Can alcohol consumption lead to urinary tract infections. How does beer affect bladder health. What are the risks of drinking while having a UTI. Is it safe to consume alcohol during UTI treatment.

The Relationship Between Alcohol and UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and often uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many factors can contribute to the development of UTIs, the role of alcohol consumption, particularly beer, has been a topic of interest and concern for many individuals. This article delves into the complex relationship between alcohol and UTIs, exploring whether beer can directly cause these infections and how it may impact bladder health.

Can Alcohol Directly Cause UTIs?

To address the primary question: Can alcohol directly cause a urinary tract infection? The short answer is no. UTIs are caused by bacteria, typically Escherichia coli (E. coli), entering and colonizing the urinary tract. Alcohol itself does not create or introduce these bacteria into your system. However, this doesn’t mean that alcohol consumption is entirely unrelated to UTI risk.

Indirect Effects of Alcohol on UTI Risk

While alcohol doesn’t directly cause UTIs, it can indirectly increase your risk of developing one. Here’s how:

• Immune System Suppression: Alcohol can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, including UTIs.
• Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. Dehydration may reduce the frequency of urination, allowing bacteria to multiply in the urinary tract.
• Behavioral Factors: Alcohol consumption is often associated with sexual activity, which is a known risk factor for UTIs, especially in women.

Bladder Irritation and Alcohol: Mimicking UTI Symptoms

One of the confusing aspects of alcohol consumption and UTIs is that alcohol can sometimes mimic UTI symptoms. This phenomenon is due to the irritating effect alcohol can have on the bladder lining.

Why Does Alcohol Irritate the Bladder?

Alcohol is highly acidic, which can irritate the delicate lining of your bladder. This irritation can cause symptoms similar to those of a UTI, including:

• Frequent urination
• Urgency to urinate
• Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen
• Burning sensation during urination

These symptoms can be easily mistaken for a UTI, leading to unnecessary concern and potentially inappropriate self-treatment. It’s important to distinguish between alcohol-induced bladder irritation and an actual bacterial infection.

The Impact of Different Alcoholic Beverages on Bladder Health

Not all alcoholic beverages affect the bladder in the same way. Some may be more likely to cause irritation or exacerbate existing UTI symptoms than others.

Beer and UTIs: Is There a Specific Connection?

Beer, in particular, has been a focus of concern for many people when it comes to UTIs. But does beer have a unique impact on UTI risk compared to other alcoholic beverages? While beer itself doesn’t cause UTIs, it may have some specific effects on bladder health:

• Volume: Beer is often consumed in larger volumes than other alcoholic drinks, which can lead to increased urination and potential dehydration.
• Carbonation: The carbonation in beer can sometimes irritate the bladder, exacerbating existing UTI symptoms or causing discomfort.
• Hops: Some people may be sensitive to hops, a primary ingredient in beer, which could potentially contribute to bladder irritation.

Alcohol Consumption During UTI Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with a UTI, you may wonder whether it’s safe to consume alcohol during treatment. The general advice is to avoid alcohol while treating a UTI for several reasons:

Interactions with Antibiotics

Many antibiotics commonly prescribed for UTIs can interact negatively with alcohol. For example, combining alcohol with the antibiotic Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) can lead to side effects such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Flushing
• Shortness of breath

It’s crucial to avoid alcohol not only during the course of antibiotic treatment but also for several days after completing the medication to ensure it has fully cleared from your system.

Impact on Recovery

Alcohol can potentially slow down your recovery from a UTI by:

• Dehydrating your body, which can concentrate urine and irritate the bladder
• Weakening your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight the infection
• Potentially masking or exacerbating symptoms, making it difficult to assess whether the treatment is effective

Preventing UTIs: The Role of Hydration and Alcohol Moderation

While avoiding alcohol entirely may not be necessary for everyone, moderation can play a significant role in maintaining urinary tract health and preventing UTIs.

