YOU BOOZE, YOU LOSE?
THE QUESTION
This subject comes up regularly in consultations or when people learn that I work in Functional Nutrition (usually at a dinner party). Either someone point-blank asks me if it’s ok to have a drink once in a while, wants a detailed opinion about whether or not alcohol has a place in a healthy lifestyle (because they themselves usually have a viewpoint), or they sheepishly confess to me that they had drink at a celebration or on holiday - seeking some sort of holistic absolution.
THE IFs
Some who work in the field of nutrition, along with many others who hold a stalwart position, will say never, ever, ever, ever have any alcohol. Ever. They’ll cite, among other things, that it’s terrible for your health, it’ll ruin your mind, and/or that it is a slippery slope opening the gates of hell wide to other evils. And I concur wholeheartedly if your digestive system isn’t functioning optimally, you have a medical condition that precludes you from imbibing, your lifestyle is a train wreck, you don’t know the definition of moderation, you are a person with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, you are known to make poor choices under the influence, or the theological belief system you ascribe to forbids it.
However, if your overall health and digestive system are in good order, you have thoughtful lifestyle habits in place, you know what a healthy limit is and have the fortitude to honor it, you are capable of understanding and abiding by the rule that drinking and operating any sort of vehicle or power tool is not acceptable, you don’t end up in trouble with the law/your spouse/your job and need bail money/counseling/unemployment, find that you tend to wake up in a ditch, or you’re walking into someone else’s house at 2 am after a night out with your pals, you do not have a history of alcohol or substance abuse or a propensity for binge drinking, and you don’t believe you are crossing a line between you and your Maker, than enjoying an occasional drink in temperance, with the context of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle is not only ok, it can actually be good for you.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALCOHOL
There are many benefits to alcoholic libations when taken responsibly and with reasonableness. Below I highlight six but encourage you to do your own research to learn in greater detail and to determine if having a cocktail every so often serves your lifestyle:
It makes it a little easier to de-stress. There are plenty of practical ways to address stress but this study and this study are useful in understanding how an incidental drink might help you unwind and relax.
It may induce sleep – initially, anyway. Along with (or instead of) a nightcap, keep in mind there are at least 59 other things you can try to consistently get a great night’s sleep.
It could even be heart healthy and supportive of the coronary circulatory system depending on how much you drink.
It is known to decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of arthritis.
Depending on the choice of beverage, it can stimulate the appetite, boost digestion and support the body’s processing of meals.
When paired with good-for-you ingredients, such as those found in a High Colonic, you get added nutrition and digestive support. A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down but an aperiodic Screwdriver made with fresh squeezed OJ is certainly a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious way to get that dose of Vitamin C.
Taking a cue from nature, it may mitigate the threat of parasites. But it’s a balancing act as, if you pair it with the wrong foods like raw fish (sushi) or have the wrong amount, you can actually create an environment that welcomes a bar fly in your belly. (For more on parasites, see my 7-part series, “What’s Bugging You?”)
None of these points are intended to come across as a commercial for painting the town red every weekend or an excuse for tying one on, night after night. If you have objections to alcohol, don’t drink it. If it bothers your system, stay away from it - do try to understand “why” however, as that could become an opportunity for further healing and balancing whether you ultimately ever decide to enjoy a sip of something or not. Nevertheless, responsible adults who understand and apply the framework (the “ifs”) necessary to reap the benefits of an alcoholic beverage, instead of having it wreak havoc, have every right and reason to thoughtfully indulge and no study or permission is necessary.
NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN DRINKING ALCOHOL
If you do feel you qualify for a grown-up drink, here are some important things to keep in mind:
While wine doesn’t have gluten, dairy, nuts, or other common allergens sometimes found in adult refreshments, it (and some spirits) may contain sulfites or histamines. If you notice reactions such as headache, bloating, stiffness, or allergy/asthma symptoms, try locating a sulfite free option or move on to another beverage.
Beers, unless specifically called out as de-glutenized, have gluten…lots of it. If it’s a favorite, you may want to enjoy a clearly labeled gluten free beer or hard cider. Aside from that, despite once being considered in some circles to be a “manly” beverage, beer is actually estrogenic due to the high levels of phytoestrogens. So, you may want to limit it if you don’t want to raise your estrogen.
Vodka tends to be well tolerated but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s automatically gluten free. Many vodkas are actually made with wheat, barley, or rye. While the distillation process is said to remove most if not all of the particles, some flavored vodkas and those made from natively gluten laden ingredients do still bother people who are sensitive.
Rum, Gin, and Tequila are naturally gluten free, unless they have flavorings – at which point, it is important to discern whether or not it will be well tolerated. Incidentally, some people can’t drink gin but they don’t know why. It’s very possible they have an allergy to juniper berries, from which gin is made.
Whiskey is tricky. Some is considered gluten free through the distillation process but, regardless of labeling or preparation, can still bother folks with or without gluten issues.
There is an extensive variety of liqueurs and their ingredients vary so it is best to investigate each ahead of consuming. Some use nuts, others contain dairy, many call for fruits, and certain ones may contain gluten. For instance, Amaretto is naturally gluten free (save for any cross contamination or additional flavorings) but if you have an allergy to apricots or nuts, either of which may be found in this Italian classic, this one is not for you. Cream liqueurs, such as an Irish Cream or RumChata, is not suggested if you have reactions to dairy. Surprisingly, Ouzo may have grains added in the distillation process so is not always free of gluten.
If in doubt, look up the beverage online or contact the company for detailed information. It’s a good idea to keep a list handy of alcohols and drinks made with ingredients that you tolerate well and know you like.
Make sure you’re hydrated and satiated before, during, and after drinking. While not all alcoholic beverages dehydrate you quite as badly as some have made them out to, it certainly doesn’t do you any favors if you have too much in absence of adequate hydration and proper nourishment. One of the things people forget is that heavier drinks such as a loaded Bloody Mary or a Banana Daiquiri still don’t qualify as a meal. Booze, regardless of the way it is presented, on an empty stomach and in a body that is already depleted is just plain foolish and is only inviting problems.
I’m sure most can figure out that even a known, well-tolerated alcoholic beverage selected to complement your unique tastes, metabolic system, and dietary requirements taken to excess will make even the most optimized system not feel well and, done so habitually, will negatively impact your health.
CAUTIONS
In conjunction with the points already covered (occasional, moderation, health considerations, unwanted ingredients, etc.), if you recognize that you are craving alcohol or unable to regulate your consumption then it is important to get to the root cause. Seek counseling with a trusted professional and look for underlying contributing factors such as nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar dysregulation, and hormonal imbalances.
THE ANSWER
To succinctly answer one of the most frequently asked questions I receive, yes, under the right circumstances, having a bit of “booze” once in a while won’t hurt you and might even benefit your health. And no, you don’t have to confess to me that you had a drink. Quite frankly, the guilt from that one glass of celebratory champagne at your niece’s wedding, the mixed drink at your friend’s retirement party, or the (gluten free) beer at the family bar-b-cue is far worse for your health than the alcohol itself.
Fenékig!
Marie Stumphauzer, FNTP
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Photo Credit: George Marks/Retrofile RF/Getty Images
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