So, you ate too much of your favorite meal or just couldn’t stop binge eating while out with family or friends? At such times you sure want something to soothe and relax your digestive system, and tea is that sure shot elixir to not only soothe your gut but also calm your whole body. Eliminate bloating, break down fatty foods, accelerate your metabolism, and many more health benefits – all in one cup of tea! You could choose between herbal teas to ones with caffeine depending on your preference – although, if you wish to drink tea in the evening, it is a good idea to consume decaffeinated teas such that your sleep remains undisturbed.
There are several different kinds of tea and each one is beneficial when it comes to digestion – from soothing herbal brews to stimulating caffeinated cups and everything in between. While some of these blends do contain caffeine, we recommend sticking to herbal teas in the evening so that the caffeine doesn’t affect your sleep.
How Tea Supports the Digestive System
You may wonder how drinking tea would help digestion. Tea hydrates the body and with enough water in the system, chances of developing constipation are highly reduced, which in turn ensures that bowel movement is smooth and regular. Secondly, tea is nature’s elixir, with a load of antioxidants, polyphenols, herbal and other compounds, all of which support gut health, since these compounds as prebiotics – energizing the good bacteria that live in the gut. With the right number of bacteria, the digestive tract works smoothly to ensure improved digestion, support immunity, and also balance one’s weight. Here is a list of teas for improved digestion, and overall health:
- Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea not only has a rejuvenating smell, but it is also a great way to round up a heavy meal. Peppermint contains menthol – the active ingredient that helps reduce bloating, abdominal pain, and symptoms associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). A cup of hot peppermint tea helps to soothe and relax the gastrointestinal tract and the intestines, thereby alleviating indigestion and nausea.
Bonus tip: This tea works wonders to soothe menstrual cramps and pain as well.
- Ginger Tea
Ginger Tea is not only delicious, but it is also one of the main ingredients in several ayurvedic and herbal medicines. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in the stomach and digestive tract, leading to improved digestion.
Bonus Tip: Ginger tea is loaded with properties that help prevent nausea, relieve morning sickness, and soothe a sore throat.
- Chamomile Tea
This tea is one of the favorites to help treat indigestion, relieve gas and bloating, alleviate nausea and motion sickness, accelerate a sluggish digestive tract, reduce diarrhea and vomiting, and relieve stomach aches.
Bonus Tip: Chamomile tea also acts as a relaxant – calms tense muscles and helps to soothe the body and mind.
4. Fennel Tea
Fennel or saunf is eaten by several people post a heavy Indian meal. It’s not just a mouth freshener, but also works to improve digestion. Fennel tea has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and helps to maintain the bacteria in the gut, which in turn improves digestion. It helps to soothe the digestive tract, alleviating abdominal pain and IBS.
Bonus Tip: Fennel tea is a great after-meal drink – its pleasant taste acts as a palate cleanser and curbs cravings.
- Licorice Root Tea
While it is recommended to use this tea in moderation, Licorice Root tea has several health benefits including its soothing effect on the stomach and digestive tract.
Bonus Tip: It is the perfect after-dinner drink, given its sweet taste – it helps satiate sweet cravings.
- Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon has been part of traditional medicine for years. Cinnamon tea is packed with anti-inflammatory benefits, which help relieve stomach and intestinal cramps and swelling. It helps to combat flatulence, diarrhea, and nausea.
Bonus Tip: Cinnamon tea is naturally free of caffeine and also helps lower blood sugar levels. It can be had any time during the day.
- Black Tea
This tea for improves digestion, while also helping with weight loss. Studies show that black tea breaks down complex fats and sugar, enabling easier digestion, which supports healthy body weight. Black tea contains theaflavins (antioxidants), which are unique to black tea and support proper digestion.
Bonus Tip: Black tea is great for skin health too – its antioxidants fight skin infections and help to remove blemishes.
- Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants, that reduce the absorption of starch, improve digestion, and accelerate metabolism.
Bonus Tip: Green tea is the recommended tea for weight loss.
- Oolong Tea
This is a floral tea – lying somewhere between black and green tea. Oolong tea helps to accelerate metabolism, aid in digestion, and burn fat.
Bonus Tip: It can be steeped several times, with each time lending a different flavor.
Finally
Tea is the elixir and the favorite beverage – second only to water. It is a great alternative to sugary beverages and rich desserts. Teas are an easy and natural way to improve digestion – and there are so many kinds and flavors to choose from, so you never get tired of drinking them. Here’s to your gut and overall health!