The Importance of Hydration

One of the most effective ways to prevent UTIs is to stay well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from your urinary system. When consuming alcohol, it’s especially important to balance it with water intake to counteract its dehydrating effects.

Strategies for Alcohol Moderation

If you choose to drink alcohol, consider these strategies to minimize its potential impact on your urinary health:

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages
• Choose lower alcohol content options
• Limit the overall quantity of alcohol consumed
• Be mindful of mixers, as some (like cranberry juice) may have protective effects against UTIs

Recognizing UTI Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Whether you consume alcohol or not, it’s crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms of a UTI and know when to seek medical attention. Common symptoms include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Cloudy urine
• Red, bright pink or cola-colored urine (a sign of blood in the urine)
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain in women

If you experience these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a day or two, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. UTIs can lead to more serious kidney infections if left untreated.

Lifestyle Factors and UTI Prevention Beyond Alcohol

While moderating alcohol consumption can play a role in UTI prevention, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. There are several other lifestyle factors and habits that can significantly impact your risk of developing a UTI.

Sexual Activity and UTI Risk

Sexual activity is one of the most common risk factors for UTIs, especially in women. The physical act can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. To reduce this risk:

• Urinate before and after sexual activity
• Clean the genital area before and after sex
• Stay hydrated to help flush out bacteria
• Consider using barrier methods of contraception, as some forms (like diaphragms) can increase UTI risk

Personal Hygiene Practices

Proper hygiene can go a long way in preventing UTIs. Key practices include:

• Wiping from front to back after using the toilet
• Avoiding harsh soaps or douches that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the genital area
• Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
• Changing out of wet swimsuits or sweaty clothes promptly

Natural Remedies and Supplements for UTI Prevention

In addition to lifestyle modifications, some natural remedies and supplements have shown promise in preventing UTIs. While these should not replace medical advice or treatment, they may be helpful additions to your UTI prevention strategy.

Cranberry Products

Cranberries have long been associated with urinary tract health. They contain compounds that may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. While studies have shown mixed results, some people find cranberry juice or supplements beneficial.

Probiotics

Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, may help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the urinary tract and vaginal area, potentially reducing the risk of UTIs. Probiotic-rich foods or supplements might be worth considering as part of a comprehensive approach to urinary health.

D-Mannose

D-Mannose is a type of sugar that may help prevent certain bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Some studies have shown promising results in using D-Mannose to prevent recurrent UTIs.

It’s important to note that while these natural approaches may be helpful, they should not replace medical treatment for active UTIs. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have recurring UTIs or other health conditions.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

Given the similarity between alcohol-induced bladder irritation and UTI symptoms, it’s crucial to obtain a proper diagnosis if you suspect you have a UTI. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment can lead to unnecessary antibiotic use or delayed treatment of an actual infection.

Diagnostic Procedures

If you experience symptoms of a UTI, your healthcare provider may perform the following tests:

• Urinalysis: Examining a urine sample for signs of infection
• Urine culture: Growing bacteria from a urine sample to identify the specific type causing the infection
• Additional tests: In cases of recurrent UTIs, your doctor may recommend further tests to check for underlying issues

Treatment Options

Treatment for UTIs typically involves antibiotics. The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the severity of symptoms. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.

For individuals prone to recurrent UTIs, preventive strategies may be recommended, such as low-dose antibiotics or post-intercourse antibiotic use. These strategies should always be discussed and monitored by a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: Balancing Alcohol Consumption and Urinary Health

While beer and other alcoholic beverages don’t directly cause UTIs, they can indirectly increase your risk and exacerbate symptoms if an infection is present. Understanding the relationship between alcohol and urinary health empowers you to make informed decisions about your drinking habits and overall wellness.

Remember, moderation is key. If you choose to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and be mindful of its potential effects on your urinary system. Stay hydrated, practice good hygiene, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience persistent UTI symptoms.

