For many, beer is more than just a drink—it’s part of social culture, celebrations, and downtime rituals. But new research suggests there may be something more unsettling hiding in your pint glass, toxic “forever chemicals.” A recent study published in ACS Environmental Science & Technology has revealed that over 95 percent of beers tested across the United States and abroad contain traces of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS are a large family of manmade chemicals developed in the mid-20th century for their resistance to water, oil, heat, and stains. They’re found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, firefighting foams, and even cosmetics. Their industrial versatility, however, comes at a steep cost: PFAS do not naturally break down, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Mounting evidence links PFAS exposure to health problems, including hormonal disruption, weakened immunity, high cholesterol, liver damage, fertility challenges, and increased risks of certain cancers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently set strict new limits on PFAS in drinking water, underscoring the urgency of the problem.

How Did PFAS End Up in Beer?

Beer is made primarily of water, and researchers suspected that if municipal water supplies were contaminated with PFAS, those chemicals might carry over into the brewing process. That’s exactly what this new study confirmed.

The research team, led by Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, adapted an EPA-approved method normally used for testing drinking water and applied it to beer. They examined 23 beers from across the U.S. including those brewed in North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Missouri as well as beers imported from Mexico and the Netherlands.

The findings were striking: PFAS were present in 95 percent of samples, with contamination levels strongly correlating to the quality of local water supplies. Beers brewed near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina, a region notorious for PFAS pollution, contained the highest concentrations and the widest mix of chemicals.

Why This Study Say About Forever Chemicals In Beer?

This is the first study to directly link municipal water contamination to PFAS levels in U.S. retail beer. While breweries often use filtration systems, these methods are not designed to capture PFAS. As a result, the contamination that begins in local rivers and reservoirs can persist all the way into the finished product.

The results highlight an uncomfortable reality: PFAS contamination doesn’t just stay in the water—it spreads into food and beverages consumed daily. Beer is only the latest product to show evidence of contamination, joining an already long list that includes bottled water, fish, dairy, and vegetables.

“As an occasional beer drinker myself, I wondered whether PFAS in water supplies was making its way into our pints,” said Redmon in a statement. “I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours.”

Her comments echo a growing consensus among environmental health experts that solving PFAS contamination requires systemic change. Since individual breweries can do little to alter the chemical composition of municipal water, solutions must come from upgrading public water systems and enforcing stricter industrial discharge regulations.

What Are The Health Risks Beyond the Glass?

For consumers, the immediate concern is how much PFAS exposure from beer actually contributes to long-term health risks. The EPA’s new standards set the safe threshold for certain PFAS, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), at near-zero levels in drinking water. While the amounts found in beer are relatively small per serving, scientists warn that cumulative exposure across multiple sources—water, food, packaging, and now beer—poses a real risk over time.

The issue extends far beyond breweries. PFAS contamination has been detected in rivers, groundwater, and public water systems across the United States and around the globe. A seven-fold increase in Google searches for “PFAS” in the past five years reflects rising public concern as awareness grows.

Everyday products contribute to the exposure cycle: waterproof clothing, stain-resistant upholstery, non-stick pans, and even cosmetics like waterproof mascaras can shed PFAS into the environment. Once in the ecosystem, they seep into soil, water, and eventually our bodies.

For casual drinkers, a pint of beer is unlikely to be the sole driver of PFAS-related health risks. However, the study reinforces a broader message: PFAS are everywhere, and beer is another reminder of how pervasive they’ve become. Health experts emphasize that reducing exposure across all possible sources is key, since the chemicals accumulate in the body over time.

As Dr. Redmon’s team points out, the solution doesn’t lie in avoiding beer altogether—it lies in addressing the root of the problem: contaminated water systems and unchecked chemical pollution.

If you drink 14 drinks per week, the American Cancer Society's peer-reviewed journal Cancer, noted that you have a 25% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. This also means that you have a 95% higher risk of developing rectal cancer as compared to those who drink an average of one drink per week.

Moderate alcohol intake is measured as seven or less drinks per week, which is associated with a lower risk. However, experts have time and again stressed that there is no safe limit of drinking.

