ISSSTE warns of the health risks of consuming ‘gumichelas’ and ‘azulitos’

The Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (ISSSTE) has launched a warning to the population about the risks associated with excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, specifically the popular ones “azulitos” and “gomichelas”.

In an effort to encourage self-care through better nutrition and reducing alcohol consumption, the ISSSTE highlights the serious damage to health that these drinks can cause.

The abuse of alcoholic beverages such as “blues“ and “gummy bears” It can cause irreversible damage to the heart, kidney and liver. These drinks do not provide any healthy nutrients and their excessive consumption has become worryingly common. Besides, significantly contribute to weight gain and can lead to the development of long-term health problems, such as diabetes.

A single one-liter serving of these drinks contains approximately 728 kilocalories. Drinking two of these servings covers on average two-thirds of the daily calorie requirement, which ranges between 2,000 and 2,500 calories. This caloric excess, accompanied by the high sugar content, represents a considerable risk to health.

The Financial and Actuarial Report of the ISSSTE of 2022 revealed that one million 145 thousand 180 patients over 20 years of age were treated for diabetes mellitus, which represents a prevalence of 11.2 percent. This marks an increase of 1.4 percentage points compared to 2021. The high intake of sugary and alcoholic beverages such as “gummy bears” and “blues” is a contributing factor to this alarming trend.

These drinks, in addition to their high calorie and sugar content, are usually prepared with energizing liquids. This combination is dangerous because energizers activate the nervous system while alcohol inhibits it, which can cause shock to the body. Over time, this shock can lead to cardiovascular problems and other serious health risks.

Through the Nutritional Development Strategy (EDN), the ISSSTE promotes a preventive culture through various actions. One of the main ones is food service in schools, where students are taught about the correct preparation of natural and balanced foods.

Adopting a healthy diet is key to preventing diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and kidney problems. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, avoiding processed products and maintaining a balanced diet are essential practices for an excellent quality of life.

In the face of high temperatures, it is common for people to look for refreshing drinks. However, there are alcohol-free alternatives, with less sugar. and fewer calories which are healthier. Consulting with a nutrition specialist can help us adopt a diet that is appropriate for our body and maintain a healthy life.

I studied journalism at the University of Guadalajara. I am a web reporter at DEBATE, I cover the daily events of Jalisco, Aguascalientes and Guanajuato. I write about topics that concern Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlajomulco, Tlaquepaque, El Salto and the interior of the state. My journalistic work is focused on gender, disappearances, security, Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office, Jalisco Government, 2024 elections in Jalisco, Light Train, Guadalajara Airport and Guadalajara Zoo. Support with the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo, where I cover the 2024 electoral process and security events. In addition, I write in the Health sections as well as Style and Life, in which I follow topics from the WHO, the Ministry of Health, epidemics and pandemics; family psychology, couple relationships, education, health problems, mental health, physical well-being, beauty tips, feng shui, stress and work well-being. I am available at email [email protected]

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