By adopting a holistic approach to urinary health – including mindful alcohol consumption, proper hydration, good hygiene practices, and awareness of UTI symptoms – you can significantly reduce your risk of UTIs and maintain optimal bladder health.

Can Alcohol Cause A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Alcohol use may be the root cause of your bladder discomfort and urinary tract infections.

If you are prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and struggle to limit your alcohol consumption<, then you may wonder if drinking too much can cause a UTI. After all, some people get UTI symptoms after drinking alcohol. 

While alcohol does not directly cause UTIs, it can raise your risk of getting a UTI, as well as worsen your symptoms. Sometimes, alcohol use can even mimic the symptoms of a UTI, making you feel like you have an infection when you don’t have one. Additionally, avoid alcohol use with medications that treat UTIs.

Article at a Glance:

To recap, there are several important points to remember about alcohol and UTIs:

Alcohol cannot cause UTIs, which are only caused by bacteria

Alcohol can impair your immune system, which might raise your risk of a UTI

Sexual activity can also raise your risk of a UTI

Alcohol can also irritate your bladder, making UTI symptoms seem worse

Some antibiotics for UTI should not be taken with alcohol

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to drink while being treated for a UTI

Alcohol can also cause other bladder problems, like bladder irritation without an infection

Does a Painful Bladder After Drinking Alcohol Mean I Have a UTI?

Discomfort in the bladder is known as cystitis. Cystitis can develop from a few different causes, the most common of which is UTI. You will likely suffer from unmistakable symptoms when you have cystitis. Some cystitis symptomsinclude:

• Discomfort in the pelvis
• Pain when urinating
• Needing to urinate often
• Feeling like you need to urinate right away
• Abnormal color or smell in the urine

However, there is a difference between bladder discomfort and a UTI. Your bladder may bother you for reasons that are not due to infection. Often, having a UTI can lead to you having bladder discomfort or pain. Other substances, like alcohol, can also irritate the bladder lining and cause bladder discomfort. Therefore, a painful bladder after drinking alcohol does not always mean that you have a UTI. Your symptoms could be due to alcohol irritating your bladder. Regardless, if you think you may have a UTI, contact your doctor. If left untreated, a UTI can turn into a more severe infection.

Why Does Alcohol Make My Bladder Hurt?

Alcohol use can make your bladder hurt even if you do not have a UTI. The pain occurs because alcohol is highly acidic. In turn, the acid can irritate your bladder lining. The bladder irritation from alcohol is similar to how you may feel when you have a UTI, so it is easy to confuse the two feelings. One study shows that lowering your intake of irritating (acidic) beverages like alcohol may improve your urinary health.

Does Alcohol Cause UTIs?

While alcohol cannot directly cause a UTI, alcohol abuse may raise your risk of getting a UTI, for a few different reasons.

All UTIs are caused by bacteria which irritate and inflame the bladder. Alcohol cannot create bacteria in your bladder; therefore alcohol cannot directly cause a UTI. However, alcohol use is associated with other activities that can move bacteria closer to your bladder and cause UTI, like sexual activity. One study shows that there is an indirect relationship between alcohol use and UTI in some women because there was a relationship between alcohol use and sexual activity.

Alcohol can also harm your immune system. Alcohol interferes with many of the different immune system cells and chemical signals. A weaker immune system makes it hard for your body to fight an infection like a UTI. Research shows that you have a higher risk of getting infections if you drink alcohol.

Can I Drink Alcohol If I Have a UTI?

If you have a UTI, you are probably taking antibiotic drugs to kill the bacteria in your bladder. However, mixing alcohol and antibiotics is not safe. 

One of the most common antibiotics used for UTI is called Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim). Taking Bactrim with alcohol can lead to uncomfortable side effects, including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Flushing
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling short of breath
• Low blood pressure when you stand up

If you are prescribed Bactrim for a UTI, it is important to avoid alcohol. You should also avoid drinking alcohol for three full days after you have completed your Bactrim medication regimen. Waiting for several days before drinking alcohol will allow the Bactrim to clear from your system so you can avoid the side effects listed above.

