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Alcohol Vs Soft Drinks – Which Is Really Worse?

You may have read or heard health advisories that caution you against chugging too much alcohol or downing a can of cola (or whichever soft drink your choice of poison is). But are they equally harmful to your health or is one more dangerous than the other? Read on to find out.

Did you know?

Let’s use 4 key parameters to compare the harmful effects of both drinks:

  1. Toxicity 

Drinking too much alcohol over a prolonged period of time can-

What can soft drinks do to your body?

As far as toxicity is concerned, alcohol has more troubling implications on your health than soft drinks.

  1. Glycaemic Score

When you ingest a particular food or drink, it raises the level of sugar in your blood. This is the glycaemic index and a score between 0-100 is ascribed to all foods and drinks according to the sugar boost.

Distilled alcoholic drinks such as vodka, rum, brandy or whiskey have a negligible glycaemic index. In that sense, they’re not very harmful.

But cola and soft drinks of that ilk are packed with sugar. They can cause a dramatic surge of sugar levels in your body. This could eventually lead to insulin resistance – the culprit behind Type 2 Diabetes.

So, on that score, alcohol is less damaging than soft drinks. However, cocktails – which are sugary alcoholic drinks, have the same effect on your body as soft drinks. So, drink responsibly in more ways than one.

  1. Weight Gain

It’s well known that both alcohol and soft drinks can be fattening. Moreover, people tend to consume both with fried, unhealthy snacks that do your weight-loss goals no favours.

Alcohol is a hunger stimulant. However, drinking in moderation – one drink if you’re a woman and two if you’re a man, will not lead to substantial weight gain.

But, the added sugars in soft drinks directly lead to drastic weight gain and eventually, obesity. And obesity, in turn, can be a magnet to a host of lifestyle ailments such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

In fact, a standard can (330 ml) of cola contains as much as 7 teaspoons of sugar! So in weighty matters (both literally and metaphorically), alcohol emerges as a clear winner.

  1. Nutritional Value

There’s not much to choose between alcohol and soft drinks when it comes to nutritional benefits. Neither drink has any dietary value.

However, studies have shown that infinitesimal consumption of alcohol can boost heart health and mitigate the effects of Hypertension, Alzheimers or Diabetes. Red wine contains antioxidants that can fight infections, keep the dreaded free radical in check and even ward off cancer.

Soft drinks, on the other hand, do no favours to your body in terms of nutrition and can only have a ruinous effect on you.

Alcohol and soft drinks both have the potential to wreak havoc on your health. But, between the devil and the deep sea, alcohol is a little less dangerous than soft drinks simply because it has a handful of health benefits. But, only if it is consumed in moderation.

Though soft drinks can harm your body more, overconsumption of alcohol might lead to various health problems such as liver diseases, stroke, heart diseases, etc. It is always recommended to drink alcohol in moderation.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Healthy alternatives of alcohol and soft drinks

A healthier option for both soft drinks and alcohol would be sugar-free, antioxidant-rich drinks that are beneficial for your health. The uber-cool, young generation wants cleaner drinks and more provenance when it comes to knowing what is in their glass. Here are some of the healthy drinks you can try instead of sugar-laced soft drinks or alcoholic beverages:

Soft drinks contain high amounts of sugar or other artificial sweeteners. It has enough caffeine to perhaps even elevate your blood pressure levels. It may promote obesity, digestive issues, bone issues, etc. For these reasons, it is always recommended to avoid drinking soft drinks.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Mocktails: A lot of alcohol cravings can be curbed by indulging in mocktails. Mocktails are made by fruit juices and sparkling waters, making them a healthier version of soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Mocktails can be made refreshing by adding mint leaves, lemon slices and ice.

Also Read: Sober October: What It Is and Tips for Success

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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Alcohol And Diabetes: What You Should Know?

People with diabetes are aware of the effects of different types of food on their blood sugar levels. However, alcohol is often a grey zone with patients; some think it’s best to stay away from any alcohol while some pay no heed and drink to their heart’s content. However, the impact of alcohol on diabetes differs between individuals.

Ideally, diabetics should not consume any alcohol, as alcohol is known to shoot blood sugar levels up. However, complete abstinence may be difficult for many. Alcohol tends to raise blood pressure levels that are already high in people with diabetes.

In light of these factors, it is wise to keep certain points in mind before opting for an alcoholic drink.

Alcohol consumption can worsen diabetes-related medical complications, such as disturbances in fat metabolism, nerve damage, and eye disease. Also Alcohol when consumed with a common diabetes medication Metformin can lead to adverse effects and hence should be cautious.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Eat before you drink

Avoid having alcohol on an empty stomach as it is absorbed into the blood rapidly and causes more significant damage. Food in the stomach slows down the rate of alcohol absorption and gives time to the liver to process it.

Drink slowly

Your body needs time to metabolize alcohol in the system. Too much alcohol too quickly puts unnecessary strain on the liver and slows down the body’s metabolic rate.

Drink Less

Remember alcohol is high in calories and leads to weight gain. A glass of wine has calories equal to a slice of cake. Weight management is essential for people with diabetes.

Choose your drink wisely

Not all alcoholic beverages have the same amount of sugars or alcoholic content. Opt for light drinks with soda or water and steer clear of sugar-based drinks and fancy cocktails with frozen drinks and juices.

Watch what you eat with alcohol

Food served with liquor is high in fat and calories and negatively impacts your diabetes. When you know you are going for a drink, then it is wise to have a small healthy meal before you reach the bar. Avoid high-fat foods along with cocktails, instead opt for salads or roasted and grilled foods, to compensate for the calorie intake.

Remember that alcohol interferes with certain medicines used for treating diabetes. It may cause blood sugar levels to plummet and lead to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Always carry an ”I am diabetic” card with your medical details to help doctors immediately diagnose and treat you. It may sound silly to do so but can prove lifesaving.

Check your blood sugar levels before, during, and up to 24 hours after you drink. Remember, alcohol is never your friend even in the best of times, more so when you have diabetes. Avoid alcohol intake whenever possible, and if you do, drink wisely.

Also Read: Sober October: What It Is and Tips for Success

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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