Masala chai is a black tea-based beverage infused with warming spices, and many people experience a noticeable increase in bowel motility after drinking it. This effect is due to the combined actions of the tea’s natural stimulant, the potent digestive actions of the spices, and the preparation method itself. The drink creates a synergy of chemical and physical triggers that encourages the digestive system to move things along.
The Stimulant Effect of Caffeine
The base of chai is black tea, which contributes caffeine, a stimulant that acts directly on the gut. Caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, where it begins to influence the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. It functions by increasing the frequency and force of muscular contractions known as peristalsis. Research confirms that caffeinated beverages stimulate colonic motor activity, with the effect being stronger than that of water alone. While black tea contains less caffeine than coffee, the amount is significant enough to trigger this laxative response in many individuals.
Digestive Properties of Masala Spices
The blend of traditional Masala spices acts synergistically with the caffeine. Ginger contains active compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which are known to enhance gastrointestinal motility. These compounds accelerate gastric emptying. Ginger also stimulates antral contractions, the movements of the lower stomach that push contents forward.
Black pepper, another common chai ingredient, contributes the alkaloid piperine, which supports the digestive process. Piperine stimulates the secretion of pancreatic digestive enzymes, such as lipase and amylase, enhancing the body’s capacity to break down food. It also promotes increased bile flow, which is necessary for the proper digestion and absorption of fats. By improving the efficiency of the initial digestive steps, piperine can contribute to a reduced overall gastrointestinal transit time.
Cardamom and cinnamon further contribute to the overall digestive push. Cardamom has carminative properties, helping to relieve gas and bloating by relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Chemicals in cardamom can also increase the movement of food through the intestine, providing a natural laxative effect. Cinnamon is known to stimulate the flow of gastric juices, aiding in the breakdown of food and supporting digestive processes.
Contributing Dietary Factors
Beyond the chemical action of the tea and spices, the way chai is prepared and consumed introduces physical and dietary factors that promote motility. Simply consuming a large volume of liquid, especially when hot, can physically stimulate the digestive system. Hot beverages accelerate the rate of gastric emptying in the stomach compared to cold beverages. This increased speed of stomach emptying pushes contents more rapidly into the small intestine, accelerating the transit time of the entire digestive process.
The addition of milk and sugar, common in traditional chai preparation, also plays a role for many people. Chai is typically made with dairy milk, and for individuals with undiagnosed lactose intolerance, this can be a direct cause of digestive distress. When the body lacks sufficient lactase enzyme, the undigested lactose travels to the colon, where gut bacteria ferment it, leading to gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
The high concentration of added sugar, often present in chai mixes or lattes, can also contribute to a laxative effect through osmosis. Large amounts of sugar that are not immediately absorbed can draw water into the intestines. This influx of water increases the volume and liquidity of the intestinal contents, which speeds up the transit time and encourages a bowel movement.