If you struggle to stop drinking alcohol, The Recovery Village can help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your recovery. The call is free and confidential, and you don’t have to commit to a program to learn more about alcohol rehab treatment.

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Editor – Camille Renzoni

Cami Renzoni is a creative writer and editor for The Recovery Village. As an advocate for behavioral health, Cami is certified in mental health first aid and encourages people who face substance use disorders to ask for the help they deserve. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more

U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Cystitis – noninfectious.” Reviewed January 23, 2018. Accessed April 14, 2019.

University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Disulfiram-like reactions.” Updated April 14, 2019. Accessed April 14, 2019.

Vincent CR, et al. “Symptoms and risk factors associated wit[…]pective cohort study.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, published in March 2013. Accessed April 14, 2019.

Dipak Sarkar. “Alcohol and the Immune System.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, published in 2015. Accessed April 14, 2019.

Janis M. Miller, et al. “Does instruction to eliminate coffee, te[…] A Prospective Trial.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, published in January 1, 2017. Accessed April 14, 2019.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Why It’s a Bad Idea to Drink Alcohol If You Have a UTI

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Urinary tract infections (UTI) can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat this infection, although there are also other medications available for treatment that are not antibiotic based.

It’s important to avoid anything that could irritate your bladder, such as alcohol. Moderate consumption of alcohol may seem harmless, but it can increase the acidity level of urine and actually worsen your symptoms.

Plus, mixing alcohol with an antibiotic prescribed for a UTI can cause other side effects, like drowsiness and an upset stomach.

Alcohol isn’t the only drink to avoid with a UTI. During treatment, your doctor may suggest drinking plenty of fluids to help flush bacteria from your urinary tract.

However, avoid fluids that can cause further bladder irritation. These include drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and sodas.

It’s OK to drink tea and coffee, but only decaffeinated beverages. Caffeine is a diuretic, so it can increase symptoms of urination urgency.

Also, avoid citrus fruit juices like grapefruit juice and orange juice. These acidic drinks also irritate the bladder.

But drinks aren’t the only items that can bother the bladder when treating a UTI. Certain foods can irritate your bladder, too. Avoid tomato-based foods, chocolate, and spicy foods.

Chocolate contains caffeine that can increase frequency and urgency of urination, whereas tomato-based products and spicy foods contain ingredients that may irritate the bladder lining.

Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit are also off-limits and can worsen UTI symptoms.

Some UTIs don’t cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• frequent urination
• burning while urinating
• passing small amounts of urine
• cloudy urine
• fish-smelling urine
• pelvic or back pain
• bloody urination

UTIs occur more often in females, but they can also affect males. It’s more common in females due to anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men, so it’s easier for bacteria to travel into their bladder.

UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply in the bladder. Bacteria can be found on the skin near the opening of the vagina and rectum. It doesn’t usually pose a problem, but sometimes these bacteria enter the urethra.

This can happen during sexual activity, or bacteria may enter the urinary tract after using the toilet. This is why it’s important for females to wipe from front to back.

Certain factors also increase the risk of a UTI. For example, changes in estrogen levels during menopause can make women more susceptible to these infections.

A weakened immune system also increases the risk of a UTI, as well as using a catheter. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra.

Even though you should avoid alcohol with a UTI, alcohol doesn’t cause these infections. It can, however, have an effect on bladder function.

Alcohol is a diuretic, so it can increase the frequency of urination. Plus, the dehydrating effect of alcohol may cause some bladder irritation, like pain and burning while urinating.

Painful, frequent urination and bloody urine are classic symptoms of a UTI. But you’ll need to make a doctor’s appointment to confirm a diagnosis.

Your doctor can order a urine sample and look for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.

