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.

Bipolar disorder is commonly misunderstood as mere mood fluctuations; however, it is a serious and complex mental health condition.

The condition presents extreme mood fluctuations — hyperactivity and impulsiveness — and depressive lows — lethargy and hopelessness.

Bipolar disorder affects over 40 million people worldwide. Yet diagnosis remains challenging, as many people remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for long periods. Some are treated for other mental health conditions, such as depression or ADHD, causing delays in effective treatment.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Kriti Anand, Consultant, Psychiatrist, Paras Health, Panchkula, said: “Early identification of bipolar disorder is essential for the improvement of the condition of patients. It aids in recognizing patterns early on, which helps to stabilize moods and minimize the occurrence of severe and recurring episodes”.

“With the correct identification of the condition and intervention, people can effectively maintain relationships and stay productive,” Dr. Anand added.

Importance Of Early Detection

Recognizing bipolar disorder early is critical for better outcomes. People who do not get a timely diagnosis are likely to experience more frequent and intense mood episodes, which can become harder to manage over time.

Early evaluation allows healthcare professionals to identify patterns and introduce treatments that help stabilize mood and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Notably, the experts stated that treating bipolar disorder simply as depression means that antidepressants are prescribed, which could cause a manic episode to occur.

With early diagnosis, the chances of harmful behaviors are reduced and prevent suicidal tendencies that are often a result of untreated cases of bipolar disorder.

It also enhances the quality of life, enabling patients to maintain healthy relationships, work productively, and attend to their daily responsibilities.

Early symptoms includes

• Extreme irritability, intense happiness, or sudden, uncharacteristic anger
• A sudden, unexplainable rise or decline in energy levels
• Reduced need for sleep without feeling tired or difficulty falling asleep
• Engaging in risky activities
• Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating

It’s important to conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This involves looking at the patient’s medical history and mental health history.

The symptoms are also evaluated using a structured approach. In some cases, a physical examination may also be conducted. As bipolar disorder involves long-term patterns, it’s possible to observe the patient over a long period of time.

Once diagnosed, early intervention can begin. Treatment for bipolar disorder may involve

• drugs to control mood,
• therapy to improve coping abilities,
• lifestyle habits such as sleeping and exercising regularly.

“A thorough and timely evaluation is essential for accurately diagnosing bipolar mood disorder, especially in cases where symptoms overlap with other conditions. Early intervention by mental health experts, in the form of appropriate treatment, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, can significantly reduce complications," Surg Commodore (Dr.) Sunil Goyal (Retd), Senior Consultant - Psychiatry, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, told HealthandMe.

"This will help individuals achieve long-term stability of mood along with improved quality of life in all socio-occupational spheres," he added.

Left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to serious problems that affect every area of your life, including:

• Problems related to drug and alcohol misuse
• Suicide or suicide attempts
• Legal or financial problems
• Trouble getting along with others
• Poor work or school performance

The experts noted that early detection of bipolar disorder is not just about diagnosis; it is about improving lives.

Identifying the condition early helps in reducing the chance of developing serious complications, decreasing the possibility of being misdiagnosed, and also allows for treatment to be delivered in a timely and appropriate manner.

American actress Olivia Munn has opened up about her journey with deadly breast cancer, which came with no typical symptoms.

In her latest interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, the 45-year-old actress recalled being “faced with the possibility of death” in April 2023, when she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer.

Importantly, the actress had no symptoms, and even tests like a mammogram and ultrasound gave her a clean chit.

"No symptoms. And I had a clear mammogram and a clear ultrasound," Olivia was quoted as saying.

However, the condition was detected after taking the Lifetime Risk Assessment test -- a free online Q&A that gave her a high score estimating the risk of developing breast cancer in a lifetime. The test marked any score above 20 percent as a high risk. Munn's risk score was 37.3 percent.

The online test — Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Model — is publicly accessible and widely recommended by experts, and it calculates a woman’s five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer using a combination of factors like age, family history, genetics, reproductive history, and more.

Post the assessment, she took "an MRI, which led to an ultrasound, which then led to a biopsy," she explained.

The biopsy showed that she had what she described as "an aggressive, fast-moving cancer" in both of her breasts.

Once she learned the diagnosis, she fought back with everything she had. She got a double mastectomy, an ovariectomy, and a partial hysterectomy. Now her risk score is zero.

Instead of recovering quietly, Olivia made it her mission to raise awareness about the condition — posting about her cancer on social media and telling the world about the risk assessment test.

