鈥淏eer Spa鈥� 鈥撯�� two words that you wouldn鈥檛 think to put together. Well, go to the center of Prague, and there is seemingly no end to the signs for these curious retreats.
When I think of a spa day, I imagine walking in the door and instantly being embraced by the calming aroma of eucalyptus. So, I must admit, that the concept of soaking in and sipping unlimited beer for hours doesn鈥檛 really seem like my ideal spa experience.
But maybe that鈥檚 just me.
According to , one of Prague鈥檚 leading beer spa providers, those who muster up the courage to embark on this experience can expect: increased heart activity, improved blood circulation, a supply of carbohydrates, vitamins, and proteins, skin rejuvenation, and detoxification. First, what do any of these claims even mean and second, are we talking about the same beer?! The company鈥檚 website attributes these health benefits to one key ingredient in the beer: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or more commonly known as brewer鈥檚 yeast.
Brewer鈥檚 yeast is added near the end of the beer making process and is what ferments the sugars in the initial concoction into alcohol and CO2. This process is what makes beer bubbly and alcoholic! Interestingly, brewer鈥檚 yeast has gained traction in the wellness industry. However, first, it is important to differentiate between active and inactive brewer鈥檚 yeast. The yeast used to make beer is active, meaning it is alive and has vital fermentation properties. On the other hand, inactive brewer鈥檚 yeast is comprised of the yeast by-product of the beer making process. In this case, the remaining yeast cells are removed and heated, which deactivates the fungus. Then, the inactive (dead) yeast is dried into a powder form.
It is the inactive brewer鈥檚 yeast that has been applauded for its numerous health benefits. Some proponents of the product have even argued for its - questionable - ability to increase lactation in nursing mothers. Many of the supplement鈥檚 health benefits are attributed to its high 鈥� with the exception of B12 鈥�, mineral, and protein content. Due to these properties, brewer鈥檚 yeast enthusiasts will go as far to make 鈥� clinically baseless - claims that the supplement helps with IBS, the common cold, and Type 2 diabetes. Brewer鈥檚 yeast is a probiotic, which has led many to suggest that it is useful in protecting against digestive tract issues. Of these three pathologies, research on the beneficial impact of brewer鈥檚 yeast on insulin receptors among diabetic patients is the most promising. This is because brewer鈥檚 yeast contains the trace element, chromium. In a utilizing a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial method, researchers found that taking brewer鈥檚 yeast alongside other diabetes-related medications may improve blood sugar control among those with Type 2 diabetes. However, the does not recommend using chromium supplements, as studies have not conclusively proven their benefit.
But let鈥檚 go back to beer. While some may perceive some benefit from taking brewer鈥檚 yeast as a supplement鈥撯�� you certainly do not get these benefits from drinking beer. Alcoholic beverages hold no nutritional value. These beer spas also make the unfounded claim that by sitting in a beer-filled hot tub, you will be able to absorb the beneficial elements, vitamins, and proteins that naturally occur in the beer. By this logic, you could make the argument that you don鈥檛 need to eat your fruits and vegetables but rather rub them on your skin to absorb their vitamins. This is certainly not the case... because we are humans, not frogs! Research has been conducted looking at this method of vitamin absorption, however, the evidence is extremely limited because the mechanism through which the vitamins would pass through our skin is very complicated. Additionally, research suggests that the most effective form of vitamin ingestion is taking it .
So, while beer does not have any clinically proven skincare (or health) effects, what does that mean for ? Beer being used as a hair product is a 鈥渉ack鈥� that has been used across the decades 鈥� in fact, my (Czech) great grandmother used beer to set her curls when she didn鈥檛 have access to curl creams. Today, on social media, users claim that beer makes their hair shinier, curlier, and even stronger. Individuals often attribute these benefits to beer鈥檚 high B vitamin and protein content which may help to nourish hair follicles. However, these benefits are anecdotal and lack clinical evidence on the long-term effects of the practice.
The moral of the story? Don鈥檛 waste your time or money bathing in beer. In fact, you might not be better off drinking it, because alcohol is a known . So, it might be best to avoid beer spas all together, your nostrils will thank you.
Eva Kellner is a recent graduate from the Faculty of Arts and Science, with a major in Environment. Her research interests include urban green spaces, urban agriculture, and outdoor community spaces - all as promoters of climate resilience among city-dwellers.
Part of the OSS mandate is to foster science communication and critical thinking in our students and the public. We hope you enjoy these pieces from our聽Student Contributors聽and welcome any feedback you may have!
