For millions of people across India, mornings begin with one comforting ritual, a hot cup of chai and a sutta (cigarette). Whether shared among friends, during office breaks, or while commuting, this combination has become a cultural norm and a form of stress relief. It’s often seen as a harmless indulgence or a quick pick-me-up that helps one feel calm and focused. But beneath this temporary comfort lies a pattern that silently impacts the body, hormones, and long-term health.
Understanding the Chai-Sutta habit
The chai sutta combination is deeply psychological. The caffeine from tea and nicotine from cigarettes both act as stimulants, offering an instant sense of alertness, relaxation, or pleasure. For many, this becomes a coping mechanism for stress, fatigue, or emotional tension.
Over time, however, the body becomes dependent on this external stimulation, and the balance of hormones, neurotransmitters, and digestive health begins to deteriorate.
Tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the production of stomach acid, aiding digestion. But when consumed excessively, it can damage the stomach lining. On the other hand, nicotine in cigarettes, when consumed on an empty stomach alongside tea, can trigger intense headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Doctors warn that smoking increases the risk of heart attacks by 7% and can shorten life expectancy by up to 20 years. Moreover, inhaling hot tea vapours mixed with tobacco smoke severely damages the lungs.
Other health risks associated with the tea-cigarette combo include:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Oesophagal and throat cancers
- Lung cancer
- Impotence and infertility
- Stomach ulcers
- Memory loss
- Brain and heart strokes
- Reduced lifespan
What happens inside your body
1. Nervous System Overstimulation
Nicotine and caffeine both act on the central nervous system. Nicotine quickly enters the bloodstream and triggers the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, which explains the temporary sense of calm after a cigarette. Caffeine, on the other hand, blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing fatigue and increasing alertness.
2. Digestive Disturbances and Nutrient Deficiency
Strong tea contains tannins, compounds that inhibit the absorption of essential minerals like iron and zinc. Cigarette smoke, meanwhile, depletes vitamin C and several B vitamins critical for energy and nerve function. Together, this combination reduces the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.
Over time, this can result in fatigue, low immunity, dull skin, and even hormonal imbalances, since gut health and hormones are deeply interlinked.
3. The Impact on Heart and Lung Health
Both chai and cigarettes independently affect the cardiovascular system, but together, they multiply the risk. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow and increasing blood pressure. Caffeine also temporarily elevates heart rate and pressure. For someone who starts their day with chai and sutta, this causes a repetitive stress load on the heart.
4. Skin, Aging, and Cellular Health
The effects of chai–sutta extend beyond the internal organs. Smoking accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that keep the skin firm and youthful. It also narrows capillaries, depriving the skin of oxygen and nutrients. The result is dull, uneven, prematurely aging skin.
Caffeine, when consumed excessively, contributes to dehydration, which further emphasizes fine lines and dryness. Together, these two habits speed up oxidative damage, reduce cellular regeneration, and make the skin appear older than it is.
5. Hormonal and Emotional Imbalances
Nicotine and caffeine both alter neurotransmitter function, especially dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. These chemicals influence mood, motivation, and mental clarity. When used regularly, they disrupt the body’s natural hormone rhythms, leading to mood swings, low energy, and irregular sleep cycles.
How Diet Can Help Reverse the Damage
The good news is that the body has an incredible ability to heal when given the right nutrients and environment. A well-designed diet can reverse many of the biochemical imbalances caused by chai–sutta over time.
1. Focus on Antioxidants
Nicotine and caffeine both increase oxidative stress, an excess of free radicals that damage cells. A diet rich in antioxidants helps neutralize these harmful compounds. Include fruits like amla, oranges, and berries, and vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, and broccoli.
2. Rebuild Lost Nutrients
Since smoking depletes Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, and tea interferes with iron absorption, it’s crucial to rebuild these nutrients. Add citrus fruits, sprouts, whole grains, eggs, and legumes to your meals.
3. Support the Liver and Lungs
The liver plays a central role in detoxifying the chemicals from cigarettes and caffeine.Hydration is equally important, drink at least two to three liters of water daily to support natural detoxification.
4. Balance Your Gut Microbiome
To repair gut damage, focus on probiotic and prebiotic foods. Fermented items like curd, kanji, kimchi, or sauerkraut restore healthy bacteria, while high-fiber foods like oats, fruits, and vegetables feed them.
5. Replace the Habit Gradually
For those trying to break free from chai–sutta, replacement works better than restriction. Start by switching to herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, tulsi, or licorice. They calm the nervous system and support the liver. When cigarette cravings strike, deep breathing, water intake, or short walks can help regulate dopamine naturally without nicotine.
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