During the hot summer months, drinking beer to cool off is a common habit, but not everyone is aware of these taboos to avoid.
Taboos When Drinking Beer in Summer
Do Not Use Beer to Quench Thirst
Beer is rich in amino acids and vitamins, which can stimulate appetite.
Many people consider beer to be a refreshing drink that helps prevent sweating; however, in reality, drinking beer can make you thirstier and sweat more.
Beer feels cool and pleasant when consumed, but it stimulates the adrenal gland to release hormones, increases heart rate, and enhances heat dissipation from the body, which in turn increases evaporation and causes dry mouth.
Additionally, beer can stimulate the kidneys, speeding up metabolism and urination, leading to dehydration.
Experts recommend that individuals drink plenty of water and light tea after consuming beer to replenish fluids in the body.
Avoid Drinking with Grilled Foods
Many people enjoy drinking beer with grilled foods in the summer, but this common practice can lead to gout or even cancer.
Experts warn that grilled foods, primarily seafood, organ meats, and red meats, are similar to beer in that they are high in purines. Abnormal purine excretion is a significant factor contributing to gout. Consuming grilled meats alongside beer can significantly increase the risk of developing gout.
Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid grilled foods while drinking beer. If you truly wish to indulge, consider pairing it with some leafy green vegetables to mitigate the side effects.
Grilled foods are high in purines. (Image: Kknews).
Do Not Drink Beer Too Cold
On scorching hot days, drinking cold beer can feel very refreshing. However, excessively cold beer not only affects the flavor but can also lead to various health issues. Experts state that even beer stored in the refrigerator should be maintained at a temperature of 5-10 degrees Celsius.
If the beer is too cold, it not only tastes bad but can also break down the proteins in the beer, destroying essential nutrients. More importantly, excessively cold beer can significantly lower the temperature in the drinker’s digestive tract, reducing blood flow, impairing digestive function, and even causing diarrhea.
Do Not Overindulge in Beer
While the alcohol content in beer is not high, many people enjoy drinking it for refreshment during the summer, even using it as a thirst quencher. However, excessive consumption can harm the body.
Experts point out that drinking large amounts of beer throughout the summer increases the burden on the liver, kidneys, and heart. The barley used to brew beer contains oxalic acid and uronucleotides; their interaction can raise uric acid levels in the human body and promote stone formation.
Overweight Individuals Should Avoid Fresh Beer
Fresh beer is often preferred over canned beer. Experts advise that the yeast in fresh beer remains active in the human body, stimulating gastric juice secretion and increasing appetite. Consequently, drinking fresh beer can lead to weight gain, making overweight individuals even heavier.
