A doctor who graduated from Harvard university has gone viral after revealing the “lasting risks” of drinking alcohol during the festive season.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, shares his experiences and knowledge with his 320,000 followers on TikTok, (@doctorsethimd ).
He previously revealed the “shocking” impact eating instant noodles can have on the body, claiming that the cupboard staple can take over two hours to digest.
With the festive season in full swing, it’s no secret that alcohol will be flowing more than usual – but the doctor has divulged the “lasting risks” drinking too much can have on the body.
In a clip posted on Instagram, which has racked up 1.9 million views and over 21,000 likes, the 41-year-old explains his reasons behind avoiding alcohol, including red wine.
He begins with a firm warning: “Don’t do this to your liver and gut this holiday season.”
Dr Sethi, from California, US, says there’s two important facts to remember while getting merry with family and friends this Christmas and New Year.
One, is that the liver can only process up to one ounce of alcohol per hour, with the average person taking one hour to process one standard drink.
He said: “If you drank five drinks in two hours and now the party is over, it is not OK to drink and drive – take a taxi instead.”
Secondly, he warns that regular consumption of alcohol has been linked to multiple kinds of gut cancers, including liver, pancreas and colon.
Dr Sethi then holds up a bottle of red wine, which he received as a gift, and proceeds to open it, before pouring it down the sink.
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with most people shocked at “wasting” the bottle of wine.
“Why would you waste a bottle of red wine like that,” one person commented.
Someone else said: “Oh man that’s so rude to throw away the wine, give it to someone else.”
Amrita added: “Doc you should’ve couriered it to me na.
Other people praised the doctor for his warning.
“Thanks for the important information. Happy Holidays,” Silvia said.
Another person added: “Good message.”
Dr Sethi proceeded to explain his reasoning behind throwing the gift away, saying: “I poured red wine down the sink to highlight the issue of feeling pressured to finish a bottle.
“This cycle often goes unnoticed
“Recent research indicates there is no entirely safe alcohol amount, but for those choosing to drink, 1-2 drinks a week is generally very low risk.
“Always consult your doctor before any lifestyle changes.”
