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Timothy had always been health-conscious. After years of social drinking, she decided to quit alcohol for good. But giving up the ritual of sipping on a drink at social gatherings felt impossible. That's when alcohol-free beer and wine seemed like the perfect alternative—offering the taste and experience without the intoxication. However, what Sarah didn't realize was that these supposedly "harmless" drinks might still be affecting her liver in ways she hadn't anticipated.
With a global shift toward healthier choices, the rise of alcohol-free beverages has been fuelled. Do these drinks, however, live up to their promise of being risk-free? New research shows that while they may eliminate the dangers of intoxication, they still pose metabolic and liver-related risks, which calls for moderation in the long run.
The first time you take a sip of an alcohol-free beverage, your body responds almost instantly. Anshul Singh, Lead Clinical Nutritionist and Dietetics Department says, "In as little as 10 minutes, your taste buds have picked up on the flavors, and your brain might even get a placebo effect, giving you the sensation that you're about to be drunk. Some alcohol-free drinks have up to 0.5% ABV, which goes into the bloodstream in minute quantities but will probably not affect you in any significant way."
By the 30-minute mark, your body has metabolized the sugars, artificial sweeteners, or additives in the drink. "Some people may experience a mild insulin spike, which can cause temporary energy boosts. Some non-alcoholic drinks also contain fermentation byproducts or botanical extracts that mimic the sedative effects of alcohol, causing slight drowsiness or relaxation," adds Anshul.
After 60 minutes, most of the drink has been metabolized. Although there is no risk of intoxication, repeated consumption can subtly affect metabolism, gut health, and even trigger cravings for alcohol among those in recovery. Those sensitive to sugar, caffeine, or preservatives might experience even more pronounced effects over time.
Your liver and gut health are connected, forming what is called the gut-liver axis. Anshul emphasises, "Even though drinks without alcohol seem harmless, they usually contain sugars, artificial sweeteners, and fermentation byproducts that can disturb this delicate balance."
Long-term consumption of these drinks may gradually affect digestion, liver detoxification, and overall metabolic health, making moderation necessary.
Even though these nonalcoholic beverages contain virtually insignificant alcohol, the liver processes them as well. "These small concentrations of alcohol-which may go as high as 0.5% ABV-trigger the liver's detoxification pathways but only at much weaker intensities compared to ordinary alcoholic drinks. But the added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives in the products could pose significant pressure on liver functions over the long term," explains Anshul.
High sugar intake causes insulin resistance, which can lead to the buildup of fat in the liver and increase the risk of developing NAFLD. Some fermentation byproducts in these beverages also trigger oxidative stress, which puts extra pressure on the liver. Though occasional consumption will not pose a significant threat, regular consumption might lead to chronic liver stress and metabolic imbalance.
Although trace amounts of alcohol exist in alcohol-free beer and wine, the body will still have to metabolize them. The body employs the same enzymatic pathways used for alcoholic beverages but at a much lower intensity. However, the added sugars, preservatives, and fermentation byproducts present their own set of challenges:
Alcohol-free drinks do not cause the liver to become overwhelmed as traditional alcohol does, although it does have a lower, but still important, risk for someone who is drinking too much. For someone with a problem of liver disease or metabolic syndrome, limiting alcohol-free drinks is also important.
Alcoholic beverages have always been a dangerous drink, but the safer option for those who want to avoid intoxication. However, it is not totally risk-free. Its impact on metabolism, gut health, and liver function cannot be ignored. Although they are not harmful at first, their consumption over a long period leads to insulin resistance, liver stress, and imbalance in the gut.
For the consumers who love these drinks, moderation is the way forward. The expert shares, "The choice of brands with the least additives, lower sugar, and natural ingredients will reduce risks. In addition, supplementing with a diet that is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and hydration can complement the liver in general."
For most, thought that adopting alcohol-free beverages was a healthier decision. On discovering their side effects on liver health, though, she learned to limit its intake and settle for alternatives that included infused sparkling water, herbal teas, or even kombucha with controlled sugar levels.
The bottom line? Alcohol-free doesn't mean consequence-free. The best way to achieve long-term health is by paying attention to what goes into the body and yet still enjoy social rituals of preference.
Anshul Singh is the Team Lead with the Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Artemis Hospitals in India.
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Today, the fitness scene has gained much traction among the Gen Z population. With more and more young people spending time in the gym and working out, it is important for fitness enthusiasts to remember the importance of leg stiffness and its impact on spine health. Leg stiffness has the potential to cause unnecessary strain on the spine and back during workouts.
From a neurosurgical point of view, we see that the spine is not just a mechanical support structure but a sensitive pathway through which the spinal cord and nerve roots run. Repeated micro-strain caused by poor flexibility can cause young patients to suffer early degenerative changes that may cause nerve irritation.
We also see that strengthening the abdominal muscles is essential in stabilizing the spine, thereby preventing disc injuries. Early intervention in minor complaints, such as back stiffness or nerve pain, is essential in preventing more serious problems that may need surgical intervention.
The muscles in your legs are important for your spine's health. The hamstring, hip flexor, and calf muscles are all significant players in the movement and positioning of your spine. Leg stiffness has the potential to cause unnecessary strain on the spine and back. Leg stiffness limits the movement and positioning of the hips and the spine.
When these muscle groups are tight, they alter pelvic alignment and increase load on the lumbar spine. Over time, this abnormal biomechanics can lead to disc stress and facet joint overload.
