Why does tea cause nausea?

Tea causing nausea is a situation that many people— including myself as the writer of this article— experience from time to time, and this effect usually develops without being noticed. The tannins found in the tea plant can irritate the stomach lining, and when tea is consumed on an empty stomach, it can significantly increase the feeling of nausea. In addition, drinking tea when it is too hot creates a sudden stimulation on the stomach wall, disrupting digestive balance and causing discomfort. In some people, the caffeine in tea increases stomach acid, contributing to the onset of nausea.

The effect of stomach sensitivity and consumption habits

The way tea is consumed plays a direct role in nausea. Very strong or over-steeped tea increases the tannin content, which can create more pressure and burning sensations in individuals with sensitive stomachs. Drinking only tea without eating anything else leaves the stomach exposed solely to tea acids, which increases the severity of nausea. In individuals with conditions such as reflux, gastritis, or indigestion, the amount and strength of the tea significantly intensify nausea. Therefore, the frequency of consumption, brewing strength, and the time of day tea is consumed all affect how nausea develops.

Solutions to reduce nausea

There are several simple methods to prevent tea-induced nausea.
1-Drinking tea more lightly brewed instead of very strong reduces the effect of tannins.
2-Avoiding tea on an empty stomach and eating a small snack alongside it helps protect the stomach.
3-Drinking tea warm rather than extremely hot prevents irritation of the stomach lining.
4-Those sensitive to caffeine can switch to herbal teas or reduce their tea intake throughout the day. With these adjustments, tea enjoyment can continue without discomfort, and nausea problems can largely be eliminated. Developing consistent consumption habits helps the stomach function more steadily, allowing tea to be a soothing drink rather than a disturbing one.

How it happens to me

As your writer, tea-induced nausea usually occurs for me when I drink tea on an empty stomach. Sometimes I don’t realize how hungry I actually am. For example, I may not eat a meal between morning and evening. If I drink tea after 3 PM, there are many times when it causes nausea. However, years ago even if I drank it on an empty stomach, it didn’t make me nauseous. I guess we have worn out our stomachs a bit over time. Wishing everyone healthy days. / 2025-11-18 01:22:37