Tips

The Secret to Minimizing the Negative Effects of Alcohol This Holiday Season

The festive season brings with it a multitude of celebrations, and inevitably, an excess of alcohol. Today, we share with you clever tips to mitigate the harmful effects of alcohol on your body!

Administrator

5 September, 2024

Alcohol and beer are often the preferred drinks during Tet holiday parties, despite their well-known negative effects. It is impossible to avoid the harm that these drinks can cause to your liver, kidneys, and stomach. However, you can minimize their impact with these simple tips:

Harmful Effects of Alcohol and Tips to Reduce and Prevent Them:

1 Avoid Bathing Immediately After Drinking Alcohol

Bathing immediately after consuming alcohol

Bathing right after drinking alcohol can lead to a significant drop in blood sugar levels due to the rapid consumption of glucose. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which is a common trigger for fainting and even heart failure.

2 Don’t Smoke While Drinking Alcohol

Smoking while drinking can accelerate alcohol absorption

Smoking while drinking alcohol accelerates the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, making it easier to lose consciousness. The combination of smoking and drinking increases the risk of throat, lung, and even brain cancer. Nicotine from cigarettes also affects the brain, making it harder to quit the habit.

3 Avoid Drinking Tea Right After Alcohol Consumption

Tea accelerates alcohol absorption in the stomach

The tannin in tea accelerates alcohol absorption in the stomach, increasing the harm to this organ. Additionally, tea stimulates the heart to beat faster, which is not beneficial for the kidneys as they work to eliminate alcohol from the body.

4 Don’t Drink Alcohol on an Empty Stomach

Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to a sudden spike in blood alcohol levels

According to Marvin Singh, a clinical professor at the University of California’s Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can cause a sudden and sharp increase in blood alcohol levels. This is because the alcohol is absorbed more quickly into the body, leading to easier intoxication.

Reference: Effective drinks and foods to cure a hangover

5 Avoid Mixing Different Types of Alcoholic Beverages

Mixing different types of alcohol can affect digestion

Mixing different types of alcoholic beverages accelerates alcohol absorption in the stomach, leading to stronger stimulation and quicker intoxication. Additionally, it can disrupt the production of digestive enzymes, reduce gastric juices, and cause stomach cramps and inflammation.

6 Avoid Drinking Alcohol Quickly to Reduce Its Harmful Effects

Avoid drinking alcohol quickly

Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period will accelerate its effects on the body, leading to dizziness and quicker intoxication. Instead, drink slowly to maintain sobriety and stay alert for a longer period.

7 Drink Plenty of Water After Consuming Alcohol

Drink water to help flush out alcohol through urination

After drinking alcohol, it is essential to drink water to accelerate the elimination of alcohol from the body through urination. This will help prevent intoxication.

8 Warm Up Alcohol Before Consumption

Warm up alcohol by soaking the bottle in hot water

For all types of alcohol, it is recommended to warm it up before consumption by soaking the bottle in hot water. The heat will cause some of the harmful substances in the alcohol to evaporate, reducing its negative impact on the body.

9 Consume More Green Vegetables and Fruits to Counteract Alcohol’s Harmful Effects

Consume more green vegetables and fruits

During the holiday season, it’s common to consume more alcohol than usual, overloading the liver and leading to decreased liver function. While the above tips can help reduce the harmful effects of alcohol, they cannot eliminate them entirely. Therefore, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption to protect your health.

Frequently asked questions

The key is to practice mindful drinking and adopt healthy drinking habits. This includes understanding the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, setting realistic limits, and knowing your own limits.

Drink slowly and consciously. Avoid drinking games or chugging competitions. Space out your drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages. Eat before and while you drink to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.

Plan ahead and set a budget for how much you want to spend on alcohol. Choose lower-risk options like beer or wine instead of hard liquor. Avoid mixing different types of alcohol and opt for quality over quantity. Stay hydrated and get enough sleep to help your body recover.

Be aware of any signs that indicate your drinking is becoming problematic, such as increased tolerance, blackouts, or negative consequences in your life. Seek professional help if you feel you are losing control or unable to cut back on your own.

Stay active and exercise regularly to counterbalance the effects of alcohol and rich foods. Find healthy ways to cope with holiday stress, such as meditation or spending time with loved ones. Remember, the holidays are about more than just drinking, so focus on creating meaningful memories.