Vivian Marlowe
Eating before, during, and after drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. This is because the body closes a valve at the bottom of the stomach when digestion occurs, which slows the rate at which alcohol enters the intestines and is subsequently absorbed. Food in the stomach can inhibit the absorption of alcohol by physically obstructing the alcohol from coming into contact with the stomach lining. Greasy, high-protein, and fatty foods are more difficult to digest and stay in the stomach longer, so they slow down the rate of intoxication. Foods that may help slow digestion before drinking include whole carbohydrate sources, such as brown rice, pasta, and oats, as well as lean protein sources, like eggs, salmon, chicken breast, and Greek yogurt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to soak up alcohol in the stomach | Eating before, during, and after drinking alcohol |
| Eating foods high in protein, fiber, and fats | |
| Drinking water | |
| Sleeping | |
| Avoiding medications | |
| Avoiding carbonated drinks | |
| Avoiding drinking on an empty stomach |
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What You'll Learn
Eat before, during, and after drinking alcohol
Eating before, during, and after drinking alcohol can help slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. This is because the body closes a valve at the bottom of the stomach when digestion occurs, which slows the rate at which alcohol enters the intestines and is subsequently absorbed.
Foods high in protein, fibre, and fats are more difficult to digest, so they slow food transit the most. Good food choices before drinking include whole carbohydrate sources, such as brown rice, pasta, and oats; lean protein sources, like eggs, salmon, and chicken breast; and foods with healthy fats like avocados. Bananas are also a great option as they are full of potassium and water, helping to prevent dehydration and electrolyte loss.
It is also important to eat while drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase serotonin levels, affecting hunger levels and cravings. Choosing foods with a mixture of protein, fat, and carbohydrates can help to avoid making food choices that are significantly different from when you are sober.
Finally, eating after drinking alcohol is important to help restore nutrients to your body. Alcohol is technically a toxin, so eating after drinking can help to restore the availability of nutrients.
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Avoid carbonated alcoholic drinks
While carbonation itself is not harmful, carbonated alcoholic drinks are often mixed with sweeteners or sugar, which can have negative health effects. These ingredients can contribute to weight gain, digestive issues, and dental erosion. Sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks add calories to your diet, increasing your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. They can also lead to cavities and tooth decay as the sugar interacts with bacteria in your mouth to form acid.
Additionally, consuming carbonated soft drinks can cause repeated belching as your stomach stretches from the accumulation of carbon dioxide gas. This can lead to heartburn and a sour taste in your mouth as food and stomach acid come up your food pipe.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to sugary sodas or energy drinks, sparkling water is often recommended as a refreshing, bubbly option. However, it's important to note that even plain sparkling water can be slightly acidic, with a pH of 5–6, which may have a similar effect on your teeth over time.
To minimize the potential dental health risks associated with carbonated drinks, it's advisable to use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth, avoid swishing the drink in your mouth, and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Waiting at least an hour before brushing your teeth will also allow your enamel to re-harden.
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Consume foods high in protein, fibre, and fats
Consuming foods rich in protein, fibre, and fats before drinking alcohol can help slow its absorption into the bloodstream. This is because the body closes a valve at the bottom of the stomach when digestion occurs, which delays the rate at which alcohol enters the intestines and is subsequently absorbed.
Protein-rich foods include lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and pork, which are excellent sources of high-quality protein and important nutrients like iron and zinc. Fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are also rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health. For plant-based options, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and quinoa are excellent sources of protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Eggs are another complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
High-fat foods can also help slow alcohol absorption. Examples include avocados, nuts, and certain dairy products like cheese, milk, and Greek yogurt. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes when consuming high-fat foods, as they can be high in calories.
While consuming foods high in protein, fibre, and fats can help slow alcohol absorption, it is important to note that food is not a treatment for alcohol overconsumption or poisoning. The only way to effectively avoid intoxication is to refrain from drinking or to keep alcohol intake to a minimum.
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Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is a key part of drinking alcohol responsibly and reducing the effects of alcohol. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, so drinking water is important to prevent dehydration and its associated side effects.
Drinking water can help dilute the alcohol in your system and slow down the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol. For every alcoholic drink, you should also have a glass of water. This will not only help your liver to process the alcohol but will also fill you up, reducing the risk of overconsumption.
Water is the best way to stay hydrated, but there are other ways to keep your fluid levels up. Bananas, for example, are made up of 75% water and are rich in potassium, which can be lost when drinking alcohol. They also contain fibre, which can help to slow alcohol absorption. Avocados are another good source of potassium and healthy fats, which can help to balance your electrolytes.
It's important to avoid salty foods when drinking alcohol, as these can make you more dehydrated. Refined carbs and sugary foods and drinks should also be avoided, as they can cause blood sugar fluctuations and increase your risk of overeating.
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Get some sleep
While there is no way to quickly reduce blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels in the body, sleep is the best way to help someone sober up. When you're drunk, alcohol has accumulated in your bloodstream because your liver hasn't had time to process and break it down yet. The liver can only get rid of about one standard drink per hour. So, after consuming excess alcohol, the most reliable way to sober up is to sleep while your body processes it.
However, it is important to note that "sleeping it off" can be dangerous if someone has had a large amount of alcohol. Your blood alcohol level can continue to rise even after you pass out, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. This occurs when your blood alcohol level continues to rise during sleep. Passing out after a night of heavy drinking is not uncommon, but it can be fatal or lead to irreversible brain damage. Alcohol also affects the nerves responsible for the gag reflex, so people can vomit in their sleep and choke. Therefore, it is advisable to tell others if a person is going to try this approach.
If you need to wake up early, set a backup alarm. Keep the shades closed and the light out of your eyes, or wear sunglasses. A hangover may make you sensitive to light or sound. If you're feeling unwell, drink water to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol and eat bland foods such as toast and crackers to raise your blood sugar without irritating your stomach. Be cautious when consuming caffeine, as it can help with fatigue but can also make an upset stomach worse.
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Frequently asked questions
Eating before, during, and after drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. This is because the body closes a valve at the bottom of the stomach when digestion occurs. Eating foods high in protein, fibre, and fats can slow down digestion. Foods that may help include whole carbohydrates like brown rice, pasta, and oats, and lean protein sources like eggs, salmon, and chicken breast.
Food cannot speed up the rate of detoxification. However, eating foods high in potassium, such as bananas, can help prevent an electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration from drinking alcohol. Bananas also contain fibre, which can slow alcohol absorption.
The only reliable way to sober up is to sleep while your body processes the alcohol. Drinking water can help dilute the alcohol and prevent dehydration, but it will not help your body metabolise alcohol faster.
Carbonated alcoholic drinks increase the rate of alcohol absorption. This is because the pressure inside the stomach and small intestine forces alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. Sugary and juicy mixers also speed up the absorption rate.
