Mocktails, Wellness, and the Power of Liver Health

Methodist Dallas Medical Center was recently honored to partner with The Beck Group for their Employee Wellness and Engagement Event—a unique afternoon of mocktail making by Gustology paired with an engaging conversation on liver wellness.

The session was led by Dr. Ashwini Mehta, transplant hepatologist at The Liver Institute, and Lexy Young, Community Services Director at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Together, they turned a traditional health talk into something that felt more like a podcast episode—casual, lively, and filled with valuable insights. Their approachable style allowed participants to ask real-world questions many might hesitate to raise in a formal setting, while also shedding light on things people often don’t stop to consider: just how much the liver does for us, and how alcohol and diet can affect its function.

What We Learned

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Mehta answered some of the most common (and important) questions people have about liver health, including:

• What exactly does the liver do—and why is it so vital?
• How does alcohol affect men and women differently?
• Are there liver health differences across races and ethnicities?
• What ages are most at risk for liver disease?
• Can liver disease be hereditary?
• What are the immediate benefits of going “Dry 30” or “Dry 90”?
• How can someone remain social without binge drinking? (Mocktails, being upfront about not drinking, etc.)
• Beyond alcohol, what else can harm your liver?
• How can you prevent fatty liver disease?
• What are the warning signs of liver disease?
• Do liver detox supplements work—or can they actually do harm?
• Are supplements and vitamins safe, and what should we be cautious about?

This approachable Q&A made the event both educational and entertaining—and kept everyone engaged while mixing up alcohol-free cocktails.

Check out Dr. Mehta's "Ditch the Drinks" Guide for more tips and information

Why This Matters

The popularity of this event reflects a growing trend: people want to be more conscious about what they consume. The post-COVID era has sparked new conversations about alcohol, wellness, and lifestyle. Alcohol sales jumped by 34% during the pandemic, with increased consumption rising over 29%. That increase has contributed to a dramatic rise in alcohol-related liver disease, which has now surpassed fatty liver disease as the leading cause of liver transplant.

At The Liver Institute, we see these impacts firsthand. That’s why our mission is not only to provide expert, judgment-free care for patients who need us—but also to prevent people from ever needing to walk through our clinic doors. Events

Have a question? Contact our team today!