For most Indians, tea, or chai, is an emotion. It is something that people believe gets them through stressful situations, helps relieve headaches, and/or beats winter chills. Some people are so addicted to tea that they can have it all through the day, even before their bedtime. But this comes with certain health concerns, particularly for those with a delicate stomach.
According to Dr Preeti Nagar, Dietitian at NIIMS Medical College and Hospital, Noida, caffeine in tea stimulates the Central Nervous System (CNS), which can speed up digestion but also increase acid production in the body that causes discomfort and heartburn. Having tea just before bedtime can also impact sleep quality, as caffeine can disturb your natural sleep cycle, which makes it hard to sleep. Having a high intake of caffeine blocks adenosine, a sleep-inducing chemical, increasing wakefulness.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Nagar discusses some of the key effects of having tea before bedtime while also sharing how the types of tea you consume play a role.
“Tea Before Bedtime Can Be Harmful, But Depends On The Type Of Tea You’re Drinking”
"Drinking tea before going to bed can be harmful, but it depends on the type of tea you are consuming," says Dr Nagar, sharing that caffeinated teas, like green or black tea, may disturb sleep as caffeine is a stimulant that increases heart rate and alertness, also leading to restlessness.
In the Indian context, chai is mostly tea made with milk and added sugar, which can be harmful for the body. Drinking this type of tea particularly throws the digestive system off, especially in people who cannot tolerate dairy. According to MedicineNet, milk tea can cause bloating, gas, and indigestion, whereas the caffeine present in tea can dehydrate the body, leading to constipation.
Milk tea also contains significant amounts of fat and sugars, which can also contribute to weight gain and other chronic health conditions.
On the other hand, herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, or lavender root are often considered healthy caffeine-free tea alternatives.
Teas That Can Aid Digestion
Herbal teas like chamomile and fennel are perfect for digestion and can help you sleep better, says Dr Nagar, adding that chamomile is known for its calming effects, while fennel can ease your bloating and gas.
She recommends ginger tea, calling it another great option to soothe an upset stomach. Lastly, you can also have tulsi tea, which helps in the balance of the body and reduces stress.
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What Is The Best Way To Consume Tea Without Affecting Digestion?
“To enjoy tea without disturbing your digestion, try to opt for caffeine-free herbal teas like the fennel, ginger, or chamomile teas,” Dr Nagar reiterates. She says to have tea at least an hour before going to bed, sharing that the body takes time to digest.
If you drink milk tea, avoid adding too much sugar or milk, which can also cause discomfort and also disrupt your sleep. For those struggling to sleep, create a calming ritual around tea time, like dimming the lights or just listening to soft music that will also enhance relaxation and ease your sleep.