How can your daily chai sutta cause chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation

is a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty in passing stool, and a sense of incomplete evacuation. Daily habits such as excessive tea consumption and smoking can impact digestive health, leading to long-term issues. This habit of having chai sutta every morning may seem cool but it might be ruining your digestive health more than you know. Here’s how they can impact your digestion:

The role of tea in constipation

Tea, particularly black tea, contains compounds like tannins and caffeine, which can affect bowel health. Tannins are natural astringents that dry out the lining of the intestines, slowing down the movement of waste through the digestive tract. Additionally, excessive caffeine intake can lead to dehydration—a key factor in constipation.
According to Dr. Manish Mittal, Consultant Physician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, “Dehydration reduces the water content in stool, making it harder and more difficult to pass. While moderate tea consumption may not cause issues, drinking several cups daily without sufficient water intake can cause constipation. Some people add milk in their tea, and lactose intolerance or the fat content in milk can also lead to slower digestion.”

Smoking and its effect on digestion

Nicotine, the active compound in cigarettes, can interfere with the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Initially, nicotine may stimulate bowel movements by activating the digestive muscles, but over time, this overstimulation can weaken the natural rhythm of intestinal contractions.

Chronic smoking damages the nerves and muscles in the GI, leading to reduced motility. This slower transit of stool through the colon allows more water to be absorbed, resulting in dry, hard stools. Smoking also affects blood flow to the intestines, impairing their ability to function efficiently. Many smokers also rely on cigarettes as a laxative effect after meals, masking underlying digestive issues until they become chronic.

Nicotine’s Role: The nicotine in cigarettes can reduce blood flow to your intestines, slowing down bowel movements and potentially leading to constipation.
Dehydration Effect: According to Dr Pramod Kadam, Consultant General Surgery, Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, “Cigarettes and certain teas (especially when consumed in large amounts) can act as diuretics, causing your body to lose fluids. Less hydration means harder stools, making them tougher to pass.”
Low Fiber Intake: Smokers often have less-than-ideal diets, which might include a lack of fiber-rich foods. Since fiber is key for smooth digestion, its absence can cause irregularity.
Tea’s tannins: Some teas contain tannins, which have astringent properties that may irritate your digestive system and contribute to constipation.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking is often linked to a more sedentary lifestyle, which is another common reason for sluggish digestion.

If constipation has become a recurring issue, it might be time to rethink these habits, focus on staying hydrated, and add more fiber and movement to your daily routine!
When tea and smoking are combined as daily habits, their effects on digestion can compound. Both habits contribute to dehydration and impaired bowel motility. Smoking after consuming a cup of tea may provide a temporary sense of digestive relief, but over time, the cumulative impact can lead to persistent digestive problems.
If you’re struggling with constipation and these habits are part of your daily routine, here are some things to improve your digestive health: Limit tea consumption, quit smoking, increase fiber intake, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly. If constipation persists despite these changes, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.