In my years as a doctor, I have met a wide variety of patients, each with their own unique lifestyle habits and preferences. But there's one thing that's almost universal – and that's drinking tea. Whether it's a busy workday or a leisurely break, a cup of tea is often a small blessing for people looking for a moment of peace. However, the trivial matter of drinking tea has also sparked a lot of discussion in my office.
I remember one time a patient who had been suffering from stomach pain for many years came to my office. This patient, a middle-aged librarian, was used to drinking several cups of green tea a day to keep his mind focused because of his work. At first, he didn't realize how this was related to his stomach pain. But over time, he found that whenever he drank green tea, the stomach pain seemed to be more severe. So, he came to me with curiosity and confusion for help.
After asking him about his eating habits in detail and conducting a series of examinations, I realized that the problem may not be entirely with the green tea itself, but with how and when to drink it. He usually drinks green tea with a higher concentration on an empty stomach, which undoubtedly exacerbates his already sensitive stomach condition.
The gentle way of black tea: how to nourish the stomach?
Black tea, due to its unique fermentation process, contains large amounts of theaflavins and thearubigins, which have been found to have a protective effect on the stomach. In contrast, the high concentration of tea polyphenols in green tea can sometimes irritate the stomach lining, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. But black tea is different, its fermentation process reduces the irritation of the tea leaves, making it milder and more suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
Another practical case is that a programmer who often works overtime and stays up late has stomach pain because of long-term consumption of green tea with a high concentration. At my suggestion, he switched to black tea and adjusted the timing and manner of drinking tea appropriately. A few weeks later, on a return visit, he mentioned that the discomfort in his stomach had decreased significantly and his overall mental state had improved.
To drink black tea to nourish the stomach, it is recommended to follow the following points:
Choose the right black tea: Choose black tea that is of good quality and moderately fermented. It is not advisable to choose those teas that are highly irritating, under-fermented or over-fermented.
Drink in moderation: Even mild black tea, drinking too much can be a burden on the stomach. It is recommended not to exceed 3-4 cups per day.
Right time: Avoid drinking black tea on an empty stomach. Drinking black tea half an hour to an hour after a meal can help digestion and reduce stomach irritation.
Proper temperature regulation: Overheated drinks may irritate the gastric mucosa, so it is recommended to drink black tea at a moderate temperature, which should neither be too hot nor too cold.
Add a small amount of milk or honey: For people with excessive stomach acid, adding a small amount of milk can neutralize the acidity of black tea, and honey can provide additional nutrients and protect the stomach lining.
The Art of Drinking Tea: The Right Way to Drink Tea
Choose the right tea species
Green Tea: Morning or afternoon, when the spirits need a boost. However, it should be noted that friends with a bad stomach should drink a small amount and avoid drinking on an empty stomach, because the catechins in green tea may irritate the gastric mucosa.
Black tea: After a meal, especially after a greasy meal. Black tea can help digestion and gently nourish the stomach. It is relatively low in theophylline and is suitable for most people.
Oolong Tea: After lunch. Semi-fermented oolong tea, which is between green and black tea, helps in the breakdown of fats and is suitable for drinking after meals.
Determine the best time to drink
It is not advisable to drink tea on an empty stomach: Drinking tea on an empty stomach is easy to cause excessive stomach acid, resulting in discomfort. The best time is 30 minutes to 1 hour after a meal.
Avoid before bedtime: Because the theophylline contained in tea has a refreshing effect, avoid drinking it before bed to avoid affecting sleep.
Learn the right way to drink it
Moderate amount: It is advisable to drink 3-4 cups of tea a day, excessive tea consumption may affect the absorption of iron, which is not good for the body.
Suitable water temperature: Green tea is best brewed with water around 80°C, which can better retain the antioxidants in the tea, and black tea and oolong tea are suitable for brewing with water close to the boiling point to fully display the aroma and taste of the tea.
Consider personal health conditions
Sensitive people: people with gastric ulcers and excessive gastric acid should carefully choose the type of tea and the time of drinking it to avoid aggravating the condition.
Special needs: Patients with high blood pressure and insomnia should avoid drinking too late or choosing low-caffeinated teas, such as white tea.
Drinking tea, as an art of life, is not only the pursuit of taste, but also the embodiment of a healthy lifestyle. Drinking tea through the above scientific methods can not only enjoy the mellow aroma and fun of tea, but also protect our health. The next time you make tea, remember to consider these tips to make every cup of tea a plus for your health.
Avoid pitfalls: Debunk common tea-drinking fallacies
First, let's talk about the issue of drinking tea on an empty stomach. Many people are accustomed to getting up in the morning and having a cup of tea first thing after waking up. However, this can actually cause irritation to the stomach. The tannic acid contained in tea can bind to proteins in the stomach on an empty stomach, which not only reduces the protective capacity of the stomach, but may also cause discomfort. My advice is that before drinking tea, it's best to eat something, even a small cookie, to protect your stomach.
What follows is the misconception that drinking tea affects sleep. Many people believe that drinking tea can cause insomnia, especially at night. It really depends on what kind of tea you're drinking. It is true that most teas, especially green and black teas, may affect some people's sleep because of the caffeine they contain. However, if you choose a decaffeinated or decaf tea, such as chrysanthemum tea or lemon tea, you won't have much of a problem. The key is to understand your body's sensitivity to caffeine and choose the right tea accordingly.
Finally, what we want to decipher is the claim that drinking tea can "relieve greasy". While tea can indeed help boost digestion, it's not a panacea. Over-reliance on tea to "clean" the burden of greasy food ignores the importance of a balanced diet. Eating a reasonable diet and eating less fatty foods is the key to staying healthy. Drinking tea can be used as an auxiliary habit in life rather than the answer to all your problems.
All in all, drinking tea is a treat as well as an art. Understanding and avoiding these common tea drinking myths can make this daily habit healthier and more enjoyable. Drinking tea, like life, requires a little knowledge, a little wisdom, and a lot of fun.