What type of tea is for gut health?

September 18, 2024

Your gut health is deeply connected to the tiny microorganisms living in your digestive tract, and these little helpers play a crucial role in digestion and your overall well-being.

When your gut is out of balance, you may start experiencing symptoms such as bloating, sleep disturbances, skin irritation, etc.

But, here’s the exciting part— there are teas that could support a healthier gut! And the best part? These gut-friendly brews might just be some of your favorite teas.

What type of tea is for gut health?

The bioactive compounds present in tea could contribute to good gut health in many ways. The teas that are potentially helpful in improving gut health are as follows. Please note that while these teas can support gut health, they may not fully resolve severe issues. For serious concerns, it's best to consult your doctor.

Black Tea

The polyphenol property of black tea could help slow down the growth of harmful gut bacteria while increasing the beneficial bacteria. Additionally, black tea’s tannins offer potent antioxidant properties which may be useful in soothing digestive problems such as bloating, gas, etc. One researcher discovered that fermented black tea like kombucha could also assist in enhancing the healthy human gut.

Green Tea

Green tea’s catechin content could be beneficial for improving the gut microbiota. A study on “Green Tea and Its relation to the human gut microbiome” has found that the daily consumption of green tea could contribute to the increase of good bacteria such as Bifidobacterium. Moreover, the antioxidant property may also help in reducing gut inflammation.

Oolong Tea

In a study of oolong tea polyphenols, it was found that its prebiotic-like effects play a role in increasing advantageous bacteria. Furthermore, this tea’s alkalizing effect may lead to an increase in digestive enzymes and gut microbiota modulation.

Ginger Tea

Another beverage that may be helpful in boosting a healthier gut is ginger tea. The gingerol compound in this drink is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect that relieves the gastrointestinal disorder. Drinking ginger tea with lemon may aid in modulating the gut microbiome.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea, due to its menthol effect, may have the potential to soothe digestive disturbances. Its antispasmodic property may also aid in relaxing the digestive tract muscles which could contribute to alleviating bloating.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is another herbal tea that may be beneficial for gut health. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant present in this beverage could help with the cramps, alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, and reduce harmful bacteria.

Pu-erh Tea

Did you know that pu-erh tea, a fermented tea, could also positively contribute to gut health? Research done in mice explored that the pu-erh tea extract significantly grew the good bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. By increasing these probiotics, it may offer several benefits for gut health. However, further studies with human samples are needed to support these findings.

Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea is known to have prebiotic properties that may be useful in increasing gut bacteria. It may also support bile production which could boost overall digestive health.

FAQs

Is hibiscus tea good for gut health?

Since hibiscus tea has natural laxative and diuretic effects, it supports bowel movements that may be good for gut health.

Does drinking tea help digestion?

Yes, drinking various teas such as black, green, oolong, peppermint, chamomile, dandelion, pu-erh, licorice, and ginger could help in soothing digestive issues.

Does tea improve digestion?

Yes, the bioactive compounds present in tea may support improving digestion in many ways, for instance, by lowering inflammation, soothing digestive issues, and increasing good bacteria. Having said that, further studies are needed to support this.

Is green tea good for gut health?

Green tea is abundant in compounds like catechins, antioxidants, polyphenols, etc. That’s why green tea could be good for boosting a healthy gut health.

What tea is good for digestion?

Several herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus, ginger, etc may be suitable for digestion. These beverages have potential capabilities in maintaining bowels, relieving indigestion, bloating, gas, etc.