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.

Popular GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound are well established for improving metabolic health, lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss. These blockbuster drugs are also known to reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Now, researchers are exploring whether these medications could also help slow biological aging and potentially increase longevity.

Study Explores Anti-Aging Potential

A recent US National Institutes of Health (NIH)-backed study, published in the journal Nature, found that Ozempic slowed biological aging in people living with HIV and lipohypertrophy, a condition in which fatty deposits develop under the skin.

People with HIV often experience accelerated aging because of the infection, making them an important group for age-related research, said lead author Dr. Michael Corley, associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego's Stein Institute for Research on Aging, according to The New York Times.

Although the trial was preliminary, Dr. Corley said it "provided us an opportunity to say, hey, is there any signal here that warrants all the hype?"

Can GLP-1 Drugs Slow Aging?

Experts believe the findings are promising, but stressed that more research is needed.

Dr. Nicolas Musi, director of the Diabetes and Aging Center at Cedars-Sinai, told NYT that because these drugs reduce the risk of diseases associated with aging, they could potentially improve lifespan as well.

"GLP-1 agonists decrease the incidence of diseases that are related to aging and are associated with decreasing life span. One would assume that they're also potentially going to increase life span and be beneficial for longevity," Dr. Musi said.

Researchers also point to the drugs' anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is one of the biological processes linked to aging, said Dr. Thomas Blackwell, professor of general internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

However, scientists caution that there is currently no evidence showing that GLP-1 drugs provide longevity benefits for people who are already metabolically healthy.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Zepbound and Mounjaro contain tirzepatide.

These medications are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and some are also approved for chronic weight management.

GLP-1 receptor agonists work by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body. This increases insulin production in response to food, suppresses glucagon—a hormone that raises blood sugar—and helps regulate blood glucose levels.

What Does GLP-1 Do in the Body?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone naturally produced by the small intestine after eating. It plays several important roles in regulating blood sugar and appetite by:

• Stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.
• Suppressing glucagon secretion, which helps prevent unnecessary increases in blood sugar.
• Slowing stomach emptying allows glucose to enter the bloodstream more gradually.
• Increasing feelings of fullness (satiety), which helps reduce food intake.

On Doctors Day, along with celebrating the valuable contribution and role of doctors, it is also important to take a look at what goes on beyond operation theatres and surgical masks. Amid increasing instances of doctors seeking mental health support, we take a look at what is pushing doctors to seek mental health care.

Why Burnout In Doctors Needs To Be Addressed?

HealthandMe spoke to Neha Cadabam, Senior Psychologist & Executive Director, Cadabam's Hospitals, and Dr. Jagadeesh P.C, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon and Robotic Joint Replacement at Kauvery Hospitals & Joss Center, about increasing burnout, stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues among doctors in various specialties.

Doctors face grueling work schedules that entail long work hours, demanding patient care, and constant vigilance to provide the best service.

Neha Cadabam explains, “Doctors are often expected to remain composed, resilient, and emotionally available regardless of the circumstances they face. However, the emotional demands at their profession can accumulate over time.”

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She also said that long working hours, repeated exposure to suffering and death, difficult clinical decisions, medico-legal concerns, workplace violence, and the constant pressure to avoid errors can create a significant psychological burden.

Dr. Jagadeesh P.C sheds light on how doctors in the orthopedics specialty face constant physical and emotional stress. He says that as orthopedicians mostly handle traumas and accidents, they undergo added stress due to emergencies and constant patient care.

He says, “Surgeons and physicians work in high-pressure environments where critical decisions need to be made quickly, often after long hours in operating rooms, emergency departments, clinics, and wards. The responsibility of restoring mobility, managing trauma cases, handling complications, and supporting patients through recovery can be deeply demanding.”

He also said that doctors frequently work through physical fatigue, irregular schedules, sleep deprivation, and the emotional weight of patient outcomes. In specialties such as orthopaedics, where many cases involve trauma, pain, disability, and long recovery journeys, the responsibility extends well beyond the operating theatre.

According to the experts, doctors are mainly seeking mental health care for:

• Emotional exhaustion

• Burnout

• Sleep disturbances

• Chronic stress

• Anxiety

• Compassion fatigue

Neha Cadabam says, “Many doctors find it difficult to acknowledge their own emotional struggles because medicine has traditionally valued endurance and self-sacrifice. Seeking help is often perceived as a sign of weakness when, in reality, it reflects insight and self-awareness.”

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A Look At Stark Reality

In a real-life case, a 38-year-old emergency medicine specialist sought mental health support after years of managing trauma cases, and long shifts led to burnout, anxiety, compassion fatigue and sleep problems.

After psychotherapy and stress management, the doctor reported improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and better work-life balance.

In another situation, a 45-year-old obstetrician and gynaecologist sought help for burnout, chronic stress, and anxiety caused by the demands of high-risk pregnancies, emergency procedures, and medico-legal pressures.

Therapy helped improve emotional wellbeing, sleep, and the ability to disconnect from work outside hospital hours.