If you have a UTI, you’ll receive a 7- to 10-day course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. You should receive the shortest treatment course necessary to kill the bacteria. Shorter treatment reduces your risk of antibiotic resistance.

It’s important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, or else the UTI could return.

In addition to an antibiotic, other home remedies can help relieve discomfort. This includes drinking plenty of water to flush bacteria out of your urinary tract and using a heating pad to reduce pelvic and abdominal pain.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication to relieve burning and pain associated with these infections.

Some people also drink cranberry juice to help ease UTI symptoms. There isn’t enough evidence supporting cranberry juice as a treatment, but it might relieve symptoms and prevent infections due to its infection-fighting properties.

Cranberry juice may interfere with the anti-coagulant medication warfarin and cause unusual bleeding. Don’t drink this juice if you’re taking this medication.

When to see a doctor

• You have burning, painful urination.
• You have foul-smelling urine.
• You have traces of blood in your urine.
• You experience frequent urination.
• You have pelvic pain.
• You develop a fever.

UTIs are painful. They can lead to complications like kidney damage, but with treatment, symptoms should improve within a few days. Some serious infections may require treatment with intravenous antibiotics.

In the event of recurrent UTIs, your doctor may recommend a single-dose antibiotic after sexual activity or prescribe a low-dose antibiotic as maintenance therapy.

Although antibiotics clear many UTIs, drinking alcohol with a UTI can worsen symptoms and may prolong your infection.

Knowing which foods and drinks to avoid with a UTI can reduce bladder irritation. So, while you’ll need to avoid alcohol, certain juices, and caffeine until the infection clears, drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice may help you feel better sooner and prevent future UTIs.

What happens if you drink beer every day: how it affects the body and health, why it hurts under the ribs and whether non-alcoholic beer is harmful – July 22, 2022

? You are wrong. And now we will explain why

Illustration: Evgenia Bikunova / City Portal Network

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We have already told you what will happen to the body if you eat fast food for a whole month (hello, burgers and french fries). And we dealt with doctors about how the daily use of pomegranate juice will affect health. And in today’s issue “Medlikbeza” together with experts we will find out how your body will look (inside and out) if you drink a bottle of beer every day. Who can get a “beer belly” and who can get a “Bavarian mustache”? Is non-alcoholic beer harmful? And can there be any benefit to the body from beer? Tells m columnist Maria Tishchenko.

Gastroenterologist Olga Dorovskaya says that there are hepatotoxic doses of alcohol. They cause liver diseases, in particular alcoholic liver disease – alcoholic hepatitis, which can subsequently transform into cirrhosis of the liver.

– These toxic doses are different for men and women. For the former, this is 60-80 grams of pure ethanol per day, that is, from 800 milliliters of beer. For women, these values ​​are two times lower, so even a bottle of beer with a volume of 500 milliliters, if consumed regularly, can lead to liver diseases. And after all, rarely does anyone drink beer just like that: they usually do it with a variety of snacks – crackers, pistachios, and so on, – says Olga Dorovskaya, head of the gastroenterological department, gastroenterologist at the Novosibirsk State Regional Clinical Hospital.

According to the gastroenterologist, an excess of such sodium-rich foods leads to obesity, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Gastroenterologist and therapist at the Zdravitsa Family Medicine Center Natalya Shinkareva notes that beer is a low-alcohol drink, but it is no less harmful than, for example, wine or vodka.

– To begin with, let’s remember what is included in its composition: water, malt, yeast and hops. As well as ethyl alcohol (3-6, and sometimes 6-8%), toxins and salts of heavy metals. It is these substances that are harmful. The destructive effect concerns the whole organism: metabolic processes, hormonal levels are disturbed, appearance changes. Over time, psychological and physical dependence develops. The stomach takes the first blow, says Natalya Shinkareva.

