New Delhi, December 5 (IANS). With the onset of winter, tea consumption in India suddenly increases manifold. It is common to drink tea as soon as you wake up in the morning, tea with breakfast, tea during office breaks and then tea in the evening to ward off cold, a total of 4–6 cups of tea a day. But very few people know that due to this habit, acidity increases in winter.
According to both Ayurveda and modern science, excess consumption of tea during cold weather rapidly increases the acid levels in the stomach. Because our digestion is strong in winter, but the caffeine and tannins present in tea affect it. The result is burning sensation in the chest, sour belching, feeling heavy in the stomach or nausea. Especially drinking tea on an empty stomach has a direct effect like an acid attack. People who drink tea after waking up in the morning have more of this problem.
Drinking tea frequently also weakens the stomach lining. Tannins dry out this layer, making it easier for stomach acid to cause irritation. Additionally, very strong tea made by mixing milk and sugar further increases the acid. But this does not mean that tea should be completely abandoned. Only how, when and in what quantity you are drinking it is important. Ayurveda also says that it is not the thing that causes harm, but the wrong time and wrong quantity.
Now let’s talk about simple remedies that provide quick relief from acidity. The easiest solution is to chew a clove. It neutralizes the stomach acid and provides relief within a few minutes. Similarly, eating one spoon of fennel and some sugar candy helps in relieving gas and sour belching immediately. Drinking lukewarm water mixed with a drop of desi ghee also reduces stomach irritation. If acidity bothers you too much then drinking buttermilk mixed with cumin seeds also provides instant relief. Liquorice water is also considered very light and comfortable, which gives comfort to the stomach lining.
If it is necessary to drink tea, then add 1–2 cardamoms in it. It reduces the heat of tea. Do not drink more than 2 cups of tea a day, do not take tea in the morning on an empty stomach and after dinner. Also, avoid very strong or overboiled tea.
–IANS
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