Smoking cigarettes with tea? Stop now, it could cause these 8 deadly diseases

Combining tea with cigarette smoking may seem like a harmless daily ritual, especially for those seeking a moment of calm. But health experts warn that this pairing could silently wreak havoc on your body.

A 2023 report in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that drinking hot tea while smoking significantly increases the risk of developing serious health conditions, including several forms of cancer. This is because hot beverages can damage sensitive internal tissues, and when paired with the carcinogens in cigarettes, the danger intensifies. Here are eight potentially deadly diseases linked to this risky combination:

8 diseases caused by the deadly combination of tea and cigarettes

1. Oesophageal Cancer: A dangerous duo for your food pipe

Hot tea on its own can cause minor injuries to the inner lining of the oesophagus.

Add cigarette smoke, which contains toxic chemicals and carcinogens, and the risk of oesophageal cancer nearly doubles. Over time, repeated thermal and chemical exposure causes chronic inflammation and increases the likelihood of cell mutations that can lead to cancer in the food pipe.

2. Lung Cancer: Smoking’s most lethal consequence, made worse

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases linked to cigarette smoking. When hot tea is consumed regularly alongside cigarettes, it may further irritate and inflame lung tissues.

This combination enhances oxidative stress and cellular damage, especially in chronic smokers, potentially accelerating the development of cancerous growths in the lungs.

3. Throat Cancer: Heat and smoke damage your voice box

The throat is highly sensitive to both extreme temperatures and chemical irritants. Smoking introduces harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene into the throat, while hot tea can exacerbate tissue damage. This duo contributes to chronic inflammation, voice changes, and ultimately raises the risk of throat cancer due to constant exposure to heat and toxins.

4. Heart Disease: Double trouble for your cardiovascular system

Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, while the caffeine in tea can also overstimulate the heart when consumed in excess. This combination places extra stress on the cardiovascular system, leading to arterial damage, increased cholesterol buildup, and a heightened risk of heart attacks or other cardiac conditions.

5. Infertility and Impotence: Harmful to reproductive health

Smoking affects hormone levels, sperm count, and blood flow, all of which can contribute to infertility and sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

When combined with the caffeine in tea, which can also disrupt hormonal balance and cause dehydration, the risk to reproductive health becomes more pronounced over time.

6. Stomach Ulcers: A painful price for your digestion

Tea stimulates acid production in the stomach, and nicotine weakens the stomach lining's protective barrier. This dangerous mix makes your digestive tract more vulnerable to erosion and infection, often resulting in painful ulcers. Symptoms may include burning pain, indigestion, nausea, and, in severe cases, bleeding ulcers that require medical treatment.

7. Memory Loss: Cognitive decline starts earlier than you think

Studies show that smoking reduces blood flow to the brain, affecting memory and cognitive performance. When tea is consumed excessively, especially on an empty stomach alongside cigarettes, it may lead to headaches, dizziness, and long-term cognitive decline. Over the years, this habit may contribute to early-onset memory problems and reduced mental clarity.

8. Stroke Risk: Elevated chances of a brain emergency

Nicotine and caffeine both constrict blood vessels and can raise blood pressure. Together, they increase the likelihood of blood clot formation, which can block vital arteries and trigger a stroke. The combined effect is particularly dangerous for people with underlying health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, making strokes more likely and more severe.