What You Need to Know About Alcohol, Gut Health and Tequila

Image by Brianna Santellan.

Traditionally, Canadian summer fun usually includes a little extra alcohol (my household, included). But alcohol can high in sugar, which in turn creates inflammation and bloat. I think we can all agree that bloating and bikinis are not a sexy mix!

In the spirit of making simple switches to help us look and feeling our best, I’ve decided to share some summer drink options that come with less sugar and health benefits!

That’s right. You can enjoy a little alcohol with family and friends without feeling guilty. Like many things, chronic over-consumption can lead to long-term health risks in many ways. But need-to-know facts about gut health and alcohol aren’t all doom and gloom. Indeed, it’s possible to drink alcohol moderately and to whip up delicious drinks while avoiding that dreaded bloated belly.

Gin vs. Red Wine: A Gut Flora Study

One gut flora study of 41 alcoholics compared to 10 healthy individuals showed an increase of 27% dysbiosis (imbalance of microorganisms) in the alcoholic gut. This same study compared gin to red wine. Gin was the loser as it removed more of the good gut bacteria. By contrast, red wine increased the good bacteria. The polyphenols in red wine also reduced blood pressure and improved cholesterol.

One simple switch you can make is to swap out gin cocktails for a glass of wine.

Or… drink Tequila.

You heard me right! Tequila is my go-to at the moment. 100% AGAVE BABY!

Tequila and its Health Benefits

You might be surprised to read that a shot of tequila comes with health benefits. Well, its raw ingredients do. And when it comes to those health benefits, there are actually quite a few! Tequila…

Naturally contains less sugar. Less sugar is good for you! Excessive sugar will create bloat and inflammation so be careful what you mix it with. Watch out for hidden sugars, food colourings, and fructose in mixers.
Is generally lower in calories than similar alcohols (1 oz of tequila contains about 64 calories).
Does not contain carbs!
Is safe if you have a gluten or wheat sensitivity. That’s right, you can drink 100% tequila.
Can offer health benefits just like that glass of red wine. A study showed that consuming 1 tequila drink per day for women and 2 tequila drinks per day for men may help prevent heart disease, ischemic stroke, and diabetes.
Can aid in weight loss.
Improves iron levels.
Reduces pain and inflammation.
Improves immune function.
Promotes a healthy gut biome.
Improves bone health.

It’s important to note that not all tequilas are made equal. Some producers add additives and alcohol from other sources to their tequilas. I suggest that you seek out blue, silver, or white higher-end tequilas from Mexico that contain 100% fermented agave.

Agave plants, Tequila, Jal., México by Bruno Emannuelle.

A Healthier Margarita

Do yourself a favour and enjoy a freshly squeezed organic lemon and lime margarita with (or without) agave syrup!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups silver tequila
3/4 cup Triple Sec (optional – a 1.5-ounce shot has 188 calories)
3/4 cup fresh-squeezed organic lime and lemon juice (equal parts)
2 tablespoons agave syrup (optional)
*Agave syrup provides a boost of sweetness while being low glycemic with trace benefits of B2, B6, B9 (folate) and Vitamins.
8 cups of crushed ice

Garnish

2 tablespoons kosher salt
6 lime wedges (garnish)

Blend all of the ingredients in a blender until you reach your desired level of slush. Rub the rim of a margarita glass with lime juice then dip in salt. Pour your margarita from the blender into your salt-rimmed glass and enjoy!

Healthy Mixers

If this inspires you to whip up alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks with more wholesome ingredients that can help maintain gut health and avoid bloating. Here are a few to keep in mind!