This is what happens to the body if you mix and drink different types of alcohol
The truth lies in understanding how the body processes alcohol and how variables such as the total amount consumed, frequency, and individual health conditions influence its effects.
'The idea that mixing alcohols is inherently harmful is a myth. What truly matters is the total volume consumed and the pace of drinking,' says Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician & diabetes educator.
The body processes alcohol using enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, which convert ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct. The effects of mixing alcohol are less about the combination itself and more about the total quantity consumed. Switching between types of alcohol can often mask the sense of overconsumption, leading to higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Here's how that affects our bodies.
Mixing beverages like beer and spirits may encourage excessive consumption, overwhelming the liver's ability to metabolise alcohol. This leads to elevated BAC, impairing judgement, coordination, and reaction time, says Fiona Sampat, Clinical Dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine output. Combined with inadequate hydration, this can cause severe dehydration, leading to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, Malhotra said.
According to Sampat, alcohol irritates the stomach lining, and mixing drinks may exacerbate gastric discomfort, causing nausea, acidity, and gastritis.
As BAC rises, brain function slows, impacting mood, behaviour, and motor coordination. Malhotra says this raises the risk of accidents and poor decision-making.
Overconsumption from mixed drinks increases the risk of alcohol poisoning, Sampat said, which is a life-threatening condition characterised by confusion, vomiting, and slowed breathing.
Prolonged heavy drinking—whether mixing or not—stresses the liver. Chronic alcohol use can lead to conditions such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic hepatitis, according to Malhotra.
Frequent alcohol use damages the stomach lining, hindering nutrient absorption and leading to chronic gastric discomfort and ulcers.
Alcohol impairs brain function over time, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, linked to Vitamin B1 deficiency, says Sampat.
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, whether mixed or consumed in large quantities of a single type.
Certain individuals should completely abstain from mixing or even consuming alcohol. Other than pregnant women and individuals with chronic conditions like liver disease, heart problems, etc, those on medications should completely stay away from it. 'Alcohol can intensify the effects of some medications, leading to severe side effects or toxicity,' warns Sampat.
While abstinence is the safest route, moderation and mindful drinking are crucial. Here are some tips:
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Here's what will happen if you drink clove water every night for 2 weeks straight
Clove water has been gaining popularity as a natural remedy to address a range of issues, from indigestion to poor immunity. This simple infusion, made by soaking cloves in water, is often praised for its potential benefits due to the active compounds in cloves, such as eugenol. But what really happens if you drink clove water every night for two weeks? In an Instagram video, content creator Dr Eric Berg highlights, 'Clove is loaded with something called Eugenol, which can act as a natural sedative to help you drift off into a wonderful sleep.' A post shared by Dr. Berg (@drericberg) Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells 'Drinking clove water nightly for two weeks can provide several health benefits. It supports digestive health by stimulating digestive enzymes, reducing bloating, and promoting a healthy gut. Rich in antioxidants, clove water enhances immunity, helping the body fight infections and seasonal illnesses.' It may also aid in weight management by boosting metabolism and regulating blood sugar levels, which helps control cravings. Additionally, clove water offers respiratory benefits as it acts as a natural expectorant, clearing mucus and soothing coughs. Overall, incorporating clove water into your nightly routine can promote improved digestion, immunity, and overall well-being, states Malhotra. While clove water offers health benefits, there are potential side effects to consider with regular consumption over two weeks. 'Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as itching or difficulty breathing. Clove can lower blood sugar levels, which may pose a risk for those on diabetes medications, potentially leading to hypoglycemia.' Additionally, the eugenol in cloves may increase bleeding risk, especially for individuals taking blood thinners. Excessive intake could also strain liver health over time. It's important to consume clove water in moderation and consult a qualified clinical dietician if you have underlying health conditions or are on medications,' Malhotra stresses. Clove water can interact with various dietary habits and health conditions, necessitating caution for some individuals. 'Those with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely, as cloves may lower levels and potentially lead to hypoglycemia, especially when combined with diabetes medications. Individuals on anticoagulant medications, like warfarin, should avoid clove water due to its blood-thinning properties, which can increase the risk of bleeding,' says Malhotra. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Indian Express
‘My cancer was found because doctor did the lifetime risk assessment test': Olivia Munn says mammogram couldn't detect Stage 1 breast cancer
