant harm to the body.

▲ 'Compendium of Materia Medica' records the dangers of drinking tea after alcohol

The idea that tea can sober up has been passed down since ancient times, and many people often use strong dark tea to counteract the effects of alcohol. However, this method not only fails to sober up but also harms the kidneys! Li Shizhen described the dangers of drinking tea after alcohol in 'Compendium of Materia Medica': 'Drinking tea after alcohol damages the kidneys, causing heaviness in the waist and legs, cold pain in the bladder, and increasing the risk of phlegm retention, edema, diabetes, and cramps.' Modern medicine also confirms that drinking tea after alcohol, especially strong tea, has adverse effects on the kidneys. The metabolism of alcohol in the body first occurs in the liver, where alcohol is oxidized into acetaldehyde and then into acetic acid, which is further broken down into carbon dioxide and water, excreted through the kidneys and lungs.

▲ Dark tea contains a large amount of caffeine

The main component in dark tea, theophylline, has a diuretic effect. Drinking large amounts of dark tea can cause theophylline to rapidly induce diuresis, leading to the premature entry of unprocessed acetaldehyde into the kidneys. Acetaldehyde is highly damaging to the urinary system, and frequent consumption of tea after alcohol can result in frequent, cloudy urination and dry stools. Medical research also shows that alcohol strongly stimulates the cardiovascular system, while strong tea excites the heart. The combination of the two increases cardiac stimulation, which is particularly harmful to those with poor heart function.

Dark tea not only fails to sober up but also exacerbates harm to the body. To counteract the effects of excessive drinking, it is better to consume fruits such as citrus, pears, or apples, or drink watermelon juice. If fruits are unavailable, a glass of sugar water can also help. Therefore, it is advisable to drink less alcohol and more tea.