Think Twice Before Lighting Up with Your Tea – The Hidden Dangers You Didn’t Know

Ushnish Samadder | Freepik | May 25, 2025, 11:00 IST

Think Twice Before Lighting Up with Your Tea – Hidden Health Risks Revealed

( Image credit : Freepik, Timeslife )

Smoking is harmful to health, but combining it with hot tea can significantly increase the risk. Studies suggest that drinking very hot beverages while smoking may cause greater damage to the throat and esophagus, raising the chances of developing serious health issues, including cancer. This dangerous habit can multiply the harmful effects on your body.

The Hidden Dangers of Smoking with Tea: What You Need to Know

For many smokers, reaching for a cigarette whenever there's a cup of tea in hand—be it morning or evening—has become second nature. This pairing, however, could be far more harmful than most realize. While the dangers of smoking are well known, combining it with hot tea can significantly amplify the health risks, according to several medical experts.

This Common Tea-Time Habit Could Be Slowly Destroying Your Health

( Image credit : Unsplash )

What Research Says

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that smoking while drinking hot tea may heighten the risk of esophageal cancer. The heat from the tea can weaken the cells lining the esophagus, and when exposed to the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, the chances of cellular mutation and cancer development increase drastically.

How the Combination Harms the Body

Esophageal Damage: Hot liquids can cause minor burns in the esophagus. When these damaged areas are exposed to tobacco carcinogens, the risk of cancer spikes.

Digestive Disruption: Tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the production of digestive juices. When mixed with nicotine, it can lead to nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

Increased Cancer Risk: Beyond esophageal cancer, this combination raises the likelihood of lung cancer and gastric ulcers.

Addictive Reinforcement: The relaxing routine of tea and smoking together can reinforce nicotine addiction, making it harder to quit.

Decreased Immunity: Regular smoking lowers the immune system’s ability to repair damaged cells, meaning harm from hot tea and smoke takes longer to heal—if at all.

Tea and Cigarettes: A Deadly Duo You Should Stop Now

( Image credit : Unsplash )

Long-Term Consequences

Doctors report that smokers face a 7% higher risk of cancer than non-smokers, and smoking may reduce life expectancy by up to 20 years. Combining this habit with frequent consumption of hot beverages only intensifies the danger.

What Doctors Recommend

Healthcare professionals strongly urge individuals to quit smoking entirely. They also advise against drinking extremely hot beverages, as repeated thermal injury to the throat and esophagus is linked to several types of cancer. For those struggling with smoking, seeking professional help, using nicotine replacements, or joining a cessation program can be life-saving steps.

Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!