Doctors recommend annual check-ups and clinical examinations. If necessary, the therapist can refer you to pass any tests and to a narrow specialist, for example, to a gastroenterologist Frequent use of this drink leads to gastritis, peptic ulcer, and impaired stool. Digestion becomes defective, useful substances from food are not absorbed in full. There are complaints of pain and heaviness in the abdomen, bitterness in the mouth, heartburn.

— Drinking beer also affects the liver — this is our detoxification filter that absorbs all toxins. Ethyl alcohol is a provocateur of hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer. At the initial stage, the intake of beer leads to an increase and inflammation of the organ. The liver ceases to fully perform the antitoxic function, because of which the entire body suffers. If a person continues to drink beer in unlimited quantities, then alcoholic hepatitis develops, which can be asymptomatic until complications appear, the gastroenterologist explains in more detail.

According to her, when ethyl alcohol enters the bloodstream, it causes vasodilation, which results in increased blood pressure and increased heart rate.

Natalya Shinkareva also reminds about the diuretic effect of beer:

— Increased urination is not caused by fluid entering the body, but by irritation of the kidney tissue. As a result, the filtration capacity of the kidneys deteriorates. Simultaneously with harmful substances, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other trace elements are washed out.

She adds that if the constant load on the kidneys continues, this can lead to disruption of their functioning, damage to the renal vessels, hemorrhage and even a heart attack of the organ.

— Under the influence of beer consumption and, moreover, abuse, brain cells die. As a result, brain activity worsens, memory lapses appear and intellectual abilities decrease, the doctor emphasizes.

Patients, according to Olga Dorovskaya, often complain that “the liver hurts”, but at 90% of cases this is an incorrect interpretation of the state. In the vast majority of cases, pain under the rib is related to the biliary system.

— The liver is insidious in this regard, because with its problems it does not cause any pain. Until a certain time, liver diseases can be truly asymptomatic. Only in severe cases, liver disease clearly manifests itself: we can talk, for example, about jaundice, pruritus, – explains the gastroenterologist.

The main possible and important symptom of liver pathology is an increasing general weakness, but it may have other causes, emphasizes Olga Dorovskaya. Therefore, laboratory tests can correctly assess liver damage – ALT, AST, bilirubin. But the doctor should interpret the results of the tests.

To cause damage to the body, it is enough for women to drink one bottle of beer a day

Photo: Tatyana Fateeva / NGS.RU

families “1+1” Irina Matyuk .

– In men, the production of the male hormone testosterone decreases, the “beer belly” grows and obesity develops. The state of the nervous system also suffers: memory worsens, headaches bother, mood becomes labile, irritability and fatigue occur, says Irina Matyuk.

Therapist, endocrinologist “Invitro-Voronezh” Elena Kiseleva adds that if we consider beer from the side of influence on the endocrine system, then the first and most important effect comes from plant substances contained in beer, similar in structure and effect on female sex hormones – phytoestrogens.

— At the same time, men become both externally and internally similar to women, that is, men become feminized. Obesity develops according to the female type – fat is deposited on the abdomen and hips, hair growth on the body decreases, and the voice becomes higher. In addition, sexual function suffers: libido decreases, erectile dysfunction sets in, sperm quality deteriorates, which means that reproductive function suffers, says Elena Kiseleva.

With excessive intake of phytoestrogens into the female body, the endocrinologist adds, they begin to work like contraceptives, reducing the production of FSH – a hormone that regulates the production of its own female sex hormones, egg maturation. As a result, women have a rougher voice, increased facial hair growth, and “Bavarian mustaches” appear.

You can check the state of the liver by donating blood for certain indicators, such as bilirubin, AST, ALT

Photo: Maria Tishchenko / NGS.RU

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Non-alcoholic beer, according to gastroenterologists, is not quite what it is called.

– It contains ethyl alcohol: of course, its share is insignificant – only 0.4–0.7 ppm, but it also has a negative effect. The composition of the drink contains cobalt, and this substance harms the heart and blood vessels. Of course, the harm of drinking beer depends on the physiology of each of us, the presence of health problems. If a person has chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, kidneys or other organs, then one should not expect a definite positive effect, says Natalya Shinkareva.

