Bhagyashree shares ‘immunity booster for the party season’, suggests having it ‘before you start party shots’

 

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But is the drink effective?

Archana S, senior nutritionist at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, said that a drink made with turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and lemon can be good for the functioning of the liver and digestion due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, “Even though this may help the body metabolise alcohol, there is no direct evidence of the juice preventing or countering alcohol’s effect in the body. Responsible drinking, not drinking on an empty stomach, and hydration are significantly more effective in mitigating alcohol’s effect,” she told indianexpress.com.

Adding, C V Aishwarya, a clinical nutritionist and lecturer at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, explained that alcohol metabolism generates reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and damage to liver cells and other tissues. “Turmeric and ginger are antioxidants that neutralise the reactive oxygen species, reducing cellular damage. Lemon is a good source of vitamin C, which boosts the body’s antioxidant defense, helping counteract oxidative stress caused by alcohol intake,” she said.

The liver is burdened with metabolising alcohol, producing toxic by-products. She added that turmeric, lemon, ginger, and black pepper support liver function by enhancing detoxification enzymes and exerting its live protective effects. “Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, impairing digestion and nutrient absorption. Ginger and lemon soothe the digestive tract and help maintain the stomach’s pH balance,” C V Aishwarya said.

According to Deepalakshmi, registered dietitian at Shree Balaji Medical College, Chennai, consuming immunity-boosting foods like those rich in vitamin C, ginger, or turmeric do not specifically counter the effects of alcohol on the liver or metabolism. Agreeing, Meenu Balaji, Chief Nutritionist at Pragmatic Nutrition, said that although this juice supports liver health, it doesn’t directly counteract the impact of alcohol.

How can you incorporate this drink into your routine?

“You can include this drink in your daily routine as a morning detox drink, a soothing tea in the middle of the day, or a warm drink before bed. Prepare it fresh by mixing the ingredients with warm water, or make a concentrate to store and dilute with water as needed,” said Archana.