Cracking a few cans of beer can quickly cause unnecessary stress on your body’s immune system and leave you at risk of inflammation and chronic diseases. But what about beers that don’t contain alcohol? Is non-alcoholic beer inflammatory? Here’s what you need to know about non-alcoholic beers and inflammation before you take your next sip.
What Is An Inflammation?
Inflammation from alcohol is often associated with our body’s internal defense system. Bacteria, viruses, and certain foods can cause our immune system to produce special proteins called inflammatory cytokines to fight or repair the immune system.
That is a good thing unless our immune system is constantly working due to our eating or drinking habits or having to deal with lots of stress. When our body’s internal defense system is in overdrive, it will lead to chronic inflammation.
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Alcohol And Inflammation
Alcohol can cause several inflammatory processes once it enters our body. One of it is gut inflammation, where the gut lining is disrupted and leads to increased permeability (also known as leaky gut). When you have a leaky gut, this can lead to the entry of incompletely digested food particles and potentially inflammatory toxins into the bloodstream.
Another type of inflammation linked to alcohol involves suppressing the immune system, reducing its ability to protect the body from infections and inflammation. That increases the risk of developing inflammatory conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and alcohol-induced joint inflammation.
Also Read: Is Non-Alcoholic Beer High in Histamine?
Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Inflammatory?
Non-alcoholic beer is non-inflammatory because it does not contain alcohol or just trace amounts of alcohol (maximum 0.5% ABV). In fact, in a study done in 2012, researchers have found evidence that non-alcoholic beers are anti-inflammatory and help reduce post-race inflammation and upper respiratory tract infections incidence.
Besides being alcohol-free, the ingredients to make non-alcoholic beers contain anti-inflammatory properties. Hops are one of the key ingredients in beer, and they contain various phytochemicals, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Yeast does not have direct anti-inflammatory properties, but some types of yeast used in beer production are similar to the yeast strains used in probiotics and fermentation of certain foods like yogurt and kimchi. When consumed in moderation, these yeast strains might contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Yeast and malts are also a source of B vitamins, including niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and pantothenic acid (B5), which can indirectly help reduce inflammation.
However, if you already suffer from arthritis like gout, you should avoid non-alcoholic beer because it can trigger those painful joint flare-ups. That is because gout flare-ups are not solely caused by alcohol. Non-alcoholic beers are made from the same yeast and barley as their alcoholic counterparts, and these ingredients contain purines that can trigger gout flare-ups.
Also Read: Know The Pros And Cons Of Non-Alcoholic Beer (The Complete Guide)
Which Alcohol Is the Least Inflammatory?
If you do not have any existing medical conditions, drinking a small amount of alcohol won’t cause an inflammation. I will be biased here, but the best alcohol that is least inflammatory are non-alcoholic or alcohol-free beers and wine because they don’t contain alcohol content. Red wine is known to be the least inflammatory alcohol, and non-alcoholic red wine is an even better option if you want to completely avoid inflammation.
Another non-alcoholic drink that won’t cause inflammation is hop water. These beverages offer a hoppy flavor reminiscent of beer but are made solely from water infused with hops!
How Long Does It Take for Inflammation From Alcohol To Go Away?
If you’re swapping your regular beers for non-alcoholic beers, then you can expect your inflammation to go away in two to four weeks. During this time, the inflammation will go down and the serum levels in the liver will decrease.
Conclusion
If you’re worried about inflammation, non-alcoholic beer can be a suitable beverage choice as it is non-inflammatory and unlikely to induce inflammation. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor for any medical concerns before introducing any food or drink into your diet.