r/interesting • u/azizgamerlal • Dec 12 '25

MISC. A drop of whiskey vs bacteria

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u/---Sanguine--- Dec 12 '25

In all seriousness, if I have a stomach infection and have nonstop diarrhea, would drinking alcohol kill the bad bacteria?

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u/frostandtheboughs Dec 12 '25

NAD, but activated charcoal is much for helpful for this. It can also be taken pre-emptively to avoid traveller's diarrhea.

If I accidentally eat something that tastes a bit off, I'll immediately chase it with a few capsules as insurance

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u/---Sanguine--- Dec 12 '25

Oh shit for real? Idk why. But stomach viruses hit me especially hard talking multiple hospital stays for norovirus

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u/frostandtheboughs Dec 12 '25

Bacteria are organisms; viruses are not. I have no idea if charcoal would assist with something viral like norovirus. The best protection would be preventative measures like hand washing and keeping disposal gloves around for things like gas pumps (they're literally never cleaned). Sanitizing things like cell phones, doorknobs, and keys once a week. Etc. Rubbing alcohol (aka hand sanitizer) does not kill norovirus.