While social media may say that drinking alcohol can prevent food poisoning, let’s ask experts if this is true or just a myth.
in short
- There is a belief that food poisoning can be prevented by consuming alcohol.
- This is based on the belief that alcohol-based solutions are used for hand cleaning
- As a result, some people believe that drinking alcohol after eating can kill bacteria in food.
How often do your friends tell you that eating a full meal can help you avoid the dreaded hangover that comes after a night of drinking? Quite a bit, isn’t it? Many people swear by this advice, believing that hearty meals act as a buffer against the effects of alcohol. But they often overlook whether this strategy actually works or is it just a common myth.
Now another idea is doing the rounds: Some people claim that drinking alcohol while on the stomach can prevent food poisoning.
But does taking a shot of alcohol really help if you’ve eaten something bad? Let us know what the experts say.
Myth or reality?
“There is a belief that drinking alcohol after eating food that has allegedly not been stored well or has been prepared under unhygienic conditions can reduce some of the harmful effects caused by food poisoning. It is based on the belief that That is, for hand hygiene, alcohol-based solutions are used,” explains Dr Rajesh Bathini, consultant, medical gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. India Today,
The doctor adds, “Hence, people started believing that drinking alcohol after eating can kill the bacteria in food and some studies have also claimed the same.”
He explains that after consumption, food gets stored in the stomach and the environment of the stomach is completely different. It is important to understand that the antibacterial effects of alcohol are not replicated in the stomach; Therefore, drinking alcoholic beverages does not kill foodborne pathogens.
On the other hand, drinking alcohol can actually increase your chances of getting sick, especially if it is consumed regularly in amounts higher than recommended.
According to Dr. Bathini, studies have shown that drinking alcohol to prevent food poisoning is infrequent, small, and weak, with conflicting data that cannot be trusted.
On this, Dr Adarsh CK, Chief Consultant – Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, says, “The idea that drinking alcohol can prevent food poisoning is a common misconception without any scientific support. Research Consistently shows that alcohol consumption, whether before or after meals, is not a boon to health and does not provide protection from foodborne illnesses.”
The doctor mentions that it is important to differentiate between alcohol used for consumption and the higher concentrations of alcohol used in sanitizers or disinfectants.
The concentration of alcohol found in beverages is typically around 5-15 percent, much lower than the 60-90 percent concentration used to effectively kill bacteria.
Dr Akhil Deshmukh, consultant, hepatology and liver transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, also agrees that alcohol is not a cure for food poisoning as it neutralizes the harmful bacteria, viruses or toxins that cause foodborne illness. Or does not destroy.
This hack can make you sick
Dr. Bathini believes that drinking alcohol to prevent food-borne infections does more harm than good, “because alcohol consumption has a lot of side effects, such as habituation and liver and pancreas-related problems, “Especially if people suffer from obesity and diabetes.”
“The antibacterial properties of alcohol are limited and not strong enough to neutralize dangerous bacteria. Relying on it to prevent food poisoning may lead to a false sense of security and delay seeking appropriate medical treatment. Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, which can lead to more problems,” she adds. Dr. Shah Prakriti, Associate Consultant, Gastroenterology, Paras Hospital, Gurugram.
Additionally, Dr. Deshmukh points out, “Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, potentially worsening symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also impair the body’s ability to rehydrate, which is Important during poisoning.”
Do this instead to prevent food poisoning
Experts believe that using alcohol as a supposed preventive measure against food poisoning is misleading and risky. You should focus on safe eating practices instead of relying on alcohol.
- healthy eating: Choose foods that have been properly cooked and stored. The temperature at which the food is cooked also plays an important role here.
- Avoid risky foods: Always be careful with outside food and drinks.
- Pay attention to storage: Food left out for too long can potentially attract bacterial growth. Therefore, refrigerate such foods immediately. Additionally, avoid cross-contamination by keeping foods separate in your kitchen.
- cleanliness: Wash hands thoroughly before eating to reduce the risk of infection.