"While the data on former drinkers were sparse, we were encouraged to see that their risk may return to that of the light drinkers,” co–senior author Erikka Loftfield of the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute said in a news release.

What the Study Found

The findings come from an analysis of U.S. adults who took part in the National Cancer Institute’s Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Researchers tracked 88,092 participants over a 20 year period and identified 1,679 cases of colorectal cancer during that time.

The data showed a clear pattern. Higher lifetime alcohol consumption was linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, with the strongest association seen for rectal cancer. However, the study also offered encouraging news. People who stopped drinking saw their risk decline, highlighting that lifestyle changes can still make a difference later in life.

Read: Drinking Alcohol Could Damage Your DNA, Not Just Your Liver Or Heart

Colorectal Cancer Is Rising in Younger Adults

These findings come at a time of growing concern about colorectal cancer rates, especially among younger people. Earlier this month, the American Cancer Society reported that colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among people under 50 in the United States.

Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior author of the report and senior vice president of surveillance, prevention and health services research at the American Cancer Society, said the trend is alarming. He noted that the speed at which colorectal cancer rates have risen among younger adults means it can no longer be considered a disease that only affects older people.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh Swears By This Green Juice to Power His 4am to 9pm Routine

Changing Guidance on Alcohol Consumption

Federal health guidance around alcohol has also shifted. Instead of specifying how many drinks are considered safe, the latest dietary guidelines advise Americans to drink less overall. People with certain health conditions are encouraged to avoid alcohol entirely.

Christopher Kahler, director of the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University, has previously explained that no amount of drinking is completely risk-free. According to him, health risks increase with higher consumption, which is why current guidelines focus on reducing intake rather than defining a safe threshold.

What This Means for Individuals

Taken together, the research reinforces a simple message. Heavy drinking raises cancer risk, drinking less is better for health, and stopping alcohol use can help lower the chances of developing colorectal cancer. With rates rising in younger adults, experts say awareness and prevention efforts are more important than ever.

In many parts of the world, sun is again unseen, thanks to the extended winters. Does this mean you should worry about your vitamin D levels? Yes. However, it does not mean that everyone needs to rush to the nearest pharmacy for supplements.

Health and Me had previously reported on the adverse impact of overdosing on vitamin D supplements. Now, a new study by The Austrian Association for Consumer Information (VKI), and Stiftung Warentest, a German consumer organization tested 22 supplements and found that only two were suitable for preventing a deficiency.

Also Read: NHS Doctors Warn Vitamin D Users About Four Key Overdose Symptoms

Which Vitamin D Supplements Were Tested?

• Abbey Vitamin D3 2500 IU + Zinc + Selenium
• Abtei Vitamin D3 3000 IU
• Alsiroyal Vitamin D3 plant-based + K2 melt-in-the-mouth tablets
• Cefavit D3 1000 IU
• Cefavit D3 K2 Mg 2000
• Dekristolvit D3 2000 IU
• Dekristolvit D3 4000 IU
• dm Mivolis Vitamin D3 1000 IU
• Doppelherz Active Vitamin D3 2000 IU
• Doppelherz System Vitamin D3 7000 IU
• GSE Vitamin D
• GSE Vitamin D3
• Hübner Vitamin D3 800 IU
• Hübner Vitamin D3 Compact 2000 IU
• Natural Elements Vitamin D3/K2 Drops
• Raab Vitalfood D3 + K2 vitamins
• Rotbäckchen Vital Vitamin D
• Sanotact Vitamin D 3200 IU
• Taxofit Vitamin D3 2500 IU
• Tetesept Vitamin D3 10000 weekly depot
• Tetesept Vitamin D3 2000 high dosage
• Vigantolvit Vitamin D3 2000 IU

Of these, only GSE and Rotbäckchen were noted to be safe for use. Markus Herrmann, head of the Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics at the Medical University of Graz, said, "Based on the available data, reputable professional societies do not recommend vitamin D supplementation for healthy adults."

VKI found that 20 out of the 22 products tested were overdose. The worst offenders, according to the study were products from: Hübner, Dekristolvit, Alsiroyal, and Sanotact. Their recommended daily dose exceeded that of the GSE product, which is considered effective, by a factor of 20.

What Are The Recommendations On Vitamin D?

