To stop feeling sick after drinking green tea, reduce the tannin content in your brew or try adding milk.
Understanding Why Green Tea Can Make You Feel Sick
Green tea contains tannins, naturally occurring compounds that can sometimes cause nausea or stomach upset, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. The tannins can interfere with digestion and irritate the stomach lining.
Solutions to Prevent Nausea from Green Tea
Here are several methods you can use to prevent feeling sick after drinking green tea:
- Brew at a Lower Temperature: High temperatures extract more tannins. Aim for water temperatures between 170-185°F (77-85°C). Using a tea kettle with temperature control can be very helpful.
- Shorten Brewing Time: Reduce the steeping time to avoid excessive tannin extraction. Try brewing for 1-2 minutes instead of the standard 3-5 minutes.
- Avoid Brewing on an Empty Stomach: Consuming green tea with or after a meal can help mitigate the effects of tannins on your stomach.
- Add Milk: Milk proteins bind to tannins, reducing their ability to cause nausea. This changes the flavor, so it might not be ideal for everyone, but it can be effective.
- Choose Different Green Tea Types: Some green tea varieties naturally contain fewer tannins. Experiment to find one that agrees with your stomach. Consider Japanese green teas like Gyokuro, which are shaded and might have slightly lower tannin levels due to altered processing.
- Drink Less: Reduce the quantity of green tea you consume at once. Small sips throughout the day might be better tolerated than a large cup.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water alongside your green tea to help with digestion and dilute the tannins.
Quick Tips
Here's a summarized version of the tips for easy reference:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower Brewing Temp | Use 170-185°F (77-85°C) water. |
| Shorter Brewing Time | Steep for 1-2 minutes. |
| Avoid Empty Stomach | Drink after or with food. |
| Add Milk | Milk binds tannins, reducing nausea. |
| Different Tea Type | Experiment with varieties lower in tannins. |
| Reduce Quantity | Drink smaller amounts. |
| Stay Hydrated | Drink water with your tea. |
By following these suggestions, you should be able to enjoy the health benefits of green tea without experiencing nausea or stomach upset.