In the years since Munn started sharing her story, the number of women taking the test has increased by 4,000 percent, the report said.

"Knowing that it's really changed so many people's lives. It's been the most amazing thing. There's no way I could have ever predicted it," she said.

In 2025, Olivia’s mother, Kim, was also diagnosed with breast cancer after taking the same risk assessment test.

In an Instagram post, Munn said her mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer, a fast-growing but often treatable type of the disease. Her diagnosis came after Munn encouraged her mom and sister to take a free online breast cancer risk assessment.

Also read: Amanda Peet Opens Up About Breast Cancer Battle, Shares Toughest Moment

What Is A Lifetime Risk Assessment Test?

The MagView Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator is an online tool that helps one calculate their lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

The tool urges people to reach out to their healthcare professional in case they have any questions about their risk of developing breast cancer and what the best options are for breast cancer screenings or genetic counseling they may have.

Olivia stressed that any woman over 30 should take the test, and if their risk is above 20 percent, they should ask their doctor for a breast MRI.

Also read: Christy Carlson Romano’s Cancer Test Result Shows Why Regular Screening Is Important

Who Should Get Breast Cancer Screening Done?

According to the American Cancer Society, you are considered to be at average risk if you do not have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of it, or a known genetic mutation (like in the BRCA gene) that increases your risk.

This also applies if you have not had chest radiation before the age of 30. These are the breast cancer screening recommendations for women who are at average risk.

Ages 40-44: You have the choice to start getting a mammogram every year.

Ages 45-54: You should get a mammogram every year.

Ages 55 and older: You can switch to getting a mammogram every other year, or you can choose to continue getting one every year.

You should continue to get screened as long as you are in good health and are expected to live at least 10 more years.

A large new study suggests that about only two to four cups of coffee per day can reduce stress levels as well as lower the risks of developing anxiety and depression.

Researchers from Fudan University in China found that moderate coffee intake is linked to lower stress levels, while both very low and very high consumption don’t offer the same benefit.

Drinking more than four cups may start to increase stress and anxiety, likely because caffeine stimulates the nervous system and raises stress hormones.

Scientists believe this works like a “J-shaped curve”: a little caffeine can improve mood, alertness, and resilience to stress, but too much can overstimulate the body and make stress worse. Supporting research also shows that high caffeine intake is linked to higher perceived stress and anxiety symptoms.

At the top end of the scale, drinking five cups or more each day was associated with a higher risk of mood disorders – so it seems it is possible to overdo the buzz.

"J-shaped associations were identified between coffee consumption and mental disorders, suggesting that a moderate intake of coffee might be beneficial for mental health," write the researchers in their published paper.

Caffeine Can Recover Memory Loss From Lack of Sleep

In this animal study, scientists at the National University of Singapore have found that sleep-deprived mice struggle to recognize other mice however, mice that were given caffeine for a week before being being sleep-deprived performed much better on tests and did not show the same memory loss.

Additionally, when caffeine was directly applied to brain tissue from sleep-deprived mice, it improved communication between brain cells in this region -- suggesting that caffeine doesn’t just mask tiredness but may also help repair disrupted brain activity.

NUS physiologist Lik-Wei Wong explained: "Sleep deprivation does not just make you tired. It selectively disrupts important memory circuits.

"We found that caffeine can reverse these disruptions at both the molecular and behavioral levels. Its ability to do so suggests that caffeine's benefits may extend beyond simply helping us stay awake."

"Our findings position the CA2 region as a critical hub linking sleep and social memory. This research enhances our understanding towards the biological mechanisms underlying sleep-related cognitive decline. This could inform future approaches to preserving cognitive performance," NSU neuroscientist Sreedharan Sajikumar added.

Based on these results, the study concluded that sleep deprivation increases signaling linked to adenosine, a chemical that promotes sleep but can also weaken memory circuits. But with moderate amounts of intake, caffeine appears to block this effect and help the brain maintain normal function

While the discovery offers a clearer understanding of how sleep, memory and caffeine are connected, the findings are based on mice and more research is needed to confirm if the same benefits apply to humans.

How Much Coffee Should You Consume?

Due to how much caffeine can actually affect one’s body, experts recommend 400 milligrams only per day. That is about four cups, it is also better to consult a doctor about this as caffeine sensitivity is different for people. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others.

How you react depends on your health, what medicines you take, and how fast your body processes things. Too much caffeine can cause problems, so it's important to pay attention to how you feel and not go overboard. Here is what happens to your body when you drink too much caffeine daily.