I wake up in the morning rubbing my eyes and looking for a cup of tea because without that I can’t feel getting out of my bed. It was a moment of sheer relaxation especially on weekends when I enjoy it with my partner sitting on the balcony looking at the pretty sunrise and enjoying the cool breeze. To add a bit to it, most of you like it along with some biscuits or a cookie that melt in the mouth enhancing the flavor of this combination. How many of you think the same when getting up in the morning? I am sure many of you reading this blog! This bed-tea culture has become a practice in many households but it’s a matter of concern as it is slowly and steadily harming the system. Let’s find out how morning tea is not good for you;

Hidden Side Effects of Morning Tea: From Acidity to Anxiety

  • Acidity: Our body system works best at alkaline pH and tea disturbs this sensitive acid-base balance in the body because of its acidic nature. In the morning, your stomach secretes a good amount of acid and drinking tea empty stomach enhances acidity and causes heartburn and related issues.
  • Dehydration: When we wake up in the morning, our body is dehydrated because of long hours of sleep and we don’t drink water. The tea itself is diuretic in nature which means that means it eliminates more water from the body causing dehydration. Theophylline present in tea has a dehydrating effect on the stool and may cause constipation. Instead of tea, start your day with a good amount of water.
  • Inhibit absorption of nutrients: Tea contains caffeine which binds to minerals like iron and eliminates it as such from the body. In India, we usually have the habit of drinking tea along with breakfast which is the prominent reason for anemia as it will not allow absorption of iron from the meal. According to the National Health Family Survey-5 report, 57% of women and 25% of men in India are suffering from iron deficiency anemia. So, next time when you drink tea along with food, please give thought to what it will lead to. 4. Raises blood sugar level: Drinking tea first thing in the morning raises your blood sugar levels because of the high amount of sugar in it and no fiber in it. Your body needs good nutrition when you wake up. Instead of tea, start your day with a handful of nuts or fruit.
  • Increased anxiety, stress, and restlessness: Excess caffeine cause anxiety, stress, and restlessness. An average cup of tea (240 ml) contains about 11-60 mg of caffeine and the more you steep the tea, it will going to increase the more caffeine content like our favorite “Mumbai cutting chai” style. Research shows that more caffeine increases the heart rate, which causes anxiety and restlessness.

Thus, it’s time to rethink this morning habit. I am not saying that you should not drink tea at all but how much and when to drink is important. Tea is one of the most popular beverages in our country. No conversation is said to be complete without tea. It’s okay to have 1-2 cups of tea daily. You can have it after 30-40 min of breakfast or in the evening along with some healthy snacks like nuts or seeds.

Feel free to write in case you have any doubts.