It is not new that excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is unhealthy, however, social drinking can vary depending on the situation.

Importantly, beer may pose a greater risk for certain groups of people. Below is a list of those groups in which beer consumption can be especially dangerous:

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1. Diabetic or pre-diabetic

It is crucial that these people take special care in controlling their blood sugar levels. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, by itself, can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and even lead to episodes of hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels and take proper precautions after consuming alcoholic beverages.

In the specific case of beer, there is an additional aggravating factor, as it is rich in carbohydrates. It is important to remember that when we consume foods or drinks that contain carbohydrates, they are converted into glucose (sugar) by the body, resulting in an increase in blood glucose levels (blood glucose).

Therefore, beer consumption can further accentuate the dysregulation of blood glucose levels. It is especially relevant to consider that it is difficult for many people to limit themselves to just one glass of beer, which can further exacerbate the effects on blood glucose.

2. People who have problems with gluten

For people with gluten-related problems, such as celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it is essential to avoid beer consumption, as this drink is produced from barley, one of the main sources of gluten.

It is important to note that even non-alcoholic beers may contain gluten. Therefore, for those who cannot give up beer, one option would be to look for gluten-free beers, available on the market. These beers are produced with alternative ingredients that do not contain gluten, allowing these people to enjoy the drink without compromising their health.

3. People with irritable bowel syndrome

For patients with irritable bowel syndrome, beer consumption can be harmful due to the presence of gas, which can cause bloating and discomfort. The combination of special proteins and dissolved gas is responsible for foaming beer, which can exacerbate symptoms.

In addition, beer fermentation can also be a trigger for discomfort for people with this condition. Fermentation produces substances that can cause irritation in the intestine, resulting in symptoms such as pain, swelling and changes in intestinal functioning.

Therefore, for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, it is recommended to avoid beer consumption and opt for drinks that are better tolerated by the digestive system, according to the specific medical and nutritional guidelines for each case.

4. Liver problems

Excessive consumption of beer, as well as other alcoholic beverages, can have negative impacts on the liver. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, converting it into more toxic substances that can damage liver cells.

Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver, known as hepatic steatosis. Over time, this buildup can progress to inflammation in the liver, known as alcoholic hepatitis, and even cirrhosis, which is an irreversible condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue.

It is important to highlight that the amount of alcohol consumed, the frequency of consumption and individual predisposition are factors that influence the risk of developing liver problems related to beer consumption.

To preserve the health of the liver, it is recommended to consume alcohol moderately and responsibly, respecting the limits established by health guidelines. In case of doubts or concerns, it is always advisable to consult a health professional.

5. People with heartburn and reflux

The presence of alcohol in beer can contribute to heartburn in several ways. The chemicals in alcohol can directly irritate the tissues of the esophagus, causing discomfort and burning. In addition, alcohol stimulates the production of acid in the stomach, which can make the tissues more sensitive to acidity and trigger heartburn.

Another factor is relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve responsible for keeping stomach contents in place. Alcohol consumption can relax this valve, making it easier for stomach acid to back up into the esophagus and causing heartburn.

In the specific case of beer, the presence of carbon dioxide can increase pressure in the stomach, favoring the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and intensifying the symptoms of heartburn.

It is important to remember that each person can react differently to alcohol consumption and that other factors, such as diet and lifestyle, can also influence the onset of heartburn. If heartburn is frequent and causes significant discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

6. People who want to lose weight

In fact, beer contains calories from the alcohol and carbohydrates present in the drink. Alcohol itself is high in calories, providing about seven calories per gram. Also, beer is generally high in carbohydrates from cereals such as barley.

When including beer in meals, it is important to consider the additional caloric impact it can bring. Excessive consumption of beer, or any other alcoholic beverage, can contribute to an increase in total calorie intake throughout the day.

It is important to remember that excessive consumption of calories can lead to weight gain, especially when it is not offset by a balanced diet and regular physical exercise.

Therefore, it is recommended to moderate the consumption of beer and other alcoholic beverages, taking into account not only their alcohol content, but also the associated caloric value. For those who are looking to control weight or follow a specific diet, it is recommended to follow up with a health professional or nutritionist for personalized guidance.

7. People who take medicine

Several medications cannot be used simultaneously with alcohol intake. Therefore, if you take any type of medicine, read the leaflet carefully until you find the part that informs whether the alcoholic beverage can be consumed by those who are treated with the medicine in question.

Bear in mind that when the package insert states that alcohol should not be ingested while using a certain medicine, this also includes beers. With information from Opa Bier, Mayo Clinic Health System, Medical News Today, Blog Dr. Francis Vinícius and Healthline.