What is the best tea to help digestion?

When I work with clients who are feeling highly sensitive to foods and aren't ready for supplements, (certain) teas are a perfect place to start. It means we can start slowly and gradually increase the strength and dose, at a pace that suits you. 

Once we've calmed the nervous system and soothed any acid irritation in the gut we can move onto more therapeutic supplement protocols. This is another reason why I love working with clients for three months because these improvements take time.  ​

​Below I've listed my top three teas to avoid if you have IBS or gut issues, including gastritis and acid reflux. 

If you suffer with gastritis, acid reflux or GERD don't make these really common mistakes when it comes to sipping your favourite brew!!!!

PLUS if you scroll down further I've also listed my FAVOURITE teas for better digestion, including tea to help IBS-D and an anxious  or nervous tummy. 
​

3 teas to AVOID for better digestion especially if you have gastritis, GERD or acid reflux 

Here are three teas to AVOID if you struggle with acid reflux, GERD or gastritis. 

Ginger
If you have gastritis or acid reflux this is likely to intensify the heat 🔥🔥 Otherwise it can be great for nausea! 

Peppermint
Mint tea is terrible advice for anyone with dyspepsia, acid reflux or heartburn.  Peppermint relaxes the sphincter muscle between your stomach and food pipe and if you're prone to any of these symptoms you're likely to feel worse. Mint tea can be helpful for bloating and wind though (and tastes delicious)

Black tea
Good quality black tea (breakfast tea/builder's tea) can be a rich source of antioxidants but it's very acidic on the stomach. So if you struggle with a sensitive stomach, heartburn or acid reflux this is definitely one to park until symptoms improve.

Also due to the caffeine content black tea speeds up motility so it's likely to send you rushing to the loo (for a number 1 and number 2).

Lastly, please don't be tempted to waste money on heavily marketed "de-bloat teas" and "skinny teas" out there. If you're dealing with serious digestive issues, these bandaid fixes aren't going to cut it. 

What kind of tea helps digestion?

Here are three of my favourite tummy friendly teas that I think anyone with digestive issues, including constipation and diarrhoea should have on standby. ​
Lemon balm tea
To me this is like nature's valium. I feel instantly calmer and more balanced. It's soothing on the nervous system and perfect for anxious tummies or during periods of stress. 

Liquorice
Love it or hate it, this aniseedy tea is soothing on the digestive tract, provides a source of mucilage and helps after over-indulging. Due to its natural sweetness it also helps curb a sweet tooth. (Choose cinnamon tea instead if you've high blood pressure).

Slippery elm
Technically not a tea but slippery elm powder can be added to hot water and sipped between meals or 20 mins. before each meal. It's an amazing mucilage that will quickly quench any burning or irritation in your stomach as well as bring relief from both constipation and diarrhoea (or IBS-D). I always keep some slippery elm in the cupboard for occasions where I've over-indulged, or my stomach feels unsettled. 

If you’re looking for deeper support, you may need to consider these powerful herbs in the form of capsules combined with other balancing nutrients along with tailored dietary changes. But if you’re looking for some gentle daily relief, or just something warm and nutrient dense to sip on, these teas are perfect.

If you're interested in finding out more about working with me 1-2-1 check out my 90-days to Better Gut Health or book a quick chat here.