Tummy pain

[Stanca]

I have gallbladder issues and have had to change my diet as a result. I have pain in my tummy after hot herbal teas . This has now happened several times . Why ? Does anyone experience the same ?

[Sharitone]

A lot of the herbal or fruit teas are acidic, and they make my stomach a bit sore. I gather peppermint tea, which you would think would be good for the stomach, can actually cause heartburn.But camomile and fennel seem to be ok. Ginger is also meant to be good for stomachs, but you might find the spiciness a bit too much for your throat.

When Peppermint Won't Help

When it comes to digestive pain higher up in the digestive tract, such as heartburn due to GERD, peppermint might not be such a good idea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint can actually relax the sphincter muscle which closes off the stomach from the esophagus. This can cause stomach acid to pour back into the esophagus and make heartburn or GERD worse.

If you have heartburn or GERD, it’s probably best to steer clear of mint-flavored products to avoid the irritation that can come along with it.

everydayhealth.com/digestiv...

[Stanca in reply to Sharitone]

Thank you. However in my case I don’t think it’s heartburn or acid reflux . I get pain in my tummy not stomach . But thanks for the reply !

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Any particular tea in particular? - as stated you need to be wary of some.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Which particular herbal teas?

[Stanca in reply to PMRpro]

Dear Sheffield Jane

thanks for the reply. I think my problem is linked to my gallbladder or liver issues rather than IBS. Or could it be both? I know I have a large gallstone because I had a scan in September and also my Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is high (182). I dont know if certain herbal teas are worse than others. I think peppermint is particularly bad and the tummy pain is quite generalised with cramps. I am sorry i cant be more specific . Thank you!

[Karenjaninaz in reply to Stanca]

Stanca, unfortunately there is no tea or medication that will remove a gallstone other than removing the gallbladder. I was in such a situation myself. The doctor recommended that I have a gallbladder removed because there was some gravel in it I couldn’t face it because I had recently recovered from spinal revision surgery so I let it go. Then I started to have increasing instances of this bellyache that you describe. I ended up in the emergency room. I was told I better have it out within 2 weeks or I will end up in the intensive care unit with gallbladder pancreatitis. Now the procedure is so simple because they do it through tiny keyhole’s. When I first became a nurse I had a patient who absolutely refused to have a gallbladder out and later it turned cancerous. Gallbladder disease has not removed by teas or diets. Is there any reason why you have not had it out? If you did have surgery the anesthesia people could give you steroids intravenously to cover your needs those days. You would not have to worry about the prednisone..

[Stanca in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Thank you . This is such a valid , useful and sensible comment . No, I am new to gallstones , I just had them diagnosed in September this year just before going on holiday to US to visit my daughter. I had some blood results where my ALP

Was high and then they did further tests. Apparently I only have one gallstone but it is quite large . I don’t get tummy pain but when I do is mostly after drinking herbal teas ( mint/ fennel etc)

Thanks for the advice . Bless you !

[SheffieldJane]

I have been having mixed berry teas, trying to avoid caffeinated tea as I recover from a UTI with antibiotics. I hadn’t made the connection but I am experiencing significant lower abdominal pain. I seem very prone to this symptom. It fits the profile for IBS with a very unhappy bowel. I think the meds over the years have hurt my digestive system.cold milk soothes it. I have never taken Omeprazole or similar for any length of time. Acidic drinks are out. I will post if I find a solution.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

Just because it's "herbal" doesn't mean it's good for you.

Try skipping all "teas" and sip hot water with a squeeze of lemon and a little honey if you like.

[Stanca in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

thank you!

[Daffodilia]

I have gallstones too - so painful - I try to cut down on fat - mint tea is good - sip it- it is ok cold or lukewarm - not sure about your pain but just cut out what causes a problem?

[Stanca in reply to Daffodilia]

Thank you. I value all your answers. I mean yours personally and of everyone else in this forum. Just difficult to understand why hot drinks especially herbal teas seem to make matters worse. They were never a problem before . ( before gallstones I mean )

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Have you at some point drunk a very hot drink? Or have you had any signs of reflux in the past? Hot drinks can make the area damaged by either painful.

Is it improved by drinking warm as opposed to hot drinks?

[Stanca in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you OMR pro. I will definitely try warm drinks instead of hot . Sensible idea