Not everyone is having a Dry January.
But on the heels — and buzzkill — of the surgeon general’s January 3 advisory warning about alcohol consumption’s increased risk of cancer, many are at least looking for a less harmful way to imbibe.
For those who don’t want to ditch booze altogether, celebrity nutritionist and gut health specialist Dr. Daryl Gioffre is on hand with his recommendations for the best and worst alcoholic beverages for overall health.
The best booze to drink
Gioffre told The Post that gin is his go-to choice for health-conscious alcohol. He explained that the juniper hooch is the least acidic liquor with a pH of 7, making it closer to neutral than more acidic beverages like wine or beer, which average between 3 and 4 on the pH scale.
“This higher pH makes it gentler on the stomach and less likely to disrupt your body’s acid-alkaline balance,” said the pro, who also recommends using his Acid Kicking Alcohol Alkalizer in drinks.
In addition, gin contains no sugar, “which is crucial for avoiding the harmful effects of blood sugar spikes and minimizing inflammation.”
However, Gioffre warned drinkers to be wary of mixers, explaining that while gin itself is made without sugar, the syrups, juices, and sodas common in cocktails are “essentially sugar-water with no nutritional value and tons of acidity.”
Gin is traditionally distilled with juniper berries and other antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory ingredients like coriander and licorice.
“Studies show that juniper berries, the cornerstone of gin, have anti-aging properties, thanks to their high antioxidant content,” Gioffre said.
“These antioxidants not only strengthen cells but also improve blood flow and aid in removing toxins from the gut, supporting overall digestive health.”
He noted that the anti-inflammatory compounds in juniper berries are also known to combat oxidative stress and improve skin health.
“For those seeking an alcoholic beverage that aligns more closely with health-conscious goals, gin offers a refined, sugar-free, and botanically rich option that stands apart.”
And the worst thing to drink
Bad news for beer lovers: Gioffre singled out the suds as the most unhealthy alcoholic beverage.
“Beer combines high acidity, gluten, sugar, and fermentation byproducts, making it a disaster for digestion and metabolic health,” he said.
He explained that beer is made from fermented grains like barley, wheat, and corn. Many of these grains contain gluten, an established source of inflammation, digestive irritation, and the dreaded leaky gut.
“For those sensitive to gluten, beer will weaken your gut lining, causing systemic inflammation over time, which is linked to many chronic health conditions.”
The brewing process for beer also leaves behind congeners, chemical byproducts of fermentation that intensify hangovers and increase stress on the liver.
“Beer often contains preservatives and additives that will further drive up inflammation, disrupt gut health and how you feel the next day,” added Gioffre.
Unlike the nearly neutral pH of gin, beer is highly acidic, which will irritate the gut and disrupt the body’s pH balance.
“This high acidity, combined with yeast and sugar, will spike your insulin levels, leading to blood sugar imbalances. Over time, these blood sugar spikes can lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and that ‘beer belly’ that so many of us dread,” he added.
Fat and sad with a bellyache? Thumbs down for bottoms up.
