Does Hot Tea Help Bloating and Gas After Meals?
Giving up soft drinks in favor of a warm cup of tea after a meal may help soothe your stomach. Both green and herbal teas can help aid in digestion and reduce or eliminate symptoms, such as bloating and gas. However, some forms of herbal tea may interact with supplements, other herbs and medication.
Giving up soft drinks in favor of a warm cup of tea after a meal may help soothe your stomach. Both green and herbal teas can help aid in digestion and reduce or eliminate symptoms, such as bloating and gas. However, some forms of herbal tea may interact with supplements, other herbs and medication. For these reasons, check with your doctor before adding herbal teas to your diet or if you experience any side effects.
Green Tea
Green tea has been used in traditional medicine to treat gas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea contains catechins and polyphenols that may help aid in digestion. These antioxidant compounds are well tolerated in the stomach and help lower cholesterol and fat absorption, according to an article published in the "European Journal of Pharmacology" in 2004. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea may also contribute to its ability to reduce bloating and gas.
Herbal Teas
Many herbal teas have shown potential in aiding digestive issues, such as bloating and excess gas. Peppermint tea can help food pass through the stomach more efficiently by relaxing the gastrointestinal muscles, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. This relaxing effect also helps intestinal gas pass through more easily. Chamomile, ginger and mint are other herbal teas that also help with digestive issues. Lavender is used for several gastrointestinal ailments, including gas and stomach discomfort, according to MedlinePlus.
Chai Tea
Chai tea is made from an assortment of health-promoting herbs, including cinnamon, ginger, clove, fennel and black pepper. Most of chai tea's ingredients aid in various ailments, most specifically digestion, according to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Black pepper helps prevent undigested food from producing gas and creating other digestive issues by stimulating the taste buds to produce hydrochloric acid. This acid is vital in breaking down proteins and other food components. Cinnamon and ginger help settle the stomach, while fennel helps get rid of gas-producing bacteria.
Precautions with Tea
Some teas may create side effects by interacting with medication or exacerbating a medical condition. Peppermint tea, for example, can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease and affect drugs that reduce stomach acid, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea and chai tea both contain caffeine, which may cause nervousness, sleep problems, irregular heartbeat, tremor, heartburn and dizziness in some people; however, decaf versions are also available. Consult a doctor to determine if it is safe for you to drink tea frequently.