As fasting has gained increasing recognition for its health benefits, many are uncertain how best to incorporate it into their diets. One question frequently asked about fasting is “Can I drink herbal tea while fasting?”
Answering this question depends on the type of fasting that you are undertaking. While intermittent and juice fasting are relatively flexible and allow for tea consumption during fasts such as Ramadan or Yom Kippur, religious fasts such as Yom Kippur may prohibit all liquid intake during their fasts. Drinking tea can provide numerous health benefits including appetite suppression, digestive support and increased nutrient absorption.
As a general rule, herbal tea is free from calories and should be included as part of your IF period. However, it is essential that you check the ingredients of any tea you drink to ensure there are no added sugars or milk – while these ingredients don’t technically break your fast during this process, they may still make it more challenging. If this concerns you then select herbal teas containing only single-ingredient herbs such as peppermint or chamomile as they might contain less ingredients than alternatives.
Be mindful that during an Intermittent Fast (IF), any beverage should remain unsweetened. Though adding sweetener may tempt, adding too much can actually reverse its positive effects and trigger hunger pangs. Furthermore, artificial sweeteners tend to contain higher calories.
For optimal results, it is best to consume your tea hot rather than iced. The heat will allow the flavor of the leaves to be extracted more fully and enhance your experience of IF. Likewise, aim to consume small doses throughout the day so as to maximize benefits.
Before beginning a fast, it is wise to consult your physician (or religious leader if participating in religious fasting) on what supplements and herbs would be safe to try, along with appropriate dosage amounts. A medical professional can advise you accordingly.
If you are interested in intermittent fasting, be sure to read up on our article here. You will gain the information and resources to get you started with this healthy and effective lifestyle choice. When ready, give it a go and see how well it works for you – we wish you the best of fasting success!