Dietitians Suggest These Teas for Ulcerative Colitis

Tea is one of the healthiest drinks you can add to your cup. It’s known for being rich in antioxidants and often consumed for other benefits, like soothing a tummy or helping you sleep. When you have ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the colon, what you eat and drink is important to manage your condition. Tea may be able to help you feel better and manage symptoms. 

Edwina Clark, M.S., RD, CSSD, notes that while tea may be beneficial, “few studies, if any, have evaluated the benefits of different teas on ulcerative colitis symptoms in humans.” There is some preliminary research and helpful tips from dietitians to help you pick the best teas to drink when you have ulcerative colitis.

1. Peppermint Tea 

Peppermint tea is an herbal tea that’s naturally caffeine-free. The mint leaves it’s made from may have beneficial effects for inflammation, GI disorders and cognitive health. Cheryl Harris, M.P.H., RD, is a big fan of peppermint tea, “because it tends to help with digestive pain, gas, and bloating.” 

Plus, it’s soothing. Peppermint tea contains the phenolic compounds of the leaves of the plant, including luteolin, hesperidin and eriocitrin. In animals, peppermint tea has helped relax the GI tract, and peppermint has antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Clark likes peppermint tea because it “can help ease nausea or bloating during a flare, or if you’ve accidentally eaten a trigger food.” Harris adds, “It’s also a good alternative to caffeine, which is ideally skipped in a flare.”

2. Green Tea

Known for its antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea may be a great addition to your lineup if you have UC. Beth Rosen, M.S., RD, CDN, says, “Although there are only a few small human studies looking at green tea and irritable bowel disease, green tea is well tolerated and may be helpful in reducing inflammation.” Green tea is rich in flavonoids and catechins, such as phenolic acid, theobromine and theanine, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Since UC is an inflammatory disease, researchers think the compounds in green tea may help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms. Rosen prefers decaffeinated green tea because caffeine is a stimulant and may lead to GI symptoms in some people with UC. 

3. Ginger Tea 

You’ve probably heard that ginger is a natural stomach soother, and ginger tea contains the plant’s anti-inflammatory compounds that deliver on that. Ginger contains many bioactive compounds, including gingerols and shogaols, which help quell inflammation. Ginger may restore diverse gut bacteria, which is important for people with UC who may have dysbiosis or altered gut bacteria from their IBD. Clark notes that ginger tea is a natural antiemetic and can help with bloating and nausea.  

4. Kombucha 

Kombucha is a fizzy fermented tea drink that is a natural source of probiotics, or good bacteria. Clark points out, “fermented foods promote intestinal integrity and short-chain fatty acid production, both of which are important for GI health.” Research has tied fermented foods and probiotics to positive outcomes for people with IBD, since they help improve gut health. While probiotic-rich kombucha can be a good choice, Harris cautions against drinking too much. “The fizzy often can be bloating and just because some probiotics are good doesn’t mean that more are better.” 

Food and Drink Tips to Keep in Mind with Ulcerative Colitis

• Everyone has different trigger foods: There is no one best drink or food for UC because people respond differently. Clark highlights how some people with UC can have dairy and gluten while others cannot. Work with your healthcare team to find the right foods for you. 
• During a flare, you may need an oral rehydration solution: You may find yourself dehydrated during a flare and an oral rehydration solution can help. Rosen notes they “contain water, electrolytes and a carbohydrate source, usually sugar or glucose, in a specific ratio.” These are designed to be easily absorbed by your body. You can purchase one or make your own at home. Rosen’s recipe is “4 cups water, ½ tsp salt and 2 tbsp sugar.”
• Smoothies can be beneficial: Fruits and vegetables deliver important nutrients, but can be tough on your digestive system. Blending them makes them easier to digest and is a convenient way to add produce to your diet.

Our Expert Take

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, and along with being warming and delicious, there are health benefits to your mug, too. When you have ulcerative colitis, choosing teas like peppermint, green, ginger and kombucha, which are known to be anti-inflammatory and good for your gut, may help you feel better. A healthy diet for UC will vary from person to person, so always check with your healthcare team before making major dietary changes.