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.

What Happens in your Body within 10 Minutes of Drinking Alcohol-Free Beverages?

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.

How Alcohol-Free Drinks Affect Your Gut and Liver Connection

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."

• High sugar content may lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, and fat accumulation in the liver.
• Artificial sweeteners may change the gut microbiota, causing metabolic imbalances.
• Preservatives and artificial flavors can also enhance gut permeability, thus potentially leading to leaky gut syndrome.

Long-term consumption of these drinks may gradually affect digestion, liver detoxification, and overall metabolic health, making moderation necessary.

Do Alcohol-Free Drinks Still Trigger Liver Enzymes?

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.

Do Non-Alcoholic Beverages Affect Liver Detoxification?

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:

• Mild inflammation to the liver due to the additives and byproducts within the drinks.
• Insulin resistance resulting from excessive sugar intake, causing fat accumulation in the liver.
• Detoxification pathways are overburdened, and impairment of liver function occurs gradually.

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.

Should You Drink Alcohol-Free Beverages?

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.

ADHD may be less about an inability to pay attention and more about difficulties sustaining engagement with tasks, according to a US psychiatrist who has questioned whether the condition's name adequately captures its symptoms.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, executive function, impulse control, and activity levels. It typically begins in childhood, with symptoms appearing before age 12, and frequently persists into adulthood.

What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD symptoms fall into two primary categories:

Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, missing details, making careless mistakes, forgetfulness in daily routines, and struggling to stay organized.

Hyperactivity and impulsivity: Fidgeting, excessive talking, restlessness (including internal restlessness in adults), interrupting others, and acting without thinking.

However, Dr. Awais Aftab, a psychiatrist in Cleveland, Ohio, and clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University, has questioned whether the term “attention deficit” adequately captures the condition.

“The condition’s name notwithstanding, ‘attention deficit’ may be the wrong conceptual framing for ADHD,” he wrote in an article in The New York Times.

Also read: ADHD: Your Pupils May Explain How The Brain Handles Attention, Says New Indian Study

ADHD May Be More About Sustained Engagement

Aftab argued that ADHD may involve difficulties with the brain's ability to assign importance to a task and sustain the effort needed to complete it, rather than simply an inability to filter out distractions.

People with ADHD can often concentrate on activities that interest them. The difficulty may arise when they need to maintain attention and effort over time, particularly when tasks are repetitive or offer little immediate reward.

“If attention is about the mind homing in on what’s relevant in a given moment, engagement is about keeping that spotlight pointed at the same target over time,” Aftab wrote.

His argument offers a different way of thinking about some of the everyday challenges associated with ADHD, including starting tasks, staying organized, and following through on activities that require sustained mental effort.

What Do ADHD Medications Do?

ADHD is often treated with stimulant medications, such as Adderall, which can help reduce symptoms and improve attention and impulse control.

Aftab argued that the effects of these medications may extend beyond attention itself.

“Stimulants create what looks like improved attention and focus, but they really do so by enhancing the salience of mundane activities – tricking the brain into assigning greater worth and significance to things like math homework and laundry,” he said.

Citing a study published in Cell that examined the effects of stimulants on the brain, Aftab suggested that the medications' effects on brain networks could support a broader understanding of ADHD. However, findings about how stimulants affect the brain do not, by themselves, establish that ADHD is primarily a problem of motivation or task engagement rather than attention.

Aftab also suggested that some patients may rely on medication to keep up with lifestyles that are not suited to their needs. This raises broader questions about how treatment, daily demands, and individual needs intersect, rather than suggesting that medication is unnecessary.

He also emphasized evidence linking ADHD medication use with lower risks of adverse outcomes, including death, self-harm, transport accidents, criminality, and addiction-related problems.

Joint pain in your 30s and 40s can stem from sports injuries, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, muscle weakness, or repetitive strain. It can also signal arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which can affect younger adults.

On World Arthritis Day, experts warned that joint pain that persists, keeps returning, or occurs with swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, or restricted movement should not be ignored. Sudden, severe pain in a hot, swollen joint—especially with fever—requires urgent medical evaluation.

Dr. Atul Shrivastava, Consultant, Orthopedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Narayana Hospital, Howrah, told HealthandMe that chronic joint pain should not be dismissed as fatigue or the result of a sedentary lifestyle.