At the same time, according to the expert, a natural product may also have benefits:

— In the absence of health problems, 1-2 cups of a natural beer drink, on the contrary, will bring benefits. Useful is only the product that is produced without the addition of powder and other chemicals, and only in moderation. In unreasonable doses, beer turns from a medicine into a poison, which immediately spreads throughout the body.

The benefits of beer include its choleretic effect, but the harm from it exceeds this potential benefit, Olga Dorovskaya is convinced:

— Sometimes you can drink beer in small doses. In the absence of initial liver damage, doctors will not interfere much.

Effect of beer on the female body.

In our society, for some reason, it is customary to consider beer not as alcohol, but simply as a drink for relaxation, quenching thirst, or having a good time. Therefore, some women and girls seriously consider themselves non-drinkers and at the same time can safely drink a bottle or a can of beer every day, or even more. Unfortunately, they try not to think about the harmful composition of the foamy drink, and how the use of low-alcohol drinks affects a woman’s health.

Few people know that this drink, in addition to the heady state, brings many more problems.

Women differ from men not only physiologically, but also emotionally. The breakdown of alcohol in women is much slower than in men. From a physiological point of view, this is due to the fact that in women the metabolism is slower than in men and the internal organs are less able to cope with the synthesis of ethanol, which is part of alcoholic beverages.

Beautiful appearance is the most important thing for women. But it should be understood that very often women who abuse alcoholic beverages, including beer, do not have an aesthetic appearance: the skin becomes dry, pigmentation increases, since alcohol disrupts the functioning of the epidermis. Also, the hair grows dull and the nails acquire a yellowish tint.

The liver takes the first hit of alcohol, because all the harmful substances that enter the body are synthesized through the liver. The digestive organs are severely affected. The heart also suffers, and alcohol can also provoke jumps in blood pressure. And the state of internal organs is always reflected in the appearance of a person.

Thanks to the female hormones produced by the body itself, a woman has a softer voice, a more graceful figure, no facial hair, and her character is more docile. To maintain femininity, 0.3-0.7 mg of estradiol is enough, this is exactly how much the female body produces. But beer contains a large dose of an estrogen-active compound.

The chemical composition of beer includes 8-prenylnaringenin. This substance is found in hop cones and belongs to the class of phytoestrogens. Estrogens are among the female sex hormones. Hops contain a fairly large percentage of phytoestrogens, and in beer their content reaches thirty-six milligrams per liter. Some experts believe that this is quite enough for changes in the hormonal background of the human body.

Female hormones in beer have a negative effect on women and girls. The uterus may begin to grow, the epithelium of the uterus and vagina can grow. Problems with the menstrual cycle begin, and then the ability to give birth to a child is lost. In addition, there may be problems with being overweight. And the hormone that enters the body along with beer is completely superfluous there. So nobody benefits from female hormones in beer.

Women who have the habit of occasionally drinking beer often do not control this process, and therefore everything can end up with female alcoholism. According to statistics, this disease is quite difficult to treat, even despite great advances in medicine.

Alcohol, including beer, can cause aggression. Moreover, given that the “soft” half of humanity are very emotional individuals – they can often commit rash acts while under the influence of alcohol. The harmful effects of alcohol on the brain, which can lead to mental illness, have also been proven.

Many studies have shown that beer contains narcotic substances that adversely affect the human psyche. Hops, the main ingredient in beer, have been shown to be chemically very similar to the well-known drug, cannabis. This drug destroys brain cells and is the cause of many mental disorders.

Another frightening fact is that some beers have too high an alcohol percentage of 8 to 14%. This is when the minimum dose of alcohol in this low-alcohol drink should be 4 to 7%. Therefore, if we take into account the fact that, by nature, women are very fragile creatures, then even the smallest dose of alcohol is suicide.