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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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Every year, as the monsoon rolls in, hospitals and clinics across India see a familiar pattern: a sharp uptick in children and elderly patients presenting with vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration.
Doctors attribute this seasonal surge to a combination of contaminated water supplies, deteriorating food hygiene, and warm, humid conditions that favour the spread of viruses like rotavirus and norovirus.
Heavy rains and flooding routinely compromise municipal water lines, allowing sewage to mix with drinking water. Street food and produce are more prone to contamination during this period, and the humidity itself accelerates bacterial and viral growth.
Acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, is consistently one of the fastest rising monsoon health conditions, with rotavirus being a leading cause in children and norovirus a common culprit across age groups.
Rotavirus is a highly contagious, wheel shaped virus and remains the leading cause of severe diarrhoeal illness and death in children under five worldwide. It spreads through the faecal oral route via contaminated water, food, surfaces, or close contact with an infected person, and can cause several days of intense vomiting and watery diarrhoea, putting young children at real risk of rapid dehydration.
The good news: Rotavirus vaccines, given orally in a series of doses before 8 months of age, are highly effective at preventing severe disease and are recommended as part of national immunisation programmes.
Boil or filter all drinking water during the monsoon months. Avoid ice and beverages of uncertain origin, especially from street vendors.
Steer clear of cut fruits, chaat, and other street food that has been sitting exposed. Cook food thoroughly and eat it hot. Avoid reheated leftovers stored without refrigeration.
Also read: Dengue & Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Can A Common Monsoon Illness Trigger A Serious Nerve Disorder?
Frequent handwashing with soap before eating, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers remains one of the single most effective, low cost interventions against faecal oral transmission.
Ensure infants complete their full rotavirus vaccine schedule on time. Vaccination substantially reduces hospitalisations and severe outcomes, even though it does not eliminate all seasonal transmission.
Because these viruses spread easily within households and childcare settings, keep infected individuals' utensils and linens separate, and disinfect surfaces regularly during an active infection.
Most cases of viral gastroenteritis are self limiting, but caregivers should watch for signs of dehydration that require urgent medical attention:
Also read: Beware! Common Mistakes New Parents Make During Their Baby’s First Monsoon
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is the cornerstone of management.
A simple homemade version consists of 1 litre of boiled and cooled water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt. It can be lifesaving when commercial ORS packets are not available, though pre mixed WHO formula ORS is preferable when accessible.
Zinc supplementation (around 20 mg daily for 10 to 14 days) is recommended for children under five, as it has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhoeal episodes.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral gastroenteritis and should only be used if a bacterial cause, such as cholera, is confirmed by a doctor. Inappropriate antibiotic use can do more harm than good.
Continue feeding. For breastfed infants, continue breastfeeding throughout the illness. For older children and adults, small, frequent sips of fluids and bland, easily digestible food are better tolerated than large meals.
Seek medical care promptly if there is persistent high fever, visible blood in the stool or vomit, signs of moderate to severe dehydration, or if symptoms do not improve within 2 to 3 days, particularly in infants, the elderly, or anyone with underlying health conditions.
By Dr. Geeta Malkan Billa, Director of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Dr. L. H. Hiranandani Hospital
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Urinary tract infections are common. A lot of people get them every year. When you have a tract infection you might feel a burning sensation when you go to the bathroom you might have to go to the bathroom a lot and your lower belly might hurt. These symptoms can get in the way of your life. You might want to try to make the pain go away on your own. Taking medicine without prescription is not a good idea.
Taking antibiotics when you do not need them can be bad for you. Urinary tract infections can become harder to cure when the bacteria get used to the medicine. This is called resistance and it is a big problem for everyone’s health. When this happens, you might get tract infections repeatedly and you might have fewer choices, for treatment. That is why it is so important to go seek medical attention at the earliest.
Most Urinary Tract Infections are caused by bacteria that are usually in the digestive tract and then get into the urethra. Things like not having water, not keeping yourself clean having something wrong with the urinary system or having a weak immune system can make it more likely for bacteria to grow.
If you take the medicine or stop taking it too soon the strong bacteria will live and get stronger. Over time these bacteria will not be affected by the medicines, which makes them very hard to treat. This is what happens when you have a Urinary Tract Infection that is resistant to drugs. Urinary Tract Infections, like these are very tough to deal with.
Also read: Kidney Stones In Urban India: Causes, Prevention, And Modern Treatment
Recognizing the early warning signs helps prevent the infection from spreading deeper into the body. Common signs of a UTI include:
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Preventing tract infections is always better than treating them especially now that we have a lot of antibiotic resistance. If you do simple things every day you can reduce the risk of bacteria getting into your urinary system.
