A video circulating on TikTok and Instagram, featuring PhD student Amalia Rubin, has reignited a debate about a potential method for preventing food-borne illness: consuming hard liquor. The video garnered millions of views, prompting curiosity and skepticism.
Rubin’s journey started years ago during a trip to Kyrgyzstan. After experiencing stomach discomfort, a local friend took her to a pharmacy where she was given a small shot of vodka. This sparked her curiosity, leading her to research the potential scientific basis behind this practice.
She consulted with Dr. Seema Advani, a gastroenterologist, who provided insights into the possible mechanism behind the claim. Alcohol, being acidic, can kill bacteria, both good and bad. This might explain the potential for alcohol to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses by targeting harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. However, Dr. Advani emphasized the significant drawbacks of this approach.
The act of killing off beneficial gut bacteria weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections. This counterintuitive effect is because these beneficial bacteria produce substances that protect the gut. Their absence leaves the gut more susceptible to inflammation, potentially leading to digestive issues and even impacting mental well-being.
Dr. Advani illustrated the close connection between the gut and the brain, suggesting that a compromised gut can negatively affect mood, sleep, and stress tolerance. She warned of the potential for increased risk of gut infections, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dr. Advani strongly recommends prioritizing food safety as the primary method for preventing food-borne illnesses. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a high-fiber diet, probiotics, and prebiotics. She also expressed concern about the increase in alcohol consumption following the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential negative impact on liver health.
While the idea of alcohol preventing food-borne illness may seem appealing, Dr. Advani’s insights highlight the potential risks and ultimately advocate for a more holistic approach to gut health. Maintaining a healthy microbiome through balanced nutrition and good hygiene practices is the most effective way to protect yourself from food-borne illnesses and promote overall well-being.
