FWIW Iced tea was considered a likely cause/contributor of my kidney stone, too. I'd been drinking big Arizonas daily for at least a year beforehand. I don't drink it anymore and haven't had another one... it's been about 10 years now... could be mere coincidence. But considering that mine *didn't pass* (horrific pain, made oxycontin seem like a joke - that was when I knew the ER was my destiny) I was willing to change any behavior. Downgrade away peeps, obv off topic. ;)

Ice tea is a totally different cup of tea then tea. The added sugar and artificial acids makes Ice Tea more threatening to your teeth then old time favorite teeth destroyer Coca Cola.

So.. ya... I can imagine it does wonders to your internal chemistry.

I think a lot of people have gotten used to non-food. Actual tea with actual lemon is good for you. Tea has antioxidants and lemon (you know, the real fruit) had vitamin C. Too much lemon will eat away your teeth as well, but in a healthy self-made beverage your body will warn you against too much lemon, because guess what: it will taste too sour.

The non-food we eat nowadays is full of stuff that masks our natural instincts: even a dog-turd with enough sugar will taste fine.

Make your own food from real ingredients and you'll be fine.

Dameblanche hit it right on - commercial and designer iced tea is pretty bad for you, and can have the effects that you describe. It also usually has High Fructose Corn Syrup which I believe masks your bodies indication that it is full, which can lead to weight gain. Fresh brewed tea is rich in antioxidants and really makes you feel happy, especially if you don't load it down with milk (extra fat and calories) and sugar (extra sugar that can lead to weight gain). I have a few favorites that taste great sugarless and milkless that I get from www.adagio.com. It's not dirt cheap but it's also not financially gutting. Expect to pay 40-60 cents a cup on the high grade tea (how much do you get 60 cents at starbucks?) and 10-20 on the lower grade stuff like Earl Grey. My two staples aside from an herbal blend of Chamomile, Lemongrass and Peppermint are Golden Yunnan, a peppery chinese black tea and Jasmine (Jasmine #12 or Jasmine Pearls). These are both on the higher grade and more expensive side but you're still getting more for your money than a cup of Tazo at starbucks.

TLDR; I highly suggest real, fresh brewed tea over grocery store brand sugar tea!