October 31, 2025 : For countless people, a cup of milk tea is more than just a drink, it’s a ritual that starts the day, fuels long work hours, and brings comfort during stress. But behind that creamy, aromatic cup might lie more than just caffeine. Over time, this everyday indulgence could be silently affecting your digestion and liver health.
Dr Dipak Bhangale, gastroenterologist, hepatologist and interventional Endoscopist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, revealed in his October 16 Instagram post how your regular milk tea habit may be doing more harm than you realise.
Is your daily tea silently upsetting your gut
“Got a headache? Drink tea. Having trouble digesting food? Drink tea. Feeling lazy? Drink tea. In our culture, no matter what the problem is, tea somehow becomes the solution,” says Dr Dipak.
“Chai contains tannins, naturally occurring compounds that can irritate your gut,” explains Dr Bhangale. “Having very strong tea or drinking it on an empty stomach can increase acidity and lead to heartburn.”
Many of us also love pairing tea with spicy snacks, biscuits, or fried treats, but that’s where the problem worsens. According to Dr Bhangale, combining tea with spicy or oily foods can further irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production, making digestion more difficult.
Summary:
A gastroenterologist from Kokilaben Hospital warns that drinking milk tea on an empty stomach can disrupt gut bacteria, increase acidity, and strain the liver over time, urging moderation for better digestive health.