Many things have two sides, but it's a matter of the size of advantages and disadvantages. Drinking tea is beneficial to the body, but if consumed at the wrong time, it can be harmful. It is best to avoid drinking tea during the following four time periods, as they are the "black periods" for tea consumption.

On an empty stomach

Because tea leaves contain alkaloids such as caffeine, drinking tea on an empty stomach can easily lead to excessive absorption of caffeine by the intestines, which may cause hyperexcitability symptoms in some people, such as heart palpitations, dizziness, weakness in hands and feet, and mental confusion. People who do not usually drink tea, especially those who drink tea on an empty stomach in the early morning, are more likely to experience these symptoms. This is known as "tea drunkenness." Once tea drunkenness occurs, sucking on candy or drinking some sugar water can alleviate the symptoms. Compared to younger people, the elderly have more fragile digestive systems. Middle-aged and elderly people suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcers should especially avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach, particularly strong tea. Excessive tannic acid can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, worsening the condition, and may even cause indigestion or constipation.

While intoxicated

Tea has the effect of stimulating the central nervous system. Drinking strong tea after intoxication can increase the burden on the heart. For elderly people with relatively poor heart and kidney function, especially after drinking alcohol, they should not consume large amounts of strong tea. Methods such as eating large amounts of fruit or sipping vinegar can be used to speed up the body's metabolism and relieve intoxication.

Before bedtime

Substances such as theophylline in tea, after being absorbed by the body, have a significant excitatory effect on the central nervous system. Drinking tea can cause mental excitement, affect sleep, and even lead to insomnia, especially with freshly picked green tea, which has a more pronounced effect. Additionally, tea has a diuretic effect, so elderly people drinking tea before bed are prone to frequent nighttime urination, which affects sleep quality.

During medication intake

Some elderly people with chronic diseases require long-term medication, and many drugs should not be taken with tea. For example, sedative sleep aids, antiarrhythmic drugs, etc. Theophylline can reduce the analgesic effect of some drugs, so it is also not advisable to drink tea while taking painkillers.

These four time periods are relatively special. Besides avoiding tea, other activities should also be approached with caution.