Can drinking alcohol prevent food poisoning?

How often do your friends tell you that eating a big meal can save you from a terrible hangover after a night of drinking? Quite a bit, right? Many people swear by this advice, believing that a hearty meal acts as a buffer against the effects of alcohol. But they often overlook whether this strategy actually works or if it’s just a common myth.
Now there’s another idea making the rounds: some claim that lining your stomach with alcohol can prevent food poisoning.
But does taking a shot of alcohol actually help if you’ve eaten something bad? Let’s find out what experts have to say.
“There is a notion that drinking alcohol after consuming food that is purportedly not stored well or prepared in unhygienic conditions can mitigate some harmful effects due to food poisoning. This is based on the belief that, for hand sanitisation, alcohol-based solutions are used,” Dr Rajesh Bathini, consultant, medical gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, tells India Today.
The doctor adds, “So, people started believing that drinking alcohol after food consumption can kill bacteria in the food, and some studies also claimed the same.”
He explains that after consumption, food is stored in the stomach, and the environment of the stomach is completely different. It is important to understand that the antibacterial effects of alcohol are not replicated in the stomach; therefore, drinking alcoholic beverages does not kill foodborne pathogens.
On the other hand, drinking alcohol may actually increase the chances of getting sick, especially if taken in amounts greater than the recommended amount regularly.

According to experts, drinking alcohol is not a reliable method to prevent food poisoning (Photo: Getty Images)

According to Dr Bathini, studies that have shown drinking alcohol to prevent food poisoning are few, small, and underpowered, with conflicting data that can’t be relied upon.
To this, Dr Adarsh CK, chief consultant – gastroenterologist and hepatologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, adds, “The idea that drinking alcohol can prevent food poisoning is a common misconception with no scientific backing. Research consistently shows that alcohol consumption, whether before or after a meal, is not a health boon and does not offer protection against foodborne illnesses.”
The doctor mentions that it is important to differentiate between alcohol used for consumption and the high concentrations of alcohol used in sanitisers or disinfectants.
The alcohol found in beverages is typically around 5-15 per cent concentration, which is far lower than the 60-90 per cent concentration used to effectively kill bacteria.
Dr Akhil Deshmukh, consultant, hepatology and liver transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, also agrees that alcohol is not a remedy for food poisoning because it does not neutralise or destroy the harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins that cause foodborne illness.
Dr Bathini believes that drinking alcohol to prevent food-borne infections causes more harm than good, “because there are so many ill effects associated with alcohol intake, like habituation and liver and pancreas-related issues, especially if people are obese and diabetic.”
“Alcohol’s antibacterial properties are limited and not strong enough to neutralise dangerous bacteria. Relying on it to prevent food poisoning can give a false sense of security and delay seeking proper medical treatment. Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, leading to more issues,” adds Dr Shah Prakruti, associate consultant, gastroenterology at Paras Hospital, Gurugram.
Further, Dr Deshmukh goes on to share, “Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, potentially worsening symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It may also impair the body’s ability to rehydrate, which is crucial during food poisoning.”

Alcohol can worsen the symptoms of food poisoning (Photo: Getty Images)

The experts feel that using alcohol as a supposed preventative measure against food poisoning is misleading and risky. Instead of relying on alcohol, you should focus on safe food practices.