In neurosurgical practice, we often see young patients presenting with early symptoms of nerve compression where underlying muscle imbalance and stiffness play a contributory role.
For young people, the main focus in the gym is on strength training, while flexibility and rest are ignored. This makes the condition of the legs stiffer. Another common error is improper posture while performing certain exercises in the gym. When the legs and hips are inflexible, proper posture is difficult, which causes pressure on the spine.
Sitting for a long time, studying, playing games on gadgets, etc., causes the hip flexors and the hamstring muscles in the legs to become stiffer, which causes pressure on the spine.
From a clinical standpoint, improper lifting techniques combined with stiffness can increase the risk of lumbar disc prolapse and nerve root irritation, conditions frequently encountered in spine clinics.
Additionally, from a neurosurgical perspective, core strengthening plays a crucial role in stabilizing the spine and reducing the risk of disc-related injuries. Early attention to minor symptoms like back stiffness or radiating pain can prevent progression to more serious conditions requiring intervention.
Common spine problems to avoid during gym workouts include Herniated Disc, Sciatica, Spondylolisthesis, and Muscle Strain. These can occur from poor form, heavy lifting, or lack of warm-up.
In advanced cases, such conditions may lead to nerve compression requiring specialized evaluation and, rarely, surgical management. However, most of these issues are preventable with correct technique and conditioning.
Fitness enthusiasts in the Gen Z generation need to understand that it is very important to develop strength in the body while at the same time maintaining flexibility. The solution to the problem of a stiff leg is the foundation of protecting the spine and improving workout performance. This is achievable through the right warm-up, correct workout, and correct lifting.
Dr. Gaurav Batra is a Consultant - Neurosurgeon (Brain & Spine) at Max Hospital, Vaishali.
A recent meningitis outbreak in Kent University has led to many people wandering about the MenB vaccine and whether they should be getting it. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) with NHS England and the government is already coordinating a targeted vaccination programme against Meningitis B- the strain identified to cause the outbreak.
As per UKHSA, anyone in the following group has been offered preventative antibiotics which is also known as prophylaxis, is being offered the MenB vaccine. As of now, this includes:
Read: Fact Check: Did Keir Starmer Say UK ‘May Need To Go Into Lockdown’ If Meningitis Cases Keep Rising?
As of now, notes UKHSA that the risk of infection to the wider public remains low. This is because transmission of MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread. This could only happen when people are living in the same household and with intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes.
The bacteria, notes UKHSA, are not as contagious as the other infections like measles and COVID 19.
Antibiotics play an important role, and almost an immediate one when it comes to responding to an outbreak. For anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case, preventative antibiotics are being offered to them to clear any meningococcal bacteria they may be carrying. This will reduce the risk of them becoming ill or passing the bacteria on to others.
The simple answer is a yes. UKHSA notes that if you are eligible for the MenB vaccine despite the fact that you have taken MenACWY vaccine, you should come forward and take the MenB vaccine. This is because the MenACWY vaccine does not protect you against the MenB strains, as they are both different strain. MenB has been identified as the primary cause of meningitis outbreak in Kent University.
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Semaglutide is the hero ingredient in the popular drugs Ozempic (used primarily to treat Type-2 diabetes) and Wegovy (used for chronic weight management).
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown its prowess in lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart or blood vessel disease.
With emerging preclinical evidence suggesting its potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, an international team of researchers from the US and Taiwan focused their study on semaglutide and patients whose cancer has spread to the brain.
Also Read: Company Sends Legal Notice Doctor After Her Campaign Questions Fake ORS-Labelled Hydration Drinks
Cancer in the brain, also known as brain metastases, is an advanced-stage (stage IV) cancer, which is generally associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients. Those with comorbidities like type 2 diabetes are likely to have worse outcomes.
The research, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that although the once-weekly semaglutide injections cannot directly treat cancer, they can potentially help some very ill patients live longer.
“The findings of this cohort study suggest that GLP-1 RA use was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality among patients with cancer with brain metastases and type 2 diabetes, with generally consistent association across subgroups," said the team from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Taiwan, in the paper.
The teams analyzed medical records from 151 hospitals around the world.
They identified more than 19,000 patients with cancer, brain metastases, and type 2 diabetes. Of these, 866 had been treated with a GLP-1 drug, while over 11,000 had not.
Their final analysis included two groups of 850 patients who were compared for the effects of semaglutide and were followed for up to three years after their brain metastases were first recorded.
The patients taking semaglutide were significantly less likely to die -- about 37 percent -- during the follow-up period than those who were not.
The pattern was fairly consistent across several major cancer types, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma.
"These results build upon existing evidence that GLP-1 receptor activation modulates pathways relevant to neuro-oncologic health, including attenuation of neuroinflammation, preservation of blood–brain barrier integrity, and reduction of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction," the researchers said.
However, they also acknowledged limitations, such as the study was retrospectively conducted, which checked medical records and did not test patients in a controlled trial.
With Novo Nordisk losing its patent in many countries, the sky-high prices of Ozempic and Wegovy are likely to go down by 90 percent.
This means the drug will be available at cheaper rates to 40 per cent of the world's population.
In India, the patent ended on March 20, and since then, several companies, including Alkem Laboratories, NATCO Pharma, Eris Lifesciences, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, have launched their generic versions of semaglutide at a reduced price.
Also read: Semaglutide Becomes Cheap In India: A Gamechanger Or Health Gamble?
Who Should Avoid Semaglutide?
Semaglutide should be avoided or used with extreme caution in:
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