Stubborn Stomach Ache? An R.D. Swears by Tea for Digestion
- By Rebekah Harding
- January 22, 2024
G
oing out for a steak dinner is all fun and games until that I’m-so-full-I-could-die bloat kicks in. If you’ve ever spent hours battling digestive symptoms like constipation, GERD, and heartburn, it can be tempting to run straight to the medicine cabinet. But before you reach for an extra-strength antacid or laxative, there’s something else in your pantry that could improve your digestion—herbal tea.
What Are the Benefits of Tea for Digestion?
“Teas are made of a variety of different herbs and ingredients that have been used for thousands of years to improve the digestive system and promote overall digestion,” Rebecca Russell, MS, RD, says. And for good reason: tea’s digestive benefits include “reduced constipation, nausea, heartburn, GERD, bloating, and general inflammation.”
Plus, drinking warm liquid may also help activate your digestive muscles, allowing stubborn food to pass through more easily (1).
One important note: “Teas can be part of symptom management, but they will not solve any digestive issues,” Russell says. “In order to actually improve digestive issues, you have to first get to the bottom of what is causing them.”
About the Expert:
Rebecca Russell, MS, RD, IFNCP, ATC is a registered dietitian, with a specialization in functional nutrition and gut health.
The Best Tea for Digestion, According to an RD
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References
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