Tea has certain health benefits but when consumed with milk on a regular basis, it can lead to some health issues. Milk tea is recognised as a popular beverage in many countries across the world. The craze is unmatched in India where tea stalls can be found in almost every corner. Milk tea can be a great source of calcium, effective in making your bones stronger. It, however, can take a toll on your digestive system. Caffeine which is present in nearly every form of tea can be beneficial in improving bowel movement. But in case of excessive consumption, it can result in severe stomach problems including diarrhoea.
Let’s take a look at how drinking milk tea can contribute to affecting your digestive health.
Lactose Intolerance
It is a common condition that can be found in a sizable portion of the world population. Milk can bring nightmares to those who are lactose intolerant. Their digestive system is not able to break lactose. That’s why for such individuals, milk tea is a strict no as it can cause several symptoms like stomach aches, increased gas, diarrhoea and distention. People can also experience inflammation and pain in the gut, with lactose affecting the balance of good bacteria in the stomach.
Sucrose and Spices
Many people prefer sugar in their milk tea. To add an extra flavour, many also add spices like ginger, saffron, and cardamom to the beverage. These elements and excess amounts of sucrose, however, can impact the gut health.
It can lead to the growth of nefarious bacteria, resulting in conditions like dysbiosis where harmful bacteria can overpower the good ones. Spices, on the other hand, usually don’t have any side effects. But when used in large amounts, they can also cause discomfort in the stomach.
Timing
There are many individuals who start their day with a cup of milk coffee. This habit can cause long-term issues in their digestive system. Having tea on an empty stomach can increase acidity, leading to problems like heartburn, indigestion, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Effects of Caffeine
Tea should be consumed only twice a day, not more than that. Excessive amounts may overstimulate the bowel movement and cause intolerable pain. Those who have a sensitive stomach should not drink milk tea daily as the caffeine present in it can also cause digestive interference.
Preparation
To have the most effective result, ingredients in milk tea should be used in a perfect ratio. Sugar needs to be avoided to keep the gut microbiota in balance. It is recommended to take milk tea after breakfast, not on an empty stomach.
