Reader’s Message: I drank some black tea a few days ago, and my stomach felt uncomfortable the entire afternoon, followed by a feeling of bodily fatigue. May I ask if it’s normal to get a stomachache or stomach pain after drinking black tea? Is there any way to improve or prevent this? Thank you in advance for your help!
Chang-Hsing Tea: Experiencing a stomachache or stomach pain after drinking black tea is a common issue for many people. Sometimes it comes with not just stomach discomfort, but also diarrhea. While this can sometimes be caused by poor tea quality, it is most often triggered by your body’s constitution or drinking tea at the wrong time.
If you tend to get stomachaches from black tea, the first golden rule is never to drink tea on an empty stomach. Drinking tea on an empty stomach easily leads to diarrhea and fatigue, which is the main reason why black tea causes stomach pain.
▲ Stomachaches after drinking black tea may be caused by drinking tea on an empty stomach.
In addition, tea polyphenols and caffeine promote gastrointestinal motility and stimulate stomach acid secretion, which can cause stomach pain in people with sensitive stomachs. If you experience this, we recommend reviewing and adjusting your black tea drinking habits and personal constitution. If you still experience stomachaches after drinking black tea, it is best to consult a professional physician or stop drinking black tea altogether. After all, your health is what matters most.