Green tea, on the other hand, is easier on the gut than coffee and pretty low-risk all around, unless you have a history of kidney stones. Green and black tea have high levels of oxalates, which can lead to the formation of more stones (though it's pretty rare).
Green tea may be a better alternative as this has less caffeine content than coffee. Although green tea and coffee do not have the same caffeine content, both are excellent sources of polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds that are potent antioxidants. Our body releases free radicals as part of normal body processes.
Regular consumption of green tea can help you ease the process of digestion, which contributes to the improvement of your gut health as well.
First, caffeine itself acts as a stimulant and has been found to increase the number of helpful bacteria in the intestines. Second, compounds in coffee such as polyphenols have been shown to have a prebiotic effect on the body, which means they help feed existing beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Green tea is good for gut health for 3 reasons:
The study also reported that the Catechins in Green tea kill malicious bacteria in the intestine, such as Staphylococcus and Helicobacter Pylori, but not beneficial bacteria.
The catechins in green tea have several studied health benefits, including improving the conditions of our digestive systems and reducing glucose levels in the blood. They reduce inflammation in the gut, as well and potentially stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in our stomachs.
RELATED: Is It Dangerous To Drink Too Much Green Tea? Other benefits of tea she mentioned are its plentiful antioxidants (more than coffee) that can help fight off inflammation and chronic illnesses.
If you are trying to cut back on your coffee intake, green tea might be the best way to do it. Reduced stress and improved sleep quality caused by green tea are associated with a reduced caffeine content. Before being brewed, you may be surprised to learn that tea actually has a higher caffeine content than coffee.
However, green tea can also do so by shaping and modulate the human gut microbiota [6]. Green tea can favor the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibit the growth of detrimental ones, or increase the production of beneficial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids.
People with heart problems or high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, stomach ulcers, and psychological disorders, particularly anxiety, should not take green tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid green tea.
A new study, published in the 1 Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry1 , found that green tea consumption improved gut health by populating healthy bacteria in the intestines and reducing leaky gut.
Another study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2013 found that green tea catechins (a type of polyphenol) improved abdominal pain and bloating in patients with IBS.
How much green tea should I consume? After consuming green tea, the levels of EGCG in the blood drop for about two hours. Hence, it is recommended that you drink about 7-8 cups of green tea to enjoy the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea extracts.
An anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, good quality sleep, and probiotics are all strategies to put in place before trying antimicrobials or antibiotics to get rid of bad bacteria.
Still water. Water keeps things moving along, balances the good bacteria in the gut, and protects the intestines. Consider sipping alkaline water, which supports a healthy colon and encourages the growth of probiotics.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is commonly known as a good bedtime tea because of its relaxing qualities. But chamomile is also a good tea for digestion. Consuming a cup of chamomile tea before or after your meal can help your body absorb more of the nutrients.
Generally, if your gut health is good, coffee should be perfectly fine for you to consume. In fact, it may be beneficial to digestive health due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
One of the primary effects of caffeine on the digestive tract is stomach irritation and gastrointestinal distress. It stimulates movement in the digestive tract in some people. Too much caffeine can also have a laxative effect and cause discomfort in the lower digestive tract.
Coffee contains acids which can upset the lining of your intestines. This is especially true if your lining is already inflamed by other factors. People who have intestinal inflammation often have pain and discomfort when drinking coffee.
Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats. Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals. Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries.