According to dietitians, the presence of alcohol in a dietary regimen is permissible only in a very modest manner, and even then, if it’s truly impossible to abstain from it. Alcohol is a toxic substance, and its elimination from the body is primarily carried out by the liver.
However, the liver is involved in all digestive processes and, of course, in fat metabolism. When it’s burdened with additional tasks, it becomes less effective in performing its primary functions. To delve into this topic thoroughly, Admigram.com has explored the most intricate nuances of this subject.
Can alcohol be consumed while on a diet?
How alcohol affects us, appetite, and digestion
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Alcohol has a significant impact on the pancreas, which is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and insulin production. Insulin affects glucose metabolism: it’s released, and glucose levels decrease. When glucose reaches the lower threshold, you feel hunger and a desire for carbohydrates. Thus, alcohol, which irritates the mucous membranes and intestines, contributes to increased appetite. Alcohol is a source of pure energy and calories that the body needs to spend as much and as quickly as possible.
A health-friendly daily portion is considered to be 0.3 fl oz (10 ml) of pure alcohol, which is roughly equivalent to 3 fl oz (100 ml) of wine or 10 fl oz (300 ml) of beer. These numbers might vary slightly.
Few things inhibit the fat-burning process as much as alcoholic beverages. The energy stored in fats is utilized by the body as a last resort, only when there’s no circulating glucose or alcohol. By having a glass of champagne, we push fats to the back of the line for burning. As a result, some experts strongly advise against alcohol consumption during a diet.
One should not underestimate the psychological power of alcoholic beverages either. In a state of intoxication, a person relaxes, loses control, and may indulge in excess. The neurotoxin contained in alcohol has a significant impact on the nervous system. Frequent consumption leads to alcoholic neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerve endings, affecting sensitivity in hands and feet, making walking difficult). And if you’re dealing with depression, alcohol can exacerbate it even further.
A few more disturbing facts for the doubtful
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The most merciless yet “feeble” enemy of a slender figure is beer! Phytoestrogens contained in it are particularly harsh towards men. Plus, its high glycemic index allows it to be absorbed even faster and easier than glucose. While glucose might be absorbed at 100%, beer gets absorbed at 110%. As a result, beer bellies and abdominal obesity are common.
Speaking of carbonated alcohol, it’s neither worse nor better than non-carbonated, except that the intoxication effect sets in more quickly. The least of evils among spirits is low alcohol content and absence of sugar. For example, dry wines or vodka. Liqueurs can be measured with tea spoons at best, when added to coffee.
While some dietitians allow minimal alcohol consumption, others are firmly against it. However, when it comes to snacks, there’s complete agreement. Never indulge in anything fatty, and mayo-based salads should not even be mentioned! Such combinations significantly increase the risk of acute pancreatitis, with a fatality rate of 95%. It’s best to snack on fish, lean meats, vegetable salads, seafood, apples, citrus fruits, or not to snack at all.
Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption has a profoundly negative impact on appearance: it can lead to puffiness, dehydration, and your nose might even acquire an unpleasant red hue.
image on top: Mattias Diesel / Unsplash