Heal The Healers

Doctors are often seen as symbols of resilience, but the misplaced resilience is taking a toll on their mental health. Acknowledging that doctors experience stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue is not commentary on their professionalism.

Dr Jagadeesh P.C says, “The well-being of doctors is closely linked to the quality of care they provide. As healthcare systems evolve, there is a growing need to create environments that support the physical and emotional well-being of medical professionals. On Doctor's Day, it is important to recognize not only the dedication of doctors but also the immense pressures they navigate every day while caring for others."

As conversations around mental health continue to gain exposure, experts say supporting doctors' psychological wellbeing should become an integral part of strengthening healthcare systems.

Every year on July 1, India celebrates National Doctors' Day. This year's theme, "Honor the Calling," is a timely reminder that medicine is not merely a profession—it is a lifelong commitment to service, sacrifice, and human compassion. Behind every consultation, emergency intervention, surgery, and diagnosis is a doctor who has spent over a decade training to save lives. Yet, at a time when healthcare has achieved remarkable advances, trust in doctors appears to be facing one of its greatest tests.

India's Healthcare Landscape

India today has nearly 14 lakh registered doctors, giving the country a doctor-population ratio better than the World Health Organization's recommended benchmark of 1:1000. Yet numbers alone do not tell the full story. India continues to grapple with unequal access to healthcare, overburdened public systems, and significant shortages of specialists in rural and semi-urban regions.

At the same time, the demands on doctors have never been greater.

A physician today is expected to be a clinician, counsellor, communicator, technologist, administrator, and often crisis manager—all at once. Every day, doctors make decisions that can determine whether a patient recovers, survives, or faces lifelong complications. Despite this responsibility, public perception of doctors is increasingly shaped by isolated incidents rather than the reality of millions of successful patient interactions that occur every day.

Rising Workplace Violence and Burnout

The truth is that the overwhelming majority of doctors enter medicine for one reason—to heal.

Yet, increasingly, they do so under immense pressure. According to studies published in leading medical journals and data referenced by the Indian Medical Association, more than 75% of doctors in India have experienced some form of workplace violence, ranging from verbal abuse and intimidation to physical assault. In many cases, the perpetrators are distressed family members struggling to cope with grief, uncertainty, or unexpected outcomes. The impact extends beyond personal safety.

Studies have also shown that over 80% of doctors report significant workplace stress and burnout, fueled by long working hours, rising patient loads, medico-legal concerns, and fear of violence.

The Growing Trust Deficit

No profession can function effectively when fear becomes part of the workplace. Compounding the challenge is a growing trust deficit. Research indicates that nearly 80% of patients search online after visiting a doctor, often seeking validation or clarification about diagnoses and treatments. While informed patients are welcome, the trend also reflects a lack of trust in the healthcare provider, which used to be one of the basic things in the past, and a communication gap that healthcare must urgently address.

Healthcare Has Changed Dramatically

Healthcare itself has changed dramatically. Over the last two decades, advances in neonatal care, robotics, minimally invasive surgery, fertility treatment, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine have transformed once unimaginable outcomes. Patients today have access to world-class healthcare technologies that were unavailable a generation ago.

However, as healthcare has become more specialized and hospital-centric, something valuable has been lost—the enduring relationship between a patient and a trusted family physician.

Why Family Doctors Still Matter

For decades, family doctors formed the backbone of healthcare. They understood not only diseases but also the people behind them. They guided families through preventive care, chronic illnesses, pregnancies, childhood illnesses, and ageing. They represented continuity, trust, and reassurance.

Today, many patients enter the healthcare system only when illness strikes, often bypassing primary care altogether. The result is a system that excels at treatment but frequently misses opportunities for prevention.

This shift has also led to a common misconception—that doctors are responsible for rising healthcare costs. In reality, healthcare expenses are driven by multiple factors, including technology investments, infrastructure, regulatory requirements, advanced diagnostics, and operational costs. Doctors are often the most visible face of a much larger ecosystem and therefore become the easiest target for public frustration.

Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare

The answer lies not in assigning blame but in rebuilding trust. India must strengthen primary healthcare, invest in family medicine, promote preventive care, and create safer working environments for healthcare professionals. Hospitals and healthcare providers must also focus on improving communication, transparency, and patient engagement. Trust is the most powerful medicine in healthcare. Without it, even the best technology cannot deliver its full promise.

Honoring the Promise of Medicine

This National Doctors' Day, as we honor the calling, let us remember the countless doctors who work through nights, weekends, emergencies, and personal sacrifices to care for others.

They are not defined by headlines or stereotypes.

They are defined by the lives they save, the families they comfort, and the hope they restore every single day.

Medicine is not merely a profession. It is a promise—and that promise deserves our trust, respect, and protection.

(By Dr R Kishore Kumar, President- National Neonatology Forum, Karnataka Chapter. The author is also the Founder Chairman & Senior Neonatologist & Paediatrician at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals.)