What the research says
Some studies and research indicate that wine may reduce or combat the risk of food poisoning, however, the evidence is limited. Journal of Epidemiology Inspected Salmonella The illness broke out at a gathering in Spain. Analysts found that guests who had three or more drinks were about 46% less likely to get sick than those who had not consumed alcohol. A similar study conducted in 1992 found that awareness of the ill effects of alcohol consumption is low. hepatitis A Results from raw oysters showed that those who consumed wine or whiskey had a 90% lower risk of getting sick.
Although these findings suggest possibilities, they do not necessarily establish a connection.
Limitations of existing studies
Of all the studies and research available, none are comprehensive and more is needed to prove whether the claims are truly justified. Most of the research done is small, involving a small number of individuals, while they are done in a fairly controlled environment. Let’s take the example of the case of 33 individuals affected by hepatitis E on a cruise, in which it was found that only those who drank alcohol fell ill, while those who did not drink remained healthy and unaffected. This emphasizes the complexity of the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse. and food security.
Furthermore, no large-scale experimental trials have been conducted to directly test how drinking alcohol affects the risk of food poisoning, leaving significant gaps in understanding.
The negative aspects of drinking alcohol
Although alcohol can provide some incredible benefits and protective effects, it can also seriously affect your immune system, severely damage liver function, cause weight gain, increase cardiovascular problems, and even manifest notable mental health issues. Research indicates that frequent and heavy drinking can lead to excessive inflammation and destruction of gut health, also known as “leaky gut,” allowing harmful bacteria to reach the blood network.
Dr. Gyongyi Szabo A Harvard Medical School study reported that excessive alcohol consumption weakens the body’s defenses, increases the risk of infection, and possibly increases susceptibility or proneness to serious food-borne illnesses, some of which include Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter.
Additionally, daily or frequent drinking can worsen food poisoning, dehydration, as well as prolong the healing period.
Risk-reducing ways to avoid food poisoning
Let’s take a look at some key strategies to reduce and prevent foodborne illnesses:
practice safe cooking
Safe cooking includes simple but effective habits, such as washing hands regularly when cooking, keeping raw meat separate from other foods, and cooking foods only to safe temperatures.
look at the clock
Remember not to leave perishable foods at room temperature for more than two hours, especially in extreme heat.
Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly
You can reduce the risk of food poisoning by regularly cleaning kitchen surfaces and utensils. Using sanitizer on cutting boards and countertops and washing them thoroughly reduces bacteria, preventing foodborne illnesses.
Drinking ginger tea and apple cider vinegar and taking probiotics can greatly help in reducing food poisoning and related illnesses. These methods are safe to implement and are worth trying when going through food poisoning or related illnesses.
The role of alcohol in travel safety
The belief that consuming alcohol, especially wine, can help avoid food poisoning while traveling is a belief that goes back a long way in history. In areas with uncertain water standards, many people have relied on alcohol and wine. Several studies have supported this theory, stating that the acidic nature of alcohol may be helpful in killing pathogens such as salmonella and listeria.
One food scientist noted that drinking alcohol during or after consuming contaminated and harmful food can destroy harmful bacteria. However, it is important to note that it is necessary to stay in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol, whether drinking helps with food poisoning or not, is actually quite harmful, and negates any potential benefits.
In short, alcohol may have some connection to a reduced risk of food poisoning, but the evidence is still uncertain. Relying on drinking alcohol as a way to fight foodborne illnesses is not a proven safe and efficient strategy, therefore, one should always focus on applying scientifically proven and suggested methods as a precaution. It is absolutely fine to enjoy alcohol occasionally, but choosing to demonstrate and justify drinking heavy amounts of alcohol as a “precautionary measure” may cause even more harm.
