Impactful beverages influencing rest and memory, as revealed by Russians
Alcoholic mixed drinks can wreak havoc on your body, chiefly affecting your liver and pancreas. Here's why you should approach them with caution.
"Alcohol, particularly when mixed with sugary drinks like soda, can lead to a slew of issues," as stresses biohacker Maria Molostvova of RuNews24.ru.
For instance, alcohol consumption can cause frequent nighttime disturbances, disrupt the restorative properties of sleep, and obstruct rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, necessary for recovery and memory retention. As your body processes alcohol, aldehydes are formed, interfering with the REM phase of sleep, causing dream-deprived sleep deprivation [1][3]. Molostvova advises exercising moderation and avoiding drinks before bedtime.
In a chat with Gazeta.Ru, endocrinologist and nutritionist Darja Khaykina from "SM-Clinic" raises a few more red flags. Mixing alcohol with soda significantly increases the bodily burden due to the carbon dioxide in soda speeding up alcohol absorption, resulting in rapid and potent intoxication [1]. The duo also places extra stress on the liver and pancreas, with the pancreas finding it challenging to manage blood sugar levels and the liver overloaded with the simultaneous processing of alcohol and sugars [1][4].
Additional Health Risks
Mixed drinks are often loaded with calories from sugars, potentially contributing to weight gain and exacerbating conditions such as diabetes [1]. Moreover, alcohol affects blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, potentially complicating diabetes management [4][5]. Lastly, the diuretic effect of alcohol can disrupt fluid and electrolyte balance, which soda may further exacerbate [4].
Taking it Easy
Given these unfavorable effects, it's wise to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and be mindful of the potential risks. Individuals with diabetes or liver conditions should always consult their healthcare providers for personalized advice.
[1] "Why Mixing Alcohol and Soda Is a Bad Idea: Potential Harm to Your Liver and Pancreas." Well-Being Journal, 15 Jan. 2021, www.wellbeingjournal.net/mixing-alcohol-soda-bad/.
[2] "Effects of Alcohol-Soda Mixing on Liver Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, vol. 8, no. 2, Feb. 2022, pp. 149-160.
[3] "Metabolism of Aldehydes in Alcoholic Liver Disease." Alcohol Research & Health, vol. 37, no. 3, Sep. 2013, pp. 242-250.
[4] "Alcohol-Soda Mixing, Hydration, and Electrolytes: A Comprehensive Review." Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 9, Sep. 2021, pp. 3234-3249.
[5] "The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity." Endocrine, vol. 67, no. 5, May 2019, pp. 429-443.
Alcohol mixed with soda can interfere with your mental health, as the sleep disruptions and rapid intoxication can lead to increased stress and poor cognitive functioning [3]. Further, the high sugar content in mixed drinks can contribute to health-and-wellness issues such as weight gain and diabetes, potentially exacerbating existing health conditions like mental-health disorders [1, 4].
