What happens to the body when your day starts with health drinks?

Fermented malt-based beverages support gut health, reduce bloating and constipation, and improve bone health and immunity.

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | Updated: February 22, 2025 09:32 AM IST

3 min read

Do you like health drinks? (Source: Freepik)

For many, childhood mornings were incomplete without a glass of health drink before rushing to catch the school bus or after an evening of play. But what happens when you start your day with a health drink every morning for two weeks straight? Indianexpress.com spoke to health experts to find out.

C V Aishwarya, a clinical nutritionist and lecturer at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai said that starting the day with a health drink or malted beverage can have both positive and negative effects on the body, depending on its composition. “Many malted beverages contain refined sugars or malt extracts, which can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, followed by a crash that leads to fatigue and hunger soon after. However, health drinks with low glycaemic index (GI) ingredients, such as protein- or fibre-rich components, help maintain stable blood sugar levels and promote longer satiety,” she said.

According to her, if the drink contains probiotics, prebiotics, or fibre, it can support digestion and gut health by fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. However, beverages high in sugar or artificial additives may contribute to acidity, bloating, and gut inflammation over time.

Health drinks are often made of malt extracts. (Source: Freepik)

Why do people go for health drinks?

Aishwarya said that health drinks and malted beverages are rich in complex carbohydrates such as malt extracts, whole grains, and oats that provide gradual energy release, preventing fatigue. Protein-rich health drinks containing whey, casein, soy or plant-based proteins aid in muscle repair, growth, and maintenance. Drinks containing dietary fibre, prebiotics and probiotics enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. There are also fermented malt-based beverages that contribute to gut flora diversity, reducing bloating, constipation and also improves bone health, immune system.

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However, she warned that a lot of commercial malted beverages contain refined sugars, malt extracts or high fructose corn syrup leading to excess calorie intake and weight gain. “Frequent consumption can cause insulin resistance, increasing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome,” she said. Added sugars feed harmful oral bacteria, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Acidic components in some formulations may erode tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity and risk of dental caries.

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