In the age of social media, influencers and content creators come up with some or the other out-of-the-box claims regarding health and diet culture. One such recent incident involves influencer Rohan Sehgal, who posted a video claiming that beer, when consumed before pizza, causes a drastic drop in blood sugar levels. The video went viral, sparked debates online, and received reaction from people like Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, better known as the ‘Liver Doc’. To know more about it, let’s dive into the details and understand the science behind these claims.
The Video That Sparked Debates
In the now-viral video, Rohan attempted to demonstrate how blood sugar levels get impacted by different pre-meal actions. According to him, he saw a decline in his blood sugar levels when he ate salad before pizza, and a more drastic change when he consumed beer instead of salad. Though he also clarified that he is endorsing alcohol consumption, his claims were enough to kickstart an online debate. He explained that he was exploring how different pre-meal actions could affect the sugar increase caused by high-carb foods like pizza.
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His claims garnered significant traction, but created unrest among the medical community. Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, a well-known liver specialist, quickly dismissed the video’s conclusions, offering a much-needed scientific perspective on the matter.
The Liver Doc’s Counter Argument: Reactive Hypoglycemia Explained
Dr Philips, in a recent post on Instagram, criticised the video for its misleading nature. He specifically pointed out that the demonstration of beer consumption reducing blood sugar levels was based on a phenomenon known as reactive hypoglycemia. According to Dr Philips, the alcohol in beer stresses the liver, which plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels.
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The liver is responsible for producing and releasing glucose, which maintains the body’s blood sugar levels. When alcohol is consumed, it affects the liver’s ability to perform this function effectively, leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels. Dr Philips warned that using alcohol to manage blood sugar levels is highly dangerous, as it comes at the cost of liver function.
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He went on to emphasise that relying on alcohol to lower sugar levels after eating pizza is not only scientifically inaccurate but also harmful. “Drinking a beer or alcohol to reduce your sugar levels from food is a really bad idea because that actually comes at the cost of an organ's function,” he stated. His strong stance against the advice offered in the video was a call for people to be cautious about the health tips they follow online.
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Understanding Hypoglycemia: The Dangers of Low Blood Sugar
As per Dr Basavaprabhu, Consultant Internal Medicine, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels fall below 60 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia can lead to a series of dangerous symptoms, including fainting, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, it may result in a medical emergency. Therefore, relying on alcohol to intentionally lower blood sugar is not only misguided but could also lead to serious health risks.
Hypoglycemia can occur for a variety of reasons, including not eating enough or as a side effect of certain medications. However, using alcohol in this way only exacerbates the situation by impairing the liver’s ability to regulate blood sugar effectively.
Bottomline
While experimenting with food and lifestyle choices is common, it is crucial to base health advice on sound scientific principles. Relying on alcohol to manage blood sugar levels, as suggested by the influencer, can have serious consequences, especially for those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or liver disease. The lesson here is clear: Always be cautious when it comes to health advice found on social media, and seek guidance from qualified medical professionals instead of relying on unverified claims.
In conclusion, while influencers like Rohan Sehgal may offer interesting insights into health trends, it is important to critically evaluate their advice. It is advised to not follow such influencers blindly and make informed decisions based on reliable medical knowledge.