"In my office, I've seen too many patients suffering from their daily Xi. For example, Mr. Zhang, a 70-year-old retired teacher, has a 20-year Xi of making a pot of strong tea first thing when he wakes up in the morning. This seemingly harmless Xi unknowingly harmed his health. Just last week, Mr. Zhang came to me with severe stomach pain, and after examination, it was found that his gastric mucosa was severely damaged. What is the reason? It is actually caused by drinking tea on an empty stomach for a long time. "
Secret to Morning Fasting: The Secret of the Stomach and the Call of the Body
In the morning, the body shifts from a resting state at night to an active mode, and the stomach begins its day's work. At this time, the secretion of stomach acid is vigorous, in order to break down the food that is about to be ingested and prepare for the absorption of nutrients. However, when there is no food in the stomach, these stomach acids can cause irritation to the stomach lining, especially for those with thin stomach mucosa or a history of stomach problems.
Also, after a night of hibernation, the body needs energy to start the day. Mornings are a critical time to replenish energy, and the body expects to get the necessary nutrients through breakfast. Missing breakfast not only prolongs the amount of time your body spends on an empty stomach, but it can also lead to erratic blood sugar levels, which can affect overall energy and focus levels. For example, one study showed that people who skip breakfast are generally less productive in the morning than those who have eaten breakfast.
Against this background, drinking tea in the morning on an empty stomach can put additional pressure on the stomach. Compounds in tea, such as caffeine, further stimulate gastric acid secretion, exacerbating damage to the stomach wall in a fasting state. This is not just a theoretical inference, many gastrologists have observed in clinical practice that those patients who have the Xi of drinking tea on an empty stomach in the morning have a significantly higher chance of stomach attacks.
Therefore, in the morning on an empty stomach, the stomach and body are in an urgent need for nutrition, and choosing to drink tea at this time is undoubtedly inadvertently increasing the burden on the stomach.
When an empty stomach meets tea: the stomach quietly struggles
Drinking tea on an empty stomach in the morning may sound like a health Xi, but in fact, the stomach is under unknown pressure in this situation. Let's uncover the science behind this everyday Xi.
It is a well-known fact that tea contains caffeine. But what is not well known is the stimulating effect of caffeine on stomach acid. In the fasting state, gastric acid secretion is already at a relatively high level, and the intervention of caffeine at this time will further stimulate gastric acid secretion and increase the burden on the stomach. Studies have shown that caffeine can increase stomach acid secretion by up to 50%. This increase may not only cause stomach upset, but in the long run, it can also cause gastritis and even stomach ulcers.
In addition to caffeine, tea also contains tannic acid. Tannic acid binds to proteins in the stomach to form a precipitate, especially on an empty stomach. This precipitation not only affects the absorption of nutrients by the stomach, but may also cause direct irritation to the gastric mucosa. In the long term, damage to the stomach lining can accumulate and lead to more serious stomach problems.
In addition, tea contains a variety of other compounds, such as tea polyphenols, whose effects on the stomach on an empty stomach cannot be ignored. Although tea polyphenols have health benefits such as antioxidants, excessive intake may cause stomach upset, such as pain, nausea, and other symptoms in fasting conditions.
In summary, drinking tea on an empty stomach in the morning is not a harmless Xi. The pressure on the stomach during this time period is far greater than we think. In order to maintain a healthy stomach, it is recommended to adjust this daily Xi and choose to drink tea after eating to reduce the adverse effects on the stomach.
Safely enjoy your first cup of tea in the morning: a combination of science and health
Morning tea, for many, is the beginning of a new day. But to ensure that this Xi is not only enjoyable, but also healthy, there are a few key points to pay attention to.
First and foremost, avoiding tea on an empty stomach is key. On an empty stomach, gastric acid secretion is at its peak, and drinking tea at this time may irritate the gastric mucosa, causing discomfort. Instead, it is advisable to drink tea after breakfast. In this way, the food can provide a layer of protection for the stomach and reduce the direct irritation of the stomach by the tea ingredients. A study has shown that drinking tea after meals can reduce the negative effects of tannic acid in tea leaves on the stomach.
Choosing the right tea is important. Not all teas are suitable for morning drinking. For example, black or green tea with high concentrations contains more caffeine, which may cause irritation to the stomach on an empty stomach. In contrast, herbal teas or decaffeinated teas, such as white tea, are usually milder and more suitable for morning drinking. The mild nature of this type of tea helps to avoid irritation of the stomach lining while providing a smooth release of energy to help start the day.
It is also important to pay attention to the portion size of the tea. Even if it's a healthy tea, drinking it in excess can be problematic. A moderate amount of tea not only refreshes the mind, but also aids digestion. It is generally recommended that the amount of tea in the morning should not exceed two cups. In this way, you can enjoy the aroma and taste of the tea, and you can ensure that it does not cause too much burden on the stomach.
The key to enjoying your morning tea is balance and moderation. Drinking the right tea after breakfast and controlling the right amount of tea is not only healthy, but also adds to the joy Xi of life. In this way, everyone can enjoy the tranquility and contentment of that moment while ensuring their health.