Alcohol alternatives: Drinks that won’t hurt your liver

Are you refraining from drinking alcohol? Maybe you are prepping for a Sober October. Perhaps you promised yourself to break free from the clutches of alcohol. Or you had the worst hangover and decided, “Never drinking again.” The reason could be anything. Whatever the reason, congratulations on this journey! Quitting alcohol is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, your loved ones, and society.

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In 2019, 2.6 million people died due to alcohol consumption globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of about 200 diseases, injuries, and even cancer. Alcohol kills; if not, it makes your life worse than dying. The risk starts from the first drop.
We get it. For someone who has enjoyed alcohol, breaking free from the routine is not easy. But, guess what? You are already halfway through by committing to quit. But how does one resist the ritual of winding down with a special beverage? Well, we have got that sorted for you. Here are some non-alcoholic drinks that can be an alternative to your alcoholic beverage. No, these drinks don’t hurt your liver. In fact, they may provide some health benefits as well!

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Kombucha is an ancient drink, thought to have originated in China or Japan. This fermented ancient concoction is made from tea (black or green), sugar (white, agave, or honey), healthy bacteria, and yeast. Just like how fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, or kimchi benefit your gut, the probiotics in Kombucha are BFFs of your digestive system. A 2024 study by researchers at the Robert Dowen at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that kombucha can lower blood pressure, prevent cancer, protect against metabolic disease, and liver toxins, due to the microbes in it. The probiotics in the drink mimic fasting and also reduce fat stores.

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The best beverage for your liver and health? Good old water. How to spice it up? Infuse something exciting into it. Think herbs, fruits, or veggies. For instance, cucumber and mint can be refreshing and hydrating. Another combination is strawberry and basil, which could be a flavourful and fancy drink to have on a summer evening. Want to spice it up? Combine orange and rosemary for a citrusy and piney note drink. Skip the sugar, as it can benefit your liver and health.

Herbal teas are a great alternative to alcohol. You have a variety to choose from. Hibiscus tea is ideal for liver health. Studies have shown that hibiscus flowers can prevent cancer. The gossypetin found in hibiscus may also help to beat Alzheimer's disease. Peppermint tea is perfect for a morning wake-up. It can help heal digestive issues. Chamomile tea, on the other hand, offers calming effects that can reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Mocktails are another perfect alternative to alcoholic beverages. It can perhaps provide you with a similar flavour and fun of traditional cocktails. You can add fresh fruits, herbs, sparkling water, and natural syrups. Think of drinks like virgin mojitos, margaritas, or sangrias sans the alcohol. You can have a mint-lime sparkling water mojito for a refreshing and guilt-free drink.