Vodka is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage with variations from Poland, Russia, and Sweden. It is mainly composed of water and ethanol, but some also come with different flavors. It is made from fermented cereal grains and even potatoes. But did you know vodka can also save lives?
In 2007, a patient arrived in an Australian hospital after drinking ethylene glycol, a common ingredient in antifreeze that can cause renal failure. The Vodka drip he was given kept the ethylene glycol’s toxic effects from killing him.
How Did a Vodka Drip Save a Poisoned Tourist?
After running out of the medical alcohol they would have used to save the life of a poisoned Italian tourist, Australian medics said they put him on a vodka drip.
The 24-year-old Italian, who was not identified, was found to have consumed a substantial amount of ethylene glycol, a common antifreeze chemical that can cause kidney failure.
Because pure alcohol can prevent the harmful effects of ethylene glycol, it is frequently used to treat such situations. The individual was given pharmaceutical-grade alcohol upon arrival at Mackay Base Hospital, according to Dr. Pascal Gelperowicz, but the hospital’s supplies quickly ran out.
We quickly used all the available vials of 100 percent alcohol and decided the next best way to get alcohol into the man’s system was by feeding him spirits through a nasogastric tube. The patient was drip-fed about three standard drinks an hour for three days in the intensive care unit. The hospital’s administrators were also very understanding when we explained our reasons for buying a case of vodka.
Dr. Pascal Gelperowicz
The patient made a successful recovery. The incident occurred about two months ago, though the hospital just released information on the case. (Source: NBC News)
Is Vodka Good for Us?
Anything in excess can be bad for us, but in moderation, vodka can actually be healthy for our consumption.
Vodka is Good for the Heart
According to a few studies, drinking vodka regularly in moderation may benefit heart health. Researchers discovered that wine and vodka lowered protein oxidation in pigs’ hearts, but only wine significantly relaxed blood vessels.
Protein oxidation can cause blood vessels to stiffen, which stinks all over when it comes to heart disease.
Vodka Keeps Your Mouth Clean
Many commercial bottles of mouthwash contain alcohol, which is a natural antiseptic. According to a 2012 study, those who drank alcohol 2 to 7 times per week had a decreased likelihood of needing to have infected teeth extracted. The researchers attribute this to vodka’s antibacterial properties.
Vodka Supports a Low-Carb Diet
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, vodka contains no carbs. If you’re on a low-carb diet, vodka could help you get your rock on without having to eat as many snacks and foods throughout the day.
However, unless you’re intending on drinking vodka shots, which are a one-way ticket to a horrible hangover and potentially disastrous life decisions, be mindful that sugary fruit juices and sodas include plenty of carbs. Choose a low sugar or low carb mixer to keep your carb count closer to zero.
(Source: Greatist)