Is your tea giving you acidity? This is the shocking truth (and how to fix it!)

Milk tea, or chai as we lovingly call it, is practically a national obsession in India. Be it early morning or late night to get things from home, tea is always there to soothe our soul. But amidst that cozy warmth, many of us battle an unexpected enemy:. Turns out, the way we make our tea can make the difference between enjoyment and irritation. So, before you swear off your favorite drink, read on to find out straight from dietitians and nutritionists how to enjoy your cuppa without the acidity blues.

Also read: Tea: The drink that changed history – here’s why it’s more than just a drink

Why does milk tea cause acidity?

Acidity from milk tea isn’t just a myth – it’s a real struggle for many tea lovers. According to dietitian Trishala, there are three main culprits:

1. Overboiling milk and tea together

We’ve done it all – let the tea steep a little longer to intensify the flavor. But here’s the problem: overboiling milk with tea can break down the proteins and lactose, which may cause acidity problems for some people. Dietitian Trishala suggests a simple solution: After making your tea, add milk once it cools down a bit. It retains the goodness of milk while keeping your tea soft and soothing.

2. Letting the tea steep for too long

Time flies, but your tea doesn’t. Leaving your freshly made tea to sit for too long can increase its acidity. To enjoy the refreshing taste and avoid irritation, drink your tea within 10 minutes of brewing. Your taste buds and stomach will thank you.

3. Reheating your cuppa

Think twice before putting yesterday’s tea in the microwave. According to Trishala, reheating tea, especially with milk, can change its structure and increase the acidity level. For the best drink every time, prepare only what you will drink in one sitting.

How much tea should you drink per day?

While a few cups of tea can be part of a healthy routine, moderation is important. Harvard research suggests that one should consume 3-4 cups a day to get the benefits without overdoing it. If you’re struggling with health concerns, it’s always wise to talk to your doctor first.

Foods to Try with Your Tea

Now that you’re a fan of tea, here are some foods to avoid for optimal health by nutritionist and macrobiotic health coach Shilpa Arora.

1. Leafy Greens

As much as we love our green vegetables, combining them with tea can interfere with iron absorption due to the tannins present in the tea. Save your spinach and broccoli for non-tea meals to get maximum nutrients.

2. Cold Fruit Salad

Tea warms you from within, so do not consume the coolness of raw fruits immediately afterwards. Enjoy your fruits after tea to keep digestion smooth and keep acidity away.

3. Lemon

Lemon adds zest to tea, but its acidity can conflict with your digestive system, potentially causing discomfort. If you like lemon in your tea, consider drinking it in limited quantities to avoid excess acidity.

4. Turmeric

The health benefits of turmeric are stellar, but combined with tea it can create a storm in your stomach. The mixture of curcumin in turmeric and tannins in tea can cause gastric problems like acidity or constipation.

5. Curd

Cold foods like curd do not pair well with hot tea. Experts recommend keeping hot and cold foods separate to prevent potential digestive distress.

Also read: Tea Leaves or Tea Bags: Which is a Healthier Option?

Remember, enjoying tea should not be accompanied by acidity. With these tips from experts, you can enjoy your tea time while keeping your tummy happy.