Can tea make you constipated? (+ Drinks that relieve constipation)

In this article, we will answer the question “Can tea make you constipated?”, and what type of tea should you drink to relieve constipation?

Can tea make you constipated?

Yes, tea can make you constipated. The caffeine present in tea has a diuretic effect on the kidneys resulting in large amounts of urine that eventually leads to dehydration. Because most teas contain caffeine as well as tannins, those with sensitivity or allergies to either of these substances should avoid consumption as it may cause constipation and iron deficiency. People with peptic ulcers may also need to avoid drinking this beverage as it can increase the production of stomach acid (2).

A minor agent’s black tea contains a lot of tannins which might cause constipation and also makes the stool hard to pass out due to more water absorption capacity of tannins (3). Caffeine may also cause diuresis and lead to dehydration.

Excessive intake of tea has a fight or flight response on the body and promotes indigestion. Read on if you want to know what type of tea beverages to consume when you are faced with indigestion.

Constipation is one of the most frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders. Most studies estimate the prevalence of constipation in the general population to be 12 – 19 % (1).

What are the causes of constipation?

Constipation is infrequent bowel movements resulting in blockage of stool. This condition usually lasts for a week or more. Constipation is caused by the following reasons (1).

  • Low fiber diet
  • Dehydration
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Stress and anxiety (Psychological and psychiatric disorders)
  • Pregnancy

Constipation can also result from IBS, thyroid disease, or if you are suffering from Hypothyroidism, or due to the use of medicaments, such anticholinergic agents, opioid analgesics, calcium supplements, etc. It can also be a sign of poor nervous functioning. This affects the performance of the nerves around the rectum and bowel. Moreover, people suffering from hemorrhoids often experience constipation because they face immense difficulty and pain in passing stools.

Holding the stool over a long time in case of hemorrhoids or in the case of children who are learning to control their reflexes leads to constipation.

What type of tea to drink during constipation?

Senna tea

Senna is a herb and is a good ingredient for your herbal tea (1). You can also brew senna alone. Add a bit of sugar, honey, or any other sweetener to make it palatable and neutralize its bitter taste. Senna helps stimulate the intestines and works by inducing bowel movements.

Dandelion tea

Dandelion tea is a mild laxative and alleviates water retention. The tea can be brewed with dandelion leaves or roasted dandelion roots. The root of the dandelion plant is used as a gastrointestinal remedy that aids in improving digestion and liver function, while the leaf is considered primarily as a diuretic and bitter digestive stimulant (4).

Cascara tea

Cascara is a herb that has strong laxative properties. Cascara comes to form the coffee plant but tastes very sweet and floral with hints of cherry, mango, hibiscus, rosehip, or tobacco. Stimulant laxatives work by direct stimulatory effects of the myenteric plexus on contact with the colonic mucosa and also by inhibiting water absorption (1).

Peppermint tea

Peppermint leaves aid in digestion and can be used to treat constipation. Menthol present in peppermint tea a very cooling and refreshing effect on the mouth. The tea has a very pleasant minty and sweet taste. Some freshly squeezed lemon adds a hint of tanginess.

Traditionally it was used as a spasmolytic for various digestive problems such as colic in infants, flatulence, diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, and to reduce gas and cramps (4).

Green tea

Green tea helps relieve constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. It is important to consume green tea right away or else it will lead to stomach uneasiness and dehydration. Loose bowels could also happen on the off chance that you are new to green tea. Free stools could be one of the gentle symptoms (because of the caffeine content), which can in the long run die down as you get used to the drink. The runs can likewise occur with over the top admission of green tea (3).

Hot or iced black tea

Iced black tea has mild laxative properties and can be consumed with honey to enhance its laxative action. Caffeine in large quantities can also result in frequent and watery stool (3).

What type of drinks relieve constipation?

The following drinks help promote bowel movements and treat constipation.

Water

Staying hydrated is the key to prevent constipation in the future and to treat the existing problem. Water softens the stool and lubricates the walls of the intestines. Sufficient water also promotes the healthy digestion of food. Treatment then focuses on osmotic agents to increase stool water content without bulking or on stimulant laxatives to enhance propulsion (1).

Prune juice

Constipation can be a consequence of low fiber ingestion. Alternative ways to increase fiber intake include incorporating prune juice or prunes in the diet (1).

Coffee

Coffee induces peristalsis and has soluble dietary fiber that promotes healthy bowel movements. Caffeine in coffee has a diuretic effect so it is important to consume limited amounts of coffee. 

However, in a study, constipation was more correlated to women with a high consumption of coffee (six or more cups a day) than those women who drank one cup or less of coffee a day (5).

Mint or ginger tea

Ginger is a staple ingredient of herbal tea because it has excellent laxative action on bowel movements. It does so by promoting heat generation in the body. The menthol in mint helps relax intestinal muscles and promote bowel movements. Ginger can be used as a remedy for many ailments, including those affecting the digestive system, such as dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, vomiting, diarrhea. Includes cramps, nausea, abdominal pain, etc (4).

How to prevent future constipation?

Certain healthy lifestyle choices help prevent constipation in the future.

Diet

It is all about what you eat. Eating high fiber foods like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and whole fruits help prevent constipation. Shift to whole grain bread and make sure to eat lots of vegetables with your meals. The fiber supports healthy gut bacteria and promotes a healthy digestive system by regulating bowel movements.

Fiber or bulking agents refer to organic polymers that increase the water-absorbency properties of stool, thereby increasing stool bulk, consistency, and weight (1).

Exercise

Exercise helps you maintain a healthy digestive system. It is important to work out at least 20 minutes each day. Light jogging, walking, swimming, skipping, or aerobics boost immunity, maintain a healthy gut, and make you feel energetic all day long. It also prevents obesity and heart diseases. A study found that regular physical exercise and higher fiber intake were associated with reduced risk of constipation in women (5).

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “Can tea make you constipated?”, and what type of tea should you drink to relieve constipation.

References

  1. Gallegos-Orozco, Juan F., et al. Chronic constipation in the elderly. Off j Am Coll Gastroenterol, 2012, 107, 18-25. 
  2. Kandiah, Jay, and Valerie A. Amend. 12 Caffeine and Tannins. Nutrition and Exercise Concerns. 2009, 269.
  3. Imran, Ali, et al. Oxidative stress diminishing perspectives of green and black tea polyphenols: a mechanistic approach. Polyphenols. 2018.
  4. Cheema, Harveer Singh, and Mitra Pal Singh. The Use of Medicinal Plants in Digestive System Related Disorders—A Systematic Review. J. Ayurvedic Herb. Med, 2021, 7, 182-187.  
  5. Dukas, Laurent, Walter C. Willett, and Edward L. Giovannucci. Association between physical activity, fiber intake, and other lifestyle variables and constipation in a study of women. Am j gastroenterol, 2003, 98, 1790-1796.

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