A medical expert has explained how the popular new drink works on your brain to make you feel some effects of alcohol.
Dry January has arrived, and we’ve just passed the one week mark- if you’re taking part, hopefully you’re still going strong, or have managed to get back on track.
However, those participating will be pleased to know that there is now an alternative to alcohol, and no, I’m not talking about H2O (as glorious as it is).
What are Sentia Spirits?
Sentia Spirits are responsible for the creation of a line of non-alcoholic drinks that can give you that ‘gentle buzz’ without a hangover, and it’s all legal to buy.
Thought up by Professor David Nutt and his team, they describe the drink as an ‘effective alternative to drinking low levels of alcohol’, resulting in you feeling tipsy.
Nutt said to The Independent that the drink is ‘based on the science of alcohol’, with low doses in particular as they help you relax more, and be more sociable.
Now, a health expert has weighed in on how the drink works exactly, and how you can feel the effects of alcohol with no repercussions.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, explained: “Drinks like Sentia, marketed as alcohol alternatives and mood enhancers, work by targeting the brain’s natural biochemistry, particularly the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system.”
How do Sentia Spirits work?
Nutt explained that this specific neurotransmitter is activated in a similar way, as Dr Wylie adds: “GABA is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating anxiety, relaxation, and social bonding.
“These drinks often include a blend of botanicals and compounds that can either directly stimulate GABA receptors or promote the production of GABA, leading to a calming effect without the intoxicating side effects of alcohol.”
They work similarly to CBD drinks, as they ‘target the brain’s natural biochemistry’, like plant and herb extracts such as passion fruit or lemon balm in terms of calming someone.
She went on to suggest: “They may work by enhancing GABA’s ability to bind to its receptors in the brain or by reducing the breakdown of GABA, increasing its availability.”
Ultimately, it can cause relaxation, reduced stress, and an improved mood – all without cognitive impairment.
The expert also revealed that they could include ‘adaptogens and nootropics’, which play their part in stress reduction, improving the ‘overall social and sensory experience’.
Positives of drinking Sentia
Dr Wylie believes that the drink could prove to be a great ‘low-calorie, non-alcoholic alternative’ for those looking to avoid alcohol by choice, or for a healthier lifestyle.
She noted: “Individual responses can vary based on personal biochemistry and the specific formulation of the drink.”
Negatives of drinking Sentia
The expert noted that the ‘active ingredients’ in Sentia that may feature plant-based compounds that affect the GABA system, could ‘have unknown or under-researched long-term effects on the body, particularly with regular use’.
She revealed: “Additionally, some individuals may experience side effects, such as drowsiness, interactions with medications, or allergic reactions to specific herbal components.”
