Why does tea make me nauseous? This is a question people often ask, and we thought we’d put together a short guide to explain what is going on here.
Feeling nauseous after savoring a cup of tea can be a disappointing and uncomfortable experience. If you've encountered this queasy sensation, know that you're not alone in this plight. We understand how disheartening it can be, especially for avid tea enthusiasts.
Fear not, as this article aims to shed light on the potential reasons behind tea-induced nausea and, more importantly, provide practical solutions to help you reclaim your love for tea. 💩
Why Does Tea Make Me Nauseous?
Ah, caffeine – the beloved and infamous component that gives tea its stimulating charm. For some, this invigorating substance can be a double-edged sword.
While it perks up many, others might find themselves facing unwanted gastrointestinal discomforts, including nausea. Caffeine sensitivity varies among individuals, and for those prone to its effects, nausea can be an unwelcome sidekick.
If you want to take the easy way out and go for a caffeine free tea, you might want to read this article first 👉 Don't Drink Decaf Matcha Until You Read This Guide!
How to Avoid the Caffeine
Don't fret, though! There are ways to embrace your love for tea without the tummy turmoil. Consider opting for low-caffeine teas like bancha, genmaicha, hojicha and kukicha.
Also, you can brew tea with cooler temperature water which will extract less caffeine. In addition to this, most caffeine will be extracted in the first infusion of the leaves, so the second time you brew the tea it will be much lower.
If you want to find teas that are lower in caffeine, we made a whole list 👉 8 Lowest Caffeine Tea: from Lowest to Highest
Why Does Tea Make Me Nauseous Besides Caffeine?
Why does tea make me nauseous even though I’m drinking the low caffeine stuff? Enter tannins – the complex compounds that add depth and richness to tea but, alas, might cause an upset tummy for some.
Found in varying levels across tea types, tannins can irritate the stomach lining, leading to that unpleasant nauseous feeling.
Yet, fear not, fellow tea lovers! You can mitigate the impact of tannins by choosing certain tea varieties. Opt for white or green teas, which generally contain fewer tannins than black teas, and try shortening the steeping time to minimize their release.
Tannins are just one difference between green tea and black tea. If you want to learn about the others, you'll definitely want to read this article here 👉 Black tea vs Green tea - A Battle is Brewing
Why Does Tea Make Me Nauseous on an Empty Stomach?
The heart wants tea, but the stomach might have a different opinion, especially when tea is served solo on an empty battleground. Downing tea on an empty stomach can invite acidity-related nausea, leaving you feeling less than delighted.
Worry not, brave tea enthusiasts! It's all about timing and strategy. Enjoy your tea with a delightful meal to neutralize its acidity and ensure a harmonious coexistence with your tummy. You can also drink a less acidic tea, which can help soothe the stomach.
Which teas are the best for Nausea?
If you’re wondering why does tea make me nauseous, you may be drinking the wrong kind. Japanese green teas, in particular, offer a range of options that are gentle on the stomach while providing delightful flavors and potential health benefits.
Let's explore some of the best teas for nausea:
Sencha
Sencha is a classic Japanese green tea known for its refreshing taste and vibrant green color.
It’s made from younger tea leaves that have been steamed, rolled and dried and it works great both hot and cold.
It contains a moderate amount of caffeine and is rich in antioxidants, making it a soothing choice for nausea relief.
The sencha isagawa has a more subtle, refreshing flavor profile, high mineral content and lower caffeine, making it easier on the stomach.
Want to learn more about the most popular tea in Japan? We made the perfect guide for you 👉 Everything You Need to Know About Sencha
Matcha
Matcha is a powdered green tea that offers a concentrated dose of antioxidants and L-theanine, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.Okumidori matcha teas like the Washimine Ceremonial Matcha Tea have a smooth and velvety texture makes it easy on the palate and on the stomach.
Matcha powder can actually have an alkalizing effect on the body. Don't believe it? Read this article here 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here.
Kukicha
Kukicha is made from the stems of the tea plant, giving it a milder flavor, more minerality and a lower caffeine content
The Osada Japanese Kukicha Tea is a delicious tea made in the mountains of Shizuoka.
Because the soils on these mountain tea plantations are rockier, this contributes to more minerality in the tea.
This tea is pleasant to drink and very easy on the stomach.
Bancha
Bancha teas like the Bancha Masudaen are made using the older stems and leaves of the tea plant, which means it is lower in caffeine and higher in minerals.
In fact, bancha is sometimes drunk after meals in Japan in order to soothe the stomach!
Its mellow and toasty taste, along with low caffeine levels, makes it a soothing choice for easing nausea.
Hojicha
Hojicha is made by roasting tea leaves after harvest.
During the roasting process, the tea takes on rich tasting notes of coffee, caramel and chocolate
The Kuki Hojicha from Mr. Issin is a hojicha made using the stems of the tea plant, so it has an even lower caffeine content, but a more robust flavor.
The roasted tea leaves can also be ground up and turned into hojicha powder, which is works great in hojicha lattes and it can even be more soothing on the stomach.
To see how a roasted tea like hojicha compares to an unroasted tea like sencha, you can read the full breakdown 👉 Difference between Sencha vs Hojicha.
Genmaicha
Genmaicha is a unique Japanese green tea that includes roasted brown rice. The combination of rice and green tea creates a nutty and comforting flavor.
The toasted rice can really take some of the edge off the tea. With its lower caffeine content, it's well-suited for sensitive stomachs.
Genmaicha can even be mixed with matcha powder to get the both worlds!
Matcha iri genmaicha like the Matcha Genmaicha Shizuoka combine the rich, vegetal flavor of matcha with the warm nutty flavors of toasted rice.
So if you’re wondering why does tea make me nauseous, you may want to switch to one of these more soothing tea varieties and say goodbye your tummy troubles.
Why Does Tea Make Me Nauseous if I Drink Too Much?
So why does tea make me nauseous after three or four cups?
In the realm of tea, too much of a good thing can lead to discomfort. Overconsumption can trigger nausea, and the diuretic nature of tea might leave you dehydrated and queasy.
But fret not, for the path to tea enjoyment is paved with moderation. Sip your tea leisurely and mindfully, and remember, it's the quality of the tea time that truly matters.
Avoiding Large Quantities of Tea
One thing you may appreciate is sipping smaller, more concentrated cups of tea. You get the same amount of flavor, but you’re not downing the same volume of liquid.
If you take your time to savor each drop, you’ll notice the tea experience is even more enjoyable than when you brew larger quantities. We recommend using 5 grams of leaf and only 150ml of water to make a super flavorful brew.
If you want to learn how to prepare the perfect cup of tea using these ratios, you may want to check out our brewing guide 👉 How to Make Loose Leaf Tea explained by Tea experts
Why Does Tea Make Me Nauseous - Final Verdict
So to summarize, why does tea make me nauseous? This can be due to a variety of different factors such as the caffeine, the tannins and when you drink the tea. You can still indulge in delicious green tea without the tummy troubles as long as you do it right.
Understanding is half the battle
Tea-induced nausea need not be a dealbreaker in your love affair with this timeless beverage.
By understanding the potential culprits behind your discomfort and implementing these delightful solutions, you can once again savor the soothing embrace of tea without the unwanted queasiness.
So, let the kettle sing its song, steep your favorite blend just right, and toast to a delightful tea journey filled with joy and contentment. Cheers to tea, without the nausea!
