Can I Drink Green Tea While Taking Medication?

Do not drink green tea while taking medication. When taking medication, only use boiling water to swallow it, and never drink tea. Tea contains tannic acid, which can chemically react with many drug components, making them unable to be absorbed by the body. This prevents the drugs from fully exerting their effects and may even cause side effects such as stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

1. Avoid sweet and salty medications. Herbal medicine uses its bitter taste to stimulate the excretion of digestive glands and exert its pharmacological effects. However, some people prefer to add sugar to their medicine to reduce the bitterness. However, this can actually reduce the efficacy of the medicine as the iron and calcium in sugar can bind with proteins and tannins in the herbal medicine. A better way to reduce the bitterness is to let the medicine cool down to below 37 degrees before drinking and try to avoid contact with the root of the tongue when drinking. Additionally, some Western medications such as antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, and adrenal cortical hormones should be avoided with salty foods as excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension.

2. Avoid acidic and spicy foods. Many people have a heavy taste preference, but it is best to avoid spicy and sour foods during medication. Especially for some alkaline drugs, they will undergo neutralization reactions when encountered with acidic substances like vinegar. Common alkaline drugs include sodium bicarbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and calcium carbonate. Additionally, both Chinese and Western medications generally advise against spicy foods. For example, Shedan Chuanbeipipagao and Liuwei Dihuang Pills in Chinese medicine, as well as Compound Vitamin A Acid Gel for bedsores and live bacterial drugs for gastritis in Western medicine. Eating spicy foods during medication can reduce the effectiveness of the drugs.

3. Avoid oily and soy sauce. During medication, it is advisable to eat lightly and avoid greasy foods. This also includes reducing the intake of oils, especially animal fats like lard. If you are taking lipid-lowering drugs, it is important not to increase your body's fat content, as this could have the opposite effect. For patients taking cardiovascular medications (such as Pargyline), it is recommended to reduce the intake of soy sauce as it can cause discomfort and may even lead to vomiting in severe cases.