AIIMS-Trained Doctor Warns: Detox Teas Have Laxatives, Shares 7 Tea Mistakes That Harm Gut and Liver

Tea is one of the most loved drinks in India. Many people start their day with a hot cup of chai. Tea can be very healthy, but only if you drink it the right way. An AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist, Dr Saurabh Sethi, has now warned people about common tea mistakes that can harm the gut and liver.

Dr Sethi, who is based in California and trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, shared an Instagram post on November 14. In it, he explained seven tea-drinking habits that people must avoid. He said tea has many benefits, but wrong habits can slowly damage the body.

1. Tea on an Empty Stomach

Dr Sethi said drinking tea first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, can irritate the stomach lining. This may cause acid reflux, nausea, or stomach pain.

2. Too Much Sugar in Tea

Many people add sugar to tea or drink sweetened iced tea. Dr Sethi said these drinks often contain 30–40 grams of sugar. This much sugar increases the risk of fatty liver and diabetes.

3. ‘Detox’ or Slimming Teas

Dr Sethi warned that most detox or slimming teas contain laxatives. These can cause dehydration, imbalance of minerals in the body, and long-term gut damage. He asked people to avoid these products completely.

4. Too Much Green Tea Extract

Green tea is healthy, but green tea supplements can be risky. Dr Sethi explained that these extracts have been linked to liver problems in some rare cases. He said it is safer to drink fresh, brewed tea.

Other Common Mistakes

Though the doctor highlighted seven mistakes, the main message is simple: drink tea in a balanced way. Avoid too much sugar, avoid processed tea products, and avoid drinking tea at the wrong time. Small changes can protect your gut and liver and make tea much healthier.