Can Green Tea Help With Constipation?

A cup of green tea may do more than provide a refreshing start to the day. For some people, it can stimulate bowel activity and create the urge to use the toilet. However, gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Salhab says green tea should not necessarily be considered a laxative.

In a recent social media video, Dr Salhab explained that the effect may be linked to the combination of warmth and caffeine rather than green tea acting directly as a laxative. A warm drink can stimulate the gastrocolic reflex, a natural response that encourages the colon to contract. Caffeine may also contribute to increased bowel activity in some people.

This could explain why some people feel the need to use the toilet soon after drinking their morning tea. However, the response can vary from person to person, and green tea is not a treatment for chronic constipation.

Potential health benefits

Green tea contains polyphenols and catechins such as EGCG, compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has linked regular green tea consumption with several potential health benefits, although the strength of evidence varies depending on the condition.

According to Dr Salhab, studies suggest that green tea may have modest benefits for areas such as blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, heart health, attention and memory.

Green tea may also influence the gut microbiome. Dr Salhab referred to a small human study in which drinking green tea for 10 days was associated with a tendency towards an increase in Bifidobacterium, a group of beneficial gut bacteria. However, larger studies are needed to understand the long-term effects.

There has also been research into green tea and liver health. Some clinical trials have reported improvements in liver enzymes and certain metabolic markers among people with fatty liver disease. However, evidence about whether green tea can prevent fatty liver remains mixed.

For people who occasionally experience constipation, a warm drink such as green tea may help stimulate bowel movements, particularly because of the gastrocolic reflex and caffeine. But persistent constipation should not simply be managed by relying on tea.

Green tea can be part of a balanced diet, but it should not replace medical care when digestive symptoms continue or become troublesome. People with ongoing constipation or other persistent digestive problems should speak to a qualified healthcare professional.