Paleo-Friendly Beer: What To Drink And What To Avoid

Beer is a big no-no for those on the paleo diet. It's made from wheat, barley and hops, which are not included in the paleo diet. It's also highly toxic and contains gluten. If you're on the paleo diet, you'll want to avoid beer at all costs. But don't worry, there are plenty of other alcoholic drinks that are more paleo-friendly. These include hard cider, red wine, tequila, vodka, gin and rum.

Beer is not paleo-friendly

Beer is not considered paleo-friendly as it is made from wheat, barley, and hops. These grains are packed with gluten, which can cause various health problems. Even if you are not aware of any gluten intolerance, the gluten in beer can still be harmful to your health.

The fermentation process that beer undergoes leaves gluten residue in the drink, which is not removed during distillation, as is the case with spirits. This means that even gluten-free beers still contain gluten and are not a suitable alternative for those following a strict paleo diet.

In addition to gluten, beer also contains carbohydrates and calories, which can hinder weight loss and health goals. The high sugar content in beer can also be detrimental, causing blood sugar spikes and increased fat storage.

Furthermore, alcohol in general, including beer, is considered a toxin and can be addictive. It can also disrupt the body's ability to absorb nutrients and can cause dehydration.

While some may argue that our ancestors consumed fermented fruits, which naturally contain alcohol, the mass production and consumption of alcoholic beverages did not occur until much later in the Neolithic era. Therefore, from a strict paleo perspective, alcohol, including beer, is not considered part of the diet.

However, it is important to note that some people following a paleo lifestyle may choose to allow for some flexibility and include moderate amounts of alcohol in their diet. In such cases, it is recommended to choose alcoholic beverages that are less reliant on grains and have fewer carbohydrates and sugar.

Wine is the closest thing to paleo-friendly alcohol

Wine is made from grapes, which our ancestors definitely consumed. It is likely that they also ate fermented fruits, which is essentially what wine is. After grapes are harvested, they are taken to a winery, crushed, and yeast is introduced to start fermentation.

Wine is considered paleo-friendly because it is not as reliant on grains and therefore has fewer carbohydrates and, hopefully, less sugar. Red wine, in particular, contains antioxidants like resveratrol that may have heart-healthy benefits. It also has a higher resveratrol concentration than white wine.

However, it is important to remember that alcohol is a toxin and a drug—an addictive one at that. Consume it in moderation, just like you consume natural sweeteners in moderation. Alcohol contains empty calories and will spike your sugar levels, leading to increased fat storage. It is also dehydrating, and overindulgence can cause hangovers.

If you are going to have a drink, choose an organic red wine over white wine. Red wine is filled with antioxidants that lower the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation.

Other paleo-friendly alcoholic drinks include hard cider and tequila. Hard cider is fermented and doesn't contain gluten, making it a good alternative to traditional beer. Tequila is also seen as somewhat paleo-friendly, as it is often minimally processed.

Hard cider is another paleo-friendly option

When selecting a hard cider, it is important to be mindful of added sugars and preservatives. Preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate can negatively affect immunity. Additionally, some ciders may contain unnatural colouring, which could indicate the presence of additives or hidden gluten.

Hard cider provides a great alternative to beer for those following a paleo diet. It is a tasty and refreshing option that allows you to enjoy a drink while staying true to your dietary choices.

While hard cider is a better choice than beer, it is important to remember that alcohol, in general, is not considered "healthy." It is a toxin and an addictive drug that can cause a dip in blood sugar and a rise in blood fats. However, if you choose to consume hard cider, pairing it with a healthy meal and staying hydrated can help mitigate some of these negative effects.

Liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila are better than beer

While alcohol is not strictly paleo-friendly, it is possible to make more sensible choices when it comes to drinking. Beer is definitely out, as it is made from grains such as barley and wheat, which are packed with gluten. Gluten-free beer is an option, but it still contains plenty of carbohydrates.

Liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila are better options. Vodka and gin are distilled from grains, but the distillation process removes most of the gluten protein residue. Tequila is often minimally processed and is made from the agave plant. Look for varieties that are 100% agave, such as El Jimador, Gran Centenario, and Milagro. Vodka distilled from potatoes or grapes is also a good choice; brands to look out for include Ciroc, Chopin, and Karlsson's.

When choosing a liquor, dry and clear spirits will be the least harmful to your body. Avoid dark spirits like rum, which is made from sugarcane and contains added colorings and chemicals.

Alcohol is toxic to the liver

Alcoholic liver disease is caused by overconsumption of alcohol and can lead to a buildup of fats, inflammation, and scarring. This disease can be fatal and is the third most common reason for liver transplants in the United States. Even a single binge-drinking episode can result in significant bodily impairment, damage, or even death. The liver processes over 90% of consumed alcohol, and the rest exits the body via urine, sweat, and breathing. It takes the body about an hour to process one alcoholic beverage, and this time frame increases with each drink. When someone has consumed too much alcohol, the unprocessed alcohol left circulates through the bloodstream, affecting the heart and brain, leading to intoxication.

Chronic alcohol abuse causes the destruction of liver cells, resulting in cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), alcoholic hepatitis, and cellular mutation that may lead to liver cancer. Alcoholic liver disease often progresses in stages, from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and then to cirrhosis. However, heavy drinkers may develop alcoholic cirrhosis without first developing hepatitis. The early stages of alcoholic liver disease may go unnoticed, as the symptoms are vague and can be dismissed as the effects of a stomach bug or general malaise. Leaving these symptoms undiagnosed and continuing to consume alcohol can lead to faster liver disease progression.

The risk of alcoholic liver disease increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, females who consume more than two drinks per day and males who consume more than three drinks per day for more than five years are at an increased risk. Additionally, females who consume high amounts of alcohol and have excess body weight are at a greater risk of developing chronic liver disease.

To prevent and treat alcoholic liver disease, it is crucial to remove alcohol from the diet. Abstaining from alcohol can help reverse some early stages of liver damage. Once diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease, it is recommended to never resume drinking, as any reversed conditions will typically return if drinking restarts. For those who regularly drink more than the recommended daily limits, it is important to seek medical support when quitting, as alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.

While there may be ways to make alcohol less toxic, such as choosing distilled liquors or following certain tips to minimize negative effects, it is important to remember that alcohol is still a toxin and can have detrimental effects on the liver, especially with excessive consumption.

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