For men, drinking is a common occurrence. Some people, even when they can't stand steadily, still try to act tough. So, do you know about the harm that drinking can cause to your health? Moderate drinking is beneficial to your health, but men must pay attention to the right way. Below, the editor will introduce you to how to drink correctly and healthily:
1. Drink at an ideal speed
The ideal speed is one that does not exceed the liver's processing capacity. The liver breaks down alcohol at a rate of about 10ml per hour. The amount of pure alcohol (ethanol) in a drink can be calculated from the alcohol percentage listed on the bottle label. For example, a 250ml drink with an alcohol content of 16% would have 250ml × 0.16 = 40ml of alcohol.
If a person finishes it in 4 hours, the average alcohol intake per hour is 10ml, which just matches the liver's processing speed. Drinking at this speed can minimize the burden of alcohol on the liver.
2. Drink water to restore the body's water balance
Alcohol has the effect of changing the water balance inside and outside the body's cells. Normally, 2/3 of the body's water is inside the cells, but when alcohol increases, water from inside the cells moves into the blood vessels. Therefore, although the total body water remains the same, you will feel thirsty because the water inside the cells has decreased. For whatever reason, adequate water intake is always a good idea. "Sobering water" has been a method to relieve post-drinking discomfort since ancient times. Mixing three small pinches of salt into a full glass of water and drinking it all at once can stimulate the stomach and make it easier to vomit.
3. Sports drinks and juice are also effective
When you wake up the next morning after excessive drinking, your throat often feels very dry. At this time, there is residual alcohol and the harmful substance acetaldehyde in the body, which should be expelled as soon as possible. Beverages containing inorganic salts and sugars not only replenish fluids but also help eliminate alcohol from the body. Sports drinks and juices are very effective, especially sports drinks, as their composition is close to human body fluids and is easily absorbed by the body. They are not only effective for hangovers but can also prevent getting too drunk if consumed while drinking.
In addition, tea containing polyphenols and vitamin C, or honey lemonade made with lemon and honey, is also very effective for hangovers. It should be noted that regardless of the type of drink, if it is too cold, the active ingredients are not easily absorbed, so it should be consumed at room temperature or warm.
4. Eat persimmons to help break down alcohol
Persimmons are fruits rich in fructose and vitamin C and have been used since ancient times as an effective food to prevent drunkenness and relieve hangovers. The astringent components in sweet persimmons can break down alcohol; the potassium they contain has a diuretic effect. Persimmon leaves also contain dozens of times more vitamin C than citrus fruits, and their fresh young buds can be eaten fried or dried to make persimmon leaf tea.
5. Eat more shellfish to strengthen the liver's detoxification function
Taking clams as an example, the protein content in their nutritional components is comparable to that of eggs. Moreover, because they contain balanced essential amino acids, they do not burden the liver and can help restore liver function.
Shellfish foods are usually rich in vitamin B12, taurine, and glycogen; vitamin B12 and glycogen also play an important role in promoting liver function; and the amino acid taurine, when combined with bile acids, can activate the liver's detoxification function.
6. Drink aloe vera juice to reduce blood acetaldehyde concentration
The green, thorny part of aloe vera and its inner gel contain substances such as polysaccharides and glycoproteins, which can reduce the concentration of acetaldehyde, a harmful substance produced after alcohol breakdown, in the blood. Therefore, drinking some aloe vera juice before drinking is very effective in preventing post-drinking symptoms such as headache, nausea, and facial flushing. In addition, the bitter component of aloe vera, aloin, has a stomachic effect and can treat nausea and vomiting caused by hangovers.
7. Eat protein-rich foods to reduce the burden on the liver
Protein and fat stay in the stomach for the longest time, so they are most suitable as food to go with alcohol. To avoid gaining weight from consuming too much high-protein food, it is best to choose fish and shellfish, lean meat, chicken, soy products, eggs, and cheese. Dairy products like milk and cheese, which contain high-quality protein, eggs, tofu, scallops, and soups made from these foods are beneficial to liver function and do not burden the stomach.
Some people like to eat heavily flavored foods after drinking, such as oily ramen, which can burden the gastrointestinal tract and prolong the discomfort of being drunk. Therefore, you should choose easily digestible foods that can improve liver function, such as fruits, milk with honey, yogurt, and eggs.