Smooth Move Tea contains herbal ingredients that may stimulate digestion but does not break a fast as it has minimal calories and is typically consumed for relief.
Smooth Move tea is a popular herbal remedy for constipation, but many intermittent fasters wonder if it will break their fast. This in-depth guide examines the ingredients, effects, and fasting compatibility of this senna-based tea.
What Is Smooth Move Tea?
Smooth Move is an herbal tea blend containing senna leaf as its primary active ingredient. Manufactured by Traditional Medicinals, it’s marketed as a natural laxative that provides relief within 6-12 hours.
The full ingredient list includes:
- Organic senna leaf
- Organic licorice root
- Organic fennel fruit
- Organic orange peel
- Organic cinnamon bark
- Organic coriander fruit
- Organic ginger rhizome
- Organic orange peel oil on gum arabic
Senna works by stimulating intestinal contractions and increasing water in the colon. The other herbs help soothe digestion and reduce cramping.
Does Smooth Move Tea Break a Fast?
The answer depends on your fasting goals:
For Metabolic Fasting (Autophagy/Weight Loss)
Smooth Move tea likely does not break a metabolic fast because:
- Contains minimal calories (estimated 2-5 calories per cup)
- No significant impact on insulin levels
- No protein or carbohydrates that would trigger mTOR pathway
However, the herbal compounds may stimulate digestion, which some strict fasters prefer to avoid.
For Gut Rest Fasting
If fasting for gut health or rest:
- The senna stimulates bowel movements
- Other herbs activate digestive processes
- This contradicts the goal of giving your digestive system complete rest
For these fasts, it’s better to stick with plain water or non-stimulating herbal teas.
Potential Benefits During Fasting
When used appropriately, Smooth Move tea may help with:
Constipation Relief
The senna can alleviate fasting-related constipation that occurs when food intake decreases.
Bloating Reduction
Fennel and ginger may help reduce bloating and gas that some experience while fasting.
Electrolyte Balance
The herbs provide trace minerals that support electrolyte levels during extended fasts.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Dehydration
The laxative effect can increase fluid loss, which is especially concerning during fasting when hydration is crucial.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Frequent bowel movements may deplete sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels.
Dependency
Regular use can lead to reliance on laxatives for normal bowel function, according to health experts.
Nutrient Malabsorption
When breaking a fast, the tea might interfere with nutrient absorption from your first meals.
Best Practices for Using Smooth Move Tea While Fasting
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Short fasts (under 24 hours) | Avoid unless absolutely necessary for constipation |
| Extended fasts (24+ hours) | Use sparingly if needed, monitor hydration |
| Breaking a fast | Wait 2-3 hours after eating to allow nutrient absorption |
| Regular use | Limit to 1 week maximum to prevent dependency |
Alternative Options for Fasters
For those wanting to avoid potential fasting disruptions:
Hydration Boosters
- Electrolyte-enhanced water
- Mineral water with lemon
Gentle Digestive Aids
- Peppermint tea
- Ginger tea
- Chamomile tea
Natural Laxatives
- Magnesium citrate
- Psyllium husk (when breaking fast)
- Increased healthy fats post-fast
While Smooth Move tea can be compatible with some fasting protocols, it’s important to consider your specific fasting goals and listen to your body’s responses. For those focused on gut rest or extremely strict fasting, it may be better to explore alternative solutions for digestive support.
