Alcohol & Low Carb: The Surprising Connection You Never Knew

Alcohol is the product that is produced from the fermentation of sugars, fruits, or grains. Those raw materials contain carbohydrates. However, during the fermentation process, yeast or bacteria react with those sugars and starches and convert them to ethanol, which is the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. Unlike carbs, ethanol does not spike the fat-storing hormone called insulin. So? Does that make alcohol a low-carb or keto-friendly drink? Well, it's a lot to unpack, but here we go!

LMNT Margarita Recipe
1.5 oz. Tequila
8 oz. Seltzer Water
½ tsp. LMNT Citrus Salt
½ cup Ice
1 Twist of Lime

Place the tequila and seltzer water in a glass. Slowly stir in the LMNT Citrus Salt. Add the ice and lime. Enjoy!

****************

Join Dr. Becky on Instagram: @drbeckyfitness
Join Dr. Becky on Twitter @DrBeckyFitness

More Videos by Dr. Becky:

************
Disclaimer: Dr. Becky Gillaspy, DC received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1991. Her use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to herself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Gillaspy was a licensed chiropractor in Pennsylvania, but she no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Gillaspy and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Dr Becky Fitness LLC and Dr. Rebecca Gillaspy, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any conclusions drawn, services or product you obtain through this video or site.

[tommcfall]

I have lost 82 pounds in 7 months doing Keto and I.F. while enjoying low-carb beer or seltzer on weekends. Mostly Michelob Ultra brand. I does increase my appetite at times but that's O.K. occasionally.

[TimNelson]

Dr. Becky, I can't thank you enough. From your YouTube videos, you've helped 'fix' my non-alcoholic fatty liver syndrome, made my cholesterol levels the best they've ever been recorded, and brought my glucose levels into perfect alignment. None of this would be possible without you. In our kitchen, we speak fondly of you and your knowledge. Bless you, a thousand times.

[richardmills]

Beer was my Achilles heel however not in terms of dependency, I just really like the taste of microbrew beer. When I went on the Keto diet in January I've basically cut out beer. I've had maybe 5 beers total over that last three months. It's really helped. I've lost 30 pounds on Keto and feel great.

[marthaduff]

I was growing up my dad not let no one drink in our home I am thankful for that standard he had ❤️.

[FruScarpia]

Thank you for your balanced and mature perspective on this issue.

[Photologistic]

I consider alcohol in the carbs category because I prefer beer. If you’re drinking, it just makes even more sense to eat keto. And, if you do eat keto or mostly keto, you really don’t have to “give up” beer. That just means you will eventually “give up” your diet. It should be a way of eating. If you keep food carbs low, you can EASILY have a couple beers practically every night and still lose weight.

[johnpeter]

Good one. Old Japanese saying "the man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes the man..
Dr. Becky of the three channels I follow for diet/weight you are #1 in my mind.

[MrSridharMurthy]

Dr. Becky, I am not worried about weight loss! My BMI is below 24! I love to drink my beer daily but at the same time, I am battling my Type 2 diabetes with a low carb and no sugar diet! Thank you for your inspiring videos!

[ookaninam]

I prefer a shochu with sparkling mineral water and a squeezed lemon slice. Picked this up from Japan. Non-sweetened but refreshing!

[richardmullins]

Titos vodka and sugar free sprite is my go to drink.The old saying is liquor is quicker is soooo! true

[BainsPummy]

Problem with studies is they asked bunch of people what or how they drink etc, They don't ask about their diet and life style, I have couple bourbons every night, But I do healthy Keto, OMAD IF and prolonged fast each month for 120-150 hours, beside that, every morning i take Milk Thistle, Tudca, BI. Thankyou Dr Berg. everyone is different.

[Straightdeal]

An example: A "double" vodka in metric terms is 50ml of vodka, or 50g of vodka. That double will give you 50X7=350 Kcal (or 1470 kJ) of "empty" energy! 🤪

[sirdarklust]

A tip: If you're going to drink beer/ale, drink Guinness stout (a very close second is Murphy's stout), as it is among the lowest in carbs, sugars and calories, but also has some nutritional value. Also, as it is very filling, you'll drink a pint at a slower rate and probably drink less overall.

[charleshall]

Vodka Perrier w/Lime and Chivas 12 w/Water NO CARBS

[normasouza]

Another alternative is non-alcoholic beer. There are some great ones out there now. They are low carb and I’m hoping having one will be ok

[MustangLeaf]

My mom enjoy a low carb drink once per week (usually hard seltzer). It's a nice treat!

[monicafratini]

Dr. Becky, you mention using carbonated water for a mixer. I was wondering if you could do a video about the different kinds of waters out there. For example regular water versus carbonated water or even alkaline water. I would love to know the nutritional differences and benefits. Really enjoyed this video, thank you.

[lavonahmadden]

Thank you for all of your videos! I found you in November, 2018 and have not looked back!

[jennifermillskerr]

Thank you! So helpful. Bought the lmnt product as well.

[nadinenorman]

I have a question there is another Dr. that says eat eggs, cheese, and meat for a reset of 30 days or longer. What are your thoughts on this?