Here are some things that can help:
1. Stay well hydrated: Drinking water is very important for urinary health. When you drink fluids during the day it helps wash away bacteria from the urinary system. This lowers the chance of getting an infection.
2. Prioritize good personal hygiene: Doing things to stay clean can help lower the chance of a UTI. It is best to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. This keeps bacteria from the stomach area from moving into the system.
3. Don’t delay urination: Going to the bathroom regularly helps stop bacteria from growing. If you hold your urine for long it can create a place where bacteria grow faster. This makes it more likely to get an infection.
4. Be cautious with intimate hygiene products: Products that have smells, like sprays or douches can hurt sensitive areas. They can also change the balance of bacteria that protect the body. This might make UTIs more likely.
5. Wear breathable fabrics: Choosing cotton underwear and clothes that're not tight helps keep the area dry. A dry and cool place is not a home, for bacteria. This lowers the chance of getting an infection.
Also read: Can You Flush Out A UTI By Drinking More Water?
Accurate diagnosis is essential before starting any medication. Diagnosis start with an evaluation and a simple urine test called a urinalysis to check for bacteria white blood cells and red blood cells.
In cases a urine culture is also done. This test finds the strain of bacteria causing the infection and tests it against different medications to find out which antibiotic will work best. For people who have recurring UTIs imaging tests, like ultrasound or CT scans might be used to look at the structure of the urinary tract and find any blockages or problems that are there.
Also read: Turns Out, Peeing In The Shower Could Have Unexpected Dangers
Urinary tract infections or Urinary Tract Infections can usually be treated with antibiotics. You must take all the antibiotics even if you start to feel better so that you can be sure the Urinary Tract Infection is gone and you do not get sick again.
Medicines also help with the pain and discomfort you feel when you urinate, such as burning or feeling like you must go to the bathroom all the time.
In some cases, Urinary Tract Infections may recur due to underlying conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract blockages, an enlarged prostate or structural abnormalities of the system. When these factors are identified, treating the root cause becomes essential.
Procedures such as kidney stone removal, stent placement or corrective surgery for urinary tract abnormalities may be recommended to prevent repeated Urinary Tract Infections.
Prevention and early intervention remain the effective strategies, in managing Urinary Tract Infections. Being aware of the warning signs and getting care at the onset of symptoms and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and serious complications.
With diagnosis and appropriate treatment most Urinary Tract Infections can be successfully managed, safeguarding both urinary health and overall well-being.
By Dr. Arif Akhtar, Principal Consultant - Urology, Robotics and Renal Transplant, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram
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By the time we enter our 40s, the lungs begin to undergo gradual changes that can affect breathing capacity and respiratory reserve. While some changes are a normal part of ageing, persistent cough, breathlessness or recurrent chest infections should not simply be dismissed as getting older.
Experts explain why lung health deserves greater attention after 40, which everyday habits can help protect the lungs, and when screening or medical evaluation may be needed.
As we age lung tissue elasticity declines and chest wall mechanics stiffen. From an oncology standpoint, age-related cellular damage and long-term exposure to cancer causing agents like tobacco increase cancer risk. Looking after lung health from young age builds the respiratory reserve needed to tolerate advanced medical or surgical interventions if required as you get older.
Engage in regular aerobic conditioning exercises to maintain full breathing capacity. Reduce carcinogen exposure by avoiding active and passive tobacco smoke, and ensuring proper ventilation while cooking. using HEPA air purifiers may help to an extent. Maintain an antioxidant-rich diet to combat cellular oxidative stress.
2 to 3 week cut off is applicable here. A persistent cough lasting over three weeks, progressive exertional breathlessness, recurrent chest infections, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss are red flags. This is for both smokers and nonsmokers. Early-stage lung cancers are frequently asymptomatic or subtle; ignoring these signs delays diagnosis. These symptoms are that of TB as well. So, that should be ruled out.
Annual flu and once in lifetime pneumococcal vaccine prevents severe pulmonary infections. For high-risk individuals—such as heavy past or present smokers—a annual Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scan is the gold standard for early lung cancer detection, finding lesions when they are most curable. Eliminating tobacco, mitigating indoor air pollution, exercising, and maintaining balanced nutrition significantly lower cancer risk and improve overall survival outcomes.
By Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Chairman of Oncology, MACS-Renova Oncology Institute, KIMS Hospital, Bangaluru
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