Tea is deeply ingrained in daily routines, but certain habits can silently damage your gut and liver. Drinking tea on an empty stomach, for example, causes irritation because tannins increase acidity and may trigger reflux, nausea, or discomfort. Many people also consume sweetened teas—like iced teas, milk teas, or café-style blends—which can contain up to 30–40 grams of sugar. These sugar-heavy drinks contribute to fatty liver, weight gain, and diabetes. Detox teas marketed as weight-loss solutions are another major concern, as they often contain laxatives that risk dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and long-term gut damage.

Another harmful practice is consuming high doses of green tea extract supplements. While brewed green tea is safe, concentrated extracts can cause liver inflammation and toxicity. Drinking tea at extremely high temperatures (above 65°C) may also harm the esophagus and increase cancer risk over time. Many people drink chai or green tea late at night without realizing that the caffeine disrupts sleep, affecting liver repair and overall metabolic health. Finally, the rising popularity of bubble tea brings a new problem—excess sugar and starchy tapioca pearls, which contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, and fatty liver. By correcting these habits, tea can remain a beneficial and soothing part of your lifestyle.

Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach

• Increases stomach acidity
• Irritates stomach lining
• Can cause acid reflux, nausea, discomfort
• Recommended: drink after food or a light snack

High-Sugar Teas (Milk Tea, Iced Tea)

• Many contain 30–40 g sugar per serving
• Increases risk of fatty liver
• Promotes weight gain and insulin resistance
• Raises diabetes risk
• Choose unsweetened or low-sugar alternatives

Detox or Slimming Teas

• Often contain laxatives like senna
• Cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
• Damage gut lining with long-term use
• Create dependency for bowel movements
• Not suitable for daily consumption

Overuse of Green Tea Extract Supplements

• Highly concentrated forms of tea
• Can cause liver cell inflammation
• Linked to rare cases of liver toxicity
• Brewed tea is safer than capsules
• Use supplements only with medical supervision

Drinking Extremely Hot Tea

• Above 65°C (149°F) increases esophageal cancer risk
• Hot tea can burn and inflame the esophagus
• Long-term irritation increases disease risk
• Let tea cool for 3–5 minutes before drinking

Drinking Tea Late at Night

• Tea contains caffeine
• Disrupts sleep cycle
• Poor sleep reduces liver repair
• Raises stress hormones
• Choose caffeine-free herbal teas at night

Frequent Bubble Tea (Boba) Consumption

• Contains high sugar + starchy tapioca pearls
• Causes insulin resistance
• Promotes fatty liver development
• Easily adds hidden calories
• Best consumed occasionally, not daily