“Prolonged sitting, a sedentary lifestyle, weakened muscle tone, and sudden leaps in physical activity can all contribute to musculoskeletal pain without necessarily indicating the presence of arthritis.”

Dr. Rakesh Rajput, Head of Orthopedics, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, Kolkata, said, “Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, poor posture, sports injuries, nutritional deficiencies, and repetitive strain from daily activities can contribute to joint problems.”

Morning Stiffness Or Arthritis? Signs To Watch For

Also read: From Better Sleep To Stronger Bones: Here’s How Magnesium Can Help Boost Your Health

Occasional stiffness after waking up or sitting for long periods may result from inactivity or muscle strain. However, recurring morning stiffness accompanied by swelling, tenderness, or restricted movement warrants medical attention.

“Occasional stiffness after waking up or remaining in one position for a long time may result from inactivity or muscle and joint strain. However, recurring morning stiffness, especially when accompanied by joint swelling, tenderness or restricted movement, deserves attention,” Dr. Shrivastava said.

Morning stiffness lasting 30–60 minutes or longer may be associated with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis can also cause stiffness after rest, which often improves with gentle movement. However, these patterns alone cannot confirm a diagnosis.

Other warning signs include:

• Persistent joint swelling or warmth
• Difficulty performing routine activities
• Pain or stiffness affecting multiple joints
• Reduced joint movement or persistent tenderness

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the same joints on both sides of the body, particularly the hands and wrists, although symptoms vary. Persistent symptoms warrant medical assessment rather than reliance on painkillers or home remedies.

A suddenly hot, swollen, and severely painful joint, particularly when accompanied by fever, requires urgent medical evaluation to rule out a serious condition such as a joint infection.

Knee Pain In Your 30s And 40s: What's Behind It?

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Knee pain can result from sports injuries, ligament or meniscal problems, kneecap-related conditions, muscle weakness, overuse, or early osteoarthritis.

Dr. Shrivastava said, “Knee pain in the 30s and 40s can have several causes, and arthritis is only one possibility. Pain may arise from sports injuries, meniscal or ligament problems, kneecap-related conditions, muscle weakness, overuse or early osteoarthritis. Identifying the cause is essential because treatment differs depending on the underlying problem.”

Excess body weight increases stress on the knees, while weak supporting muscles and sudden increases in exercise intensity can aggravate symptoms. However, appropriately selected, progressive exercise can improve muscle strength and joint function.

Persistent pain, recurrent swelling, locking, or instability should be assessed by an orthopedic specialist. Sudden severe pain, an inability to bear weight, or a hot, swollen knee requires prompt medical attention.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, activity modification, weight management, and medication when appropriate.

Can You Prevent Joint Problems?

Maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the muscles that support the joints, staying physically active, and preventing injuries can help maintain joint health. Gradually increasing exercise intensity and avoiding prolonged inactivity may also help reduce strain on the joints.

Not all forms of arthritis are preventable. Persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness should prompt medical evaluation rather than self-diagnosis.

As Delhi gears up for another season of air pollution, cancer experts are raising concerns about long-term exposure to pollutants and whether it could contribute to gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have reported seeing GI cancer patients as young as 15, raising questions about the environmental factors that could affect cancer risk among young population.

The discussion took place at a joint international conference organised by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, UK, on October 10 and 11, 2026.

The conference focused on advancements in colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers, where experts highlighted the need for stronger prevention efforts, earlier diagnosis and India-based research.

However, although many studies have linked long-term air pollution with cancer risk, the evidence does not establish that Delhi’s pollution is causing GI cancers in younger patients directly or that ground-level ozone is driving a surge.

GI Cancer Patients As Young As 15

Also read: Delhi Smog: Can You Really Tackle Pollution Season With An N95 Mask And Air Purifier?

Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Organising Chairperson of the conference and Chairperson of the Department of Medical Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said the age of some patients presenting with GI cancers had prompted concern.

“Cancer prevention can no longer be discussed only in terms of tobacco, diet and lifestyle. In our OPD we are now seeing new GI cancer patients as young as 15 years old which was uncommon 5 years ago. We must also pay attention to the environment in which people live,” he said.

Aggarwal also called for closer attention to ground-level ozone, a pollutant that receives less public attention than particulate should also be studied.

“The latest international studies have strengthened the case for investigating the relationship between air pollution and cancer. Ozone deserves particular attention because public awareness largely focuses on PM2.5 and PM10, while ground-level ozone is a less familiar threat. We need more India-specific evidence to understand the contribution of these pollutants, particularly in cities with persistently poor air quality.”

