Those who love to drink tea know that there are many types of tea, each with different effects and properties.
Sometimes, when our body sends us certain signals, we should put down our teacup and stop drinking tea to avoid affecting our health, turning a “beneficial tea” into a “bad tea.”
During a Gastric Episode
Tea contains a relatively high amount of caffeine, especially Pu'er and black tea.
For those with excessive stomach acid or gastric ulcers, drinking tea during a gastric episode can dilute the stomach acid, making digestion more difficult, causing acid reflux, and potentially worsening the condition.
During a Gout Attack
Gout is a debilitating condition that causes intense pain in the feet, making sleep impossible.
People with gout must avoid foods containing purines, tannins, and seafood. Since tea contains a certain amount of tannic acid, drinking it during a gout attack will only exacerbate the condition, especially if the tea is strong or steeped for a long time.
When You Have Constipation
Most of the food fiber we consume is too refined and contains numerous additives, which are not conducive to digestion and absorption, often leading to constipation.
The polyphenols in tea can make stools harder and more compact. For those with strong stomach heat, plain water or Fu brick tea, which contains probiotics, is a better solution for constipation.
When Suffering from Insomnia
Some elderly people say, “Don't drink tea at night; it'll keep you awake.”
Tea contains a certain amount of caffeine, which controls central nervous system excitement. The more caffeine consumed, the more excited one becomes. Drinking tea before bedtime or when suffering from insomnia is like adding fuel to the fire.
In such cases, choosing post-fermented dark tea could be a better option, as the golden flower fungus helps cleanse the intestines without affecting sleep.
During Bone Development
Children are in a critical period of bone growth and development. The alkaloids in tea can affect calcium absorption, potentially leading to poor bone development over the long term. Parents should be cautious and serve mild tea to their children.
While drinking tea is generally beneficial, it's important not to overindulge during special times. If you don't have any of these conditions, enjoying a cup of high-quality tea from its place of origin—authentic, uncontaminated, and free of excessive pesticide residues—is certainly a good choice.