Chinese tea has long been regarded as beneficial to dieters. These weight-loss products have been manufactured and distributed by numerous businesses under the brand name “Chinese diet tea.” Many people were under the impression that a single cup of tea contains only 4 calories, and that the caffeine in tea is potent enough to boost bodily function and aid in calorie burning. Additionally, it is believed that tea’s polyphenols aid in fat digestion, making it a traditional Chinese diet tea.
Even though they have different names, Chinese diet tea, fasting tea, slimming tea, super dieter’s tea, and weight loss tea all promote the same message: drink this tea and you will lose weight. However, several experts pointed out that the actual substance in these products is a plant-based laxative that, when consumed in large quantities, can lead to conditions such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fainting, persistent constipation, and even death.
Aloe, senna, rhubarb root, buckthorn, castor oil, and cascara are examples of laxative teas and dietary supplements that should be avoided at all costs, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These items are gotten from plants and have been utilized since days of yore for their capacity to assuage blockage and advance solid discharges. With occasional use, they are considered effective for such purposes.
Problems typically arise when excessive consumption of “Chinese diet teas” is based on the misperception that frequent bowel movements prevent the absorption of calories. Because laxatives do not work in the small intestine, where calories are absorbed, numerous studies have demonstrated that diarrhea caused by laxatives does not significantly reduce calorie absorption. It rather targets the colon, which is the bowel’s lower end.
Additionally, it was discovered that misusing Chinese diet teas by steeping them for some time longer than what is recommended on the product label can result in both short-term and long-term health problems. This is also true when more than the recommended amount of Chinese diet tea is consumed.
It has been noted that stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms for first-time users who consume more than the recommended amount of Chinese diet tea. These symptoms can last for several days. Constipation, abdominal pain, and bouts of chronic diarrhea are all signs of a laxative dependency that develops when these medications are taken regularly.
These laxatives can lead to serious electrolyte disorders, dehydration, and fainting in the worst cases. As previously mentioned, people who are nutritionally deficient as a result of strict dieting to lose weight are more likely to experience these side effects from taking too many Chinese diet teas.
The FDA is now considering requiring all manufacturers of stimulant laxatives that are marketed as “Chinese diet teas” to include warning labels. Additionally, anyone must use Chinese diet teas for any purpose carefully read and adhere to the directions. The words listed as “warning” on the label must then be considered.
