Monk's surgeon revealed the unexpected danger of drinks with tapioca balls

The popular bubble tea drink, which includes tea, milk and jelly balls with juice, or the so-called tapioca (a starchy product obtained from the roots of the cassava plant), despite its harmless appearance, can cause serious digestive problems if consumed frequently. This was announced on November 5 by Dmitry Monakhov, a surgeon at the Scandinavian Health Center.

"When drinking a large amount of a drink, the balls do not have time to completely soften and move through the intestines. They stick together, forming a dense lump resembling thick cement. Over time, this clot gets stuck in the small intestine, disrupts its patency and continues to absorb fluid. As a result, the pressure on the intestinal walls increases, and an obstruction develops," he said in an interview with the newspaper.Ru».

Monakhov explained that the first signs of obstruction may appear within a few hours after consuming the dough. He attributed bloating, nausea, and a feeling of heaviness to them. Later, abdominal pain, vomiting, and lack of stool may be added to the symptoms. In severe cases, intestinal obstruction leads to inflammation of the abdominal cavity and general intoxication of the body.

Teenagers are especially susceptible to such complications, the surgeon noted. Their intestines are more sensitive to excess starch, and the habit of drinking bubble tea without restrictions only increases the risks. Despite its plant origin, tapioca contains almost no fiber and does not promote peristalsis, which often causes intestinal congestion.

"A 200-300 ml serving with a small number of balls is considered safe. You should not drink bubble tea every day, especially in the heat or on an empty stomach. It is better to choose warm options without ice and with vegetable milk. <...> If you have any pain, bloating or nausea after sweet tea, you should consult a doctor to rule out intestinal obstruction," the expert added.

Monakhov advised drinking water after drinking the dough, which will help to remove starch from the body sooner.

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On October 28, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the State University of Enlightenment, biologist Irina Lyalina pointed out the not-so-obvious harm of mulled wine. In non-alcoholic versions of the preparation of this drink, she called for controlling the sugar content, which can lead to weight gain. The doctor recommended to be vigilant when drinking alcoholic beverages, as they increase the load on the heart and liver.

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