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Drinking tea is more than just a casual habit; it is a cherished practice in India. People love a wide range of teas, from regular black to spiced masala, especially during breakfast and in the evenings. When enjoyed properly, tea can bring various health advantages. It is packed with antioxidants and other helpful plant substances. Various types of tea can enhance heart function, strengthen the immune system, and assist with digestion. Nevertheless, there are several common errors people make when drinking tea that could harm their health. Recently, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, known as the gut doctor and a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, pointed out 7 worst tea habits that can harm your health, particularly your gut and liver. Here are the 7 worst tea habits that could damage your gut and liver:

Drinking tea on an empty stomach: This can irritate the stomach lining and may cause problems like reflux, nausea, and discomfort. It's usually better to have tea after you've eaten.

Sugary and sweetened teas: "Drinking iced teas or milk teas can have 30-40g of sugar, increasing the risk of fatty liver and diabetes," Dr. Sethi explained. Choosing unsweetened options or cutting back on sugar can help reduce these dangers.

Detox or slimming teas: Often promoted as quick solutions for weight loss, these teas usually have laxatives that might cause dehydration, imbalances in electrolytes, and even harm to the gut if used for a long time.

Excessive green tea extracts: While drinking brewed green tea is generally safe, using large amounts of green tea extracts, which are often in supplements, has been associated with rare liver toxicity cases.

Drinking very hot tea: Consuming tea that is hotter than 65 degrees Celsius regularly has been linked to a higher risk of esophageal cancer in some research. Allowing the tea to cool a bit before sipping can make it safer.

Late-night chai or green tea: The caffeine in these types of tea can stay in your system for hours and might disrupt your sleep, which is vital for liver recovery and overall health.

Boba or bubble tea: The combination of sugar and starchy pearls contains hidden calories that can lead to insulin resistance and fatty liver.

By avoiding these frequent mistakes, you can enjoy tea's benefits while reducing possible health risks.