When Hollywood actor Olivia Munn shared her breast cancer journey, it was a wake-up call for millions of women who rely on routine screenings like mammograms to feel safe. Speaking in a deeply personal interview, Munn revealed that despite having a 'clear mammogram, clear ultrasound, and clear genetic testing', she was diagnosed with multifocal, multi-quadrant, bilateral stage one breast cancer. 'There's this one video I had of me and him (son), and I was laughing and we're playing, and I had had a clear mammogram just around that same time,' Munn said, reflecting on a poignant moment with her son. So, how was her cancer detected? Through a lifetime risk assessment test—a simple, free online tool known as the Tyrer-Cuzick (or 'Tyreric') model, which evaluates breast cancer risk based on personal and family history. 'And the way that my cancer was found was because my doctor did the lifetime risk assessment test,' Munn explained. 'My doctor took it and she said, 'Your score is 37.3%. Anything above 20% is considered high risk.' She sent me to get an MRI. And after that, I was diagnosed.' A post shared by The Female Quotient® (@femalequotient) To better understand how such a life-threatening condition could be missed despite all standard tests being normal, we spoke with Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. 'Mammograms, while widely used for breast cancer screening, are not 100% foolproof,' Dr Malhotra explained. 'Their sensitivity is especially reduced in women with dense breast tissue, which is common among younger women and around 30% of Indian women over 45.' Dense breast tissue can obscure potential tumours on a mammogram, making cancer more challenging to detect. This is why mammography is usually recommended after 45, when breast density typically decreases. Still, even post-45, mammograms are not infallible. Dr Malhotra suggests a layered approach. While mammograms are a valuable first step, risk assessment tools like Munn's can flag high-risk individuals who might benefit from MRI scans, which offer higher sensitivity—especially useful when mammograms fail. 'This test has been around for a very long time. It's just not something people have heard about a lot,' Munn said. 'If every woman just knew that they could have their own score and take it to their doctor, it could change their life.' Self-awareness is also vital. Self-breast examinations starting from age 25–30 and regular clinical breast exams every 6–12 months can help detect early signs, especially for women with dense breasts or those under 45. Other future-forward methods, like liquid biopsy, which detects cancer via blood tests, are still under development but may become game-changers. As Dr Malhotra reiterates, 'Until we have perfect tools, the best approach is personal vigilance, risk-based screening, and regular check-ups.' So, if you've had a 'clear' mammogram, don't stop there—know your risk, ask questions, and take charge of your health. Because, as Olivia herself put it: 'I was doing everything I thought I had to do to take care of myself… and I still had cancer.'
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Indian Express
This is what happens to the body if you mix and drink different types of alcohol
Alcohol consumption has long been a social norm across cultures, with countless varieties and combinations to choose from. But what happens when you mix different types of alcohol? The truth lies in understanding how the body processes alcohol and how variables such as the total amount consumed, frequency, and individual health conditions influence its effects. 'The idea that mixing alcohols is inherently harmful is a myth. What truly matters is the total volume consumed and the pace of drinking,' says Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician & diabetes educator. The body processes alcohol using enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, which convert ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct. The effects of mixing alcohol are less about the combination itself and more about the total quantity consumed. Switching between types of alcohol can often mask the sense of overconsumption, leading to higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Here's how that affects our bodies. Mixing beverages like beer and spirits may encourage excessive consumption, overwhelming the liver's ability to metabolise alcohol. This leads to elevated BAC, impairing judgement, coordination, and reaction time, says Fiona Sampat, Clinical Dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine output. Combined with inadequate hydration, this can cause severe dehydration, leading to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, Malhotra said. According to Sampat, alcohol irritates the stomach lining, and mixing drinks may exacerbate gastric discomfort, causing nausea, acidity, and gastritis. As BAC rises, brain function slows, impacting mood, behaviour, and motor coordination. Malhotra says this raises the risk of accidents and poor decision-making. Overconsumption from mixed drinks increases the risk of alcohol poisoning, Sampat said, which is a life-threatening condition characterised by confusion, vomiting, and slowed breathing. Prolonged heavy drinking—whether mixing or not—stresses the liver. Chronic alcohol use can lead to conditions such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic hepatitis, according to Malhotra. Frequent alcohol use damages the stomach lining, hindering nutrient absorption and leading to chronic gastric discomfort and ulcers. Alcohol impairs brain function over time, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, linked to Vitamin B1 deficiency, says Sampat. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, whether mixed or consumed in large quantities of a single type. Certain individuals should completely abstain from mixing or even consuming alcohol. Other than pregnant women and individuals with chronic conditions like liver disease, heart problems, etc, those on medications should completely stay away from it. 'Alcohol can intensify the effects of some medications, leading to severe side effects or toxicity,' warns Sampat. While abstinence is the safest route, moderation and mindful drinking are crucial. Here are some tips: DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
