Can patients with gallstones drink black tea?

Generally, patients with gallstones can drink black tea, but excessive consumption is not recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Black tea is made through a fermentation process, and its components such as tea polyphenols are mild in nature and do not strongly stimulate the gallbladder. Drinking black tea helps hydrate the body and dilute bile, reducing the risk of bile stagnation in the gallbladder. Additionally, substances like theaflavins in black tea may aid in regulating digestive function and relieving gastrointestinal burden, thereby indirectly creating a relatively comfortable working environment for the gallbladder. Therefore, gallstone patients may consume black tea in moderation.

However, several precautions should be observed when drinking black tea: avoid overly strong tea, as concentrated tea may increase metabolic strain; control the temperature to prevent scalding hot tea from irritating the digestive tract; refrain from drinking on an empty stomach or before bedtime to avoid disturbing digestion or sleep; and maintain moderate daily intake, avoiding excessive consumption.