The question of environmental exposure comes amid wider concerns about changing cancer patterns and diagnoses among younger adults. An observation by Aggarwal examining birth-cohort trends in gastrointestinal cancers in England and India highlights differences between the two countries.

In England, bowel cancer incidence among people under 50 rose from 3.9 per 100,000 in 2001 to 8.4 per 100,000 in 2023, more than doubling during the period. In comparison, India’s early-onset colorectal cancer rate remains relatively low, at 3.5 per 100,000 among people aged 25 to 49.

However, Indian urban cancer registries show an increase in colorectal cancer, while hospital studies have reported younger patients presenting with advanced disease.

Link Between Air Pollution And GI Cancer

Also read: Left Delhi To Escape Air Pollution? Why Health Effects May Linger For A Long Time

A 2026 review published in Epidemiologic Reviews examined 70 studies investigating associations between air pollution and gastrointestinal diseases.

Researchers reported that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, was associated with higher mortality from GI cancers, especially colorectal cancer.

PM2.5 consists of fine airborne particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. Its health effects are not limited to the respiratory system, with research also examining its links to cardiovascular disease and other long-term health outcomes.

The review suggests that prolonged exposure to air pollution may be relevant to cancer prevention. But, an association between exposure and cancer mortality does not, on its own, prove that the pollutant caused cancer.

Other Risk Factors

Also read: Delhi Air Pollution Is Back: What Days Of Poor AQI Can Do to Your Lungs

GI cancers include cancers of the colon and rectum, stomach, oesophagus, liver, pancreas and other organs of the digestive system. Their causes and established risk factors vary according to the type of cancer. Environmental exposures are only one possible area of investigation. Family history, genetic susceptibility, diet, lifestyle, and infections can also influence cancer risk, depending on the malignancy.

Dr. Saumitra Rawat, Chairman of the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, GI and HPB Onco-Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, spoke about the need to examine these factors together.

“The diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer in younger patients is a serious concern and calls for a comprehensive investigation into the factors that may influence disease development. Family history, genetic susceptibility, diet, lifestyle, infections and possible environmental exposures all deserve appropriate consideration. We must strengthen Indian research to understand these factors rather than draw conclusions from associations alone. Equally important are awareness of persistent digestive symptoms, timely medical consultation and access to multidisciplinary cancer care.”

Delhi’s persistent air-quality crisis makes it important to investigate the long-term health consequences of exposure to a mixture of pollutants. But determining whether pollution contributes to GI cancer will require more than observing that both problems exist in the same population.

Stronger air-quality monitoring, improved cancer registries and Indian studies linking exposure data with clinical outcomes could help researchers assess whether pollutants are associated with specific cancer types.

Studies would also need to account for other risk factors and differences in exposure across populations. This would help establish whether observed associations persist after other relevant factors are considered.

D. S. Rana, Chairman of the Trust Society at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, “The international collaboration between Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust represents an important step towards strengthening medical knowledge and cooperation in cancer care. Cancer is a complex challenge that requires coordinated efforts across institutions, specialities and countries. By bringing experts together and encouraging the exchange of experience, we can create new opportunities to advance cancer research, improve early diagnosis and work towards better outcomes for patients.”

Mr. Selvasekar Chelliah, Consultant Colorectal and Laparoscopic Surgeon at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, UK, also highlighted the role of collaboration in improving cancer care and research.

“International collaboration enables specialists to exchange clinical experience and examine new evidence that can improve the management of colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers. Bringing together expertise in medical oncology, surgical oncology and other disciplines helps strengthen multidisciplinary decision-making and supports continuous improvement in patient care. Such partnerships can also encourage further research into prevention, early diagnosis and the environmental factors that may influence long-term health.”

Prevention And Early Diagnosis

Alongside research into environmental risks, experts emphasised the importance of established cancer prevention measures, awareness of persistent symptoms, timely medical consultation and access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, IAS, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, said, “Addressing the cancer burden requires a strong focus on prevention, early diagnosis, public awareness and access to quality healthcare. Collaborative efforts between leading medical institutions and evidence-based research are essential to strengthening cancer care and improving health outcomes across the country.”

Reducing emissions and improving air quality remain important public health priorities. At the same time, cancer prevention and care must continue to address known risk factors, screening and timely diagnosis.