Caffeinated Teas
ICYMI, caffeine is bad news for an empty stomach. It can irritate the stomach lining and increase the production of stomach acid, leading to reflux symptoms, notes Dr. Schopis. As a result, caffeinated teas can potentially cause digestive issues, so it’s worth eating a snack before brewing a cup.
The most common culprit is black tea, as it tends to contain more caffeine than other varieties. Green tea—which has slightly less caffeine—can also trigger GI symptoms, though to a lesser extent, per Dr. Chutkan. As for herbal teas? So long as it’s free of caffeine, it likely won’t mess with an empty stomach.