1. Tea + Meat = May Cause Constipation

The abundant protein in meat can chemically react with tannic acid in tea, forming new substances that reduce intestinal motility and prolong the retention of feces in the intestines.

After consuming pork, dog meat, mutton, or donkey meat, wait 2-3 hours before drinking tea. Otherwise, it may not only cause constipation but also increase the absorption of toxic and carcinogenic substances, endangering health.

2. Tea + Chicken Liver = Reduces Iron Absorption

Chicken liver is rich in iron, while tea contains tannic acid. Drinking tea with chicken liver reduces the body’s iron absorption.

3. Tea + Eggs = Affects Protein Absorption

Eggs are high in protein, and tea contains substantial tannic acid. Tannic acid reacts with dietary protein, forming indigestible coagulates that hinder protein absorption.

Experts note that combining tea and eggs irritates the stomach. Overconsumption of tea eggs may lead to anemia, calcium deficiency, and osteoporosis, offering no health benefits.

4. Tea + Medication = Impairs Drug Absorption

Tea should not be used to take medicine, as it affects drug absorption. Tannic acid in tea can react with certain medications (e.g., ferrous sulfate tablets, ferric ammonium citrate, berberine), forming precipitates that reduce or negate drug efficacy.

While not all drugs interact with tea, the variety makes it hard to generalize. Hence, doctors advise against taking medication with tea to prevent potential issues.

5. Tea + Kelp = Stomach Discomfort

Both kelp and tea are cold-natured. Consuming them together may cause stomach cold.

6. Tea + Crab = Indigestion

Avoid tea while eating crab and for one hour after. Tea dilutes stomach acid and may coagulate certain crab components, hindering digestion and potentially causing abdominal pain or diarrhea.

7. Tea + Sugar = Increases Heart Burden

Tea is bitter and cold-natured, stimulating digestive secretions and enhancing digestion. It also clears heat and detoxifies. Adding sugar inhibits these functions.

8. Tea + Alcohol = Stimulates Heart, Harms Kidneys

Drinking tea after alcohol may promote diuresis via theophylline, but acetaldehyde (from alcohol metabolism) hasn’t fully decomposed yet. This can lead to acetaldehyde entering the kidneys, causing irritation and potential issues like kidney cold, impotence, turbid urine, or testicular pain. Moreover, strong tea excites the heart, doubling the burden when combined with alcohol.

9. Tea + Ginseng = Wasted Effort

American ginseng replenishes qi, nourishes yin, and clears heat. Its neutral nature doesn’t conflict with cool-natured tea. However, ginseng is hot-natured and counteracts cool tea, nullifying benefits.

10. Hot Tea + Cold Drinks = Dental and Stomach Issues

The stark temperature contrast irritates teeth, potentially causing dental problems, and harms the stomach. Maintain at least a 30-minute gap between cold drinks and hot tea.