VKI generally advises against the use of vitamin D supplements without consulting doctor. However, the belief that vitamin D is essential still persist. Who are at most risk? The answer is: children, elderly, pregnant women, and people who do not get much sun exposure or cover their skin are most likely to be deficient.

Also Read: After NHS Warning On Vitamin D, Turkish Expert Too Warns Of Poisoning

Time Spent Under Sun In Summers Could Get You Through Winters

Vitamin D has unique characters that makes it different from vitamin C, another popular supplements. It is a steroid that acts as a hormone in the body and is one of the fat-soluble vitamin. This means, it could be stored in fat and muscles, that too for a relatively long time, says Herrmann.

People who spent a lot of time outdoors in summers only begin to deplete their vitamin D levels in February, which is almost the end of winters. Even after this, a few hours a week in fresh air and winter sunlight is enough to produce sufficient vitamin D again.

However, experts point out that because vitamin D is stored, this is what makes it difficult to be excreted, especially when the doses are high. It remains in the body and could harm the person.

Diljit Dosanjh posted a reel dated December 11, where he flaunted his workout plan which starts at 4am and his day ends at 9pmDiljit Dosanjh Swears by This Green Juice to Power His 4am to 9am Workout. His secret to a long day is his 'green juice'. In the video itself, the 42-year-old actor and singer shared that he makes a green juice.

What Is Diljit Dosanjh's Green Juice?

He had shared once on his story in 2021 that he mixes neem and amla along with water for his green juice. The juice works best when consumed on an empty stomach. Why does this juice work?

Neem is loaded with benefits, and same is the case with amla. Neem is known for improving cardiovascular health, eyesight, liver health and the overall immune system. Amla on the hand contains nutrients like vitamin A, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like sodium, potassium, carotene, calcium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and iron. Amla is also known to help with digestion and increase production of red blood cell.

What Are The Benefits Of Amla And Neem?

Amla or Indian gooseberry helps in diabetes control as they have soluble fiber in it and it dissolves quickly in the body. This also helps to slow down the rate at which your body absorbs sugar. Furthermore, it aids with digestion, and the vitamin A content in it helps with eye health. Amla is also rich in vitamin C, which helps in improving immunity and its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties helps furthermore with boosting health.

Neem, or scientifically called Azadirachta Indica contains chemicals that could help with diabetes control by reducing blood sugar levels, heal ulcers in the digestive tract, prevent pregnancy, kill bacteria, and prevent plaque from forming in the mouth.

What Does Diljit Dosanjh's Day Look Like?

He wakes up at 4am and his day begins with energy and powerhouse performances. His fitness regime includes a mix of cardio and weight training.

His day starts with cardio which includes:

Climbing Stairs

• Stand at the bottom of the staircase with your back straight.
• Step up with one foot, then bring the other foot up to the same step.
• Continue climbing at a steady pace, using the handrail if needed for balance.
• Walk back down carefully, keeping your steps controlled.
• Repeat for several rounds or for a set time.

Push Ups

• Start in a plank position with your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width.
• Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
• Bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the floor.
• Push through your palms to straighten your arms and return to the starting position.
• Repeat for the desired number of reps. Beginners can keep their knees on the floor.

Jumping Jacks

• Stand straight with your feet together and arms by your sides.
• Jump up, spreading your legs while raising your arms overhead.
• Jump again to bring your feet back together and arms down.
• Maintain a steady rhythm and breathe normally.
• Continue for a set number of reps or time.

His weight training includes:

Chest flys with dumbbells

• Lie flat on a bench or the floor, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
• Extend your arms above your chest with palms facing each other.
• Keep a slight bend in your elbows throughout the movement.
• Slowly lower your arms out to the sides until you feel a stretch in your chest.
• Bring the dumbbells back together above your chest in a controlled motion.
• Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Dumbbell overhead extensions

• Stand or sit upright, holding one dumbbell with both hands.
• Raise the dumbbell overhead, arms fully extended.
• Keep your elbows close to your ears.
• Slowly bend your elbows to lower the dumbbell behind your head.
• Extend your arms to lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.
• Repeat while keeping your core tight and back straight.

His workout regime ends with light yoga, with cobra pose.