Watch Out: Pairing Salty Foods with Tea Can Be Harmful to Your Health

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): While tea is a widely enjoyed beverage, combining it with salty foods may not be the healthiest option. This pairing could lead to several health issues, and it's important to understand the potential risks involved.

Health Risks of Combining Tea and Salty Foods

High Blood Pressure: Both salty foods and tea can impact blood pressure. Salt increases sodium levels in the body, contributing to high blood pressure, while certain teas, like black tea, may also elevate blood pressure. Together, they can have a stronger negative effect.

Increased Risk of Dehydration: Tea, especially caffeinated varieties, has a diuretic effect, causing you to urinate more. When combined with salty foods, which can lead to dehydration by causing your body to retain excess sodium, the result can be increased dehydration, leading to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and dry skin.

Digestive Problems: Salt can upset the balance of stomach acids, potentially causing digestive issues. When consumed with tea, this combination might irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort, acid reflux, or bloating.

Strain on Kidneys: Eating too much salt with tea can put added pressure on your kidneys, as they work to eliminate excess sodium. Over time, this may increase the risk of kidney damage or kidney stones.

Why This Combination Can Be Problematic

Salty foods such as chips, pickles, and nuts, when eaten with tea, can cause an imbalance in the body’s electrolyte levels. This can overwhelm the kidneys’ ability to process and filter excess salt, leading to potential long-term health issues.

Healthier Tea Pairing Tips

Choose low-sodium snacks if you're having them with tea.

Stay well-hydrated with water to offset the dehydrating effects of both tea and salt.

If you experience discomfort after eating salty foods with tea, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.