Coffee tends to upset the digestive tract, especially when consumed in large quantities. Excessive coffee consumption can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. Although its effects are more minor, black tea shares some of the irritating and laxative compounds found in coffee. As a result, black tea may cause some degree of digestive distress.
Tea and IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition marked by chronic abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. People with IBS are more prone to digestive disruptions than average. According to MayoClinic.com, caffeinated drinks including coffee, soda and tea tend to trigger IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals. People with IBS may experience more pain or irregularity after drinking tea. MayoClinic.com advises keeping a diary of triggers and symptoms to determine which foods and drinks worsen individual symptoms of IBS.
Laxative Effects
Caffeine, found in both coffee and tea, exerts a laxative effect on the human body. A 1998 study by the "European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology" found that caffeinated coffee acts as a powerful laxative, while decaffeinated coffee has similar, but slightly weaker, effects. Because black tea is also a source of caffeine and tannins, it is also likely to act as a laxative. For some people, particularly those sensitive to laxatives, coffee and tea may also trigger cramping and diarrhea.
Other Digestive Problems
According to the National Institutes of Health website Medline Plus, large quantities of caffeinated black tea can cause vomiting. Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is also a common side effect associated with black tea consumption. These side effects are uncommon for people consuming fewer than five cups of black tea per day, however. People who are sensitive to reflux and indigestion should moderate their intake of black tea to determine their tolerance thresholds.
General Side Effects
Black tea's moderate caffeine content can trigger several potential side effects. Along with gastrointestinal problems, Medline Plus links black tea to headache, anxiety, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, tremor and dizziness. People with psychiatric disorders and hypertension should avoid black tea except under a health care provider's guidance. If you have a medical condition, always defer to professional judgment regarding the use of caffeine.
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