There is an inseparable bond between alcohol and men, with many believing that being a "real man" is demonstrated on the drinking table. Baijiu, with its mellow aroma and special effects, is loved by many men. However, excessive consumption of Baijiu can affect health. But since drinking is inevitable in our lives, how can we drink without harming our health? The editor will now provide a detailed explanation below:
The dangers of excessive Baijiu consumption:
One, ethanol directly inhibits the testes' production of testosterone, thereby reducing male androgen (serum testosterone) levels and damaging the structure and function of the testes.
Two, ethanol in the blood increases the binding of proteins with circulating serum testosterone, reducing the amount of biologically active free serum testosterone.
Three, under the stimulation of ethanol, the liver accelerates the breakdown of serum testosterone. Long-term drinkers often have varying degrees of alcoholic cirrhosis, which reduces the liver's ability to inactivate estrogen. This leads to a relative or absolute increase in estrogen levels in the body, causing men to experience phenomena such as reduced facial hair, testicular shrinkage, decreased libido, and even ED. Of course, decreased libido in long-term drinkers is also related to ethanol's adverse effects on the smooth muscle of the penile corpus cavernosum, nitric oxide, and choline acetyltransferase.
How to drink healthily:
1. Pay attention to Baijiu and beer
When drinking Baijiu, drink more plain water to help the alcohol be excreted quickly through urine; when drinking beer, go to the restroom frequently; when drinking strong liquor, it's best to add ice cubes.
2. Eat more green leafy vegetables and soy products when drinking
Antioxidants and vitamins in green leafy vegetables can protect the liver; lecithin in soy products also has a protective effect on the liver.
3. Don't gulp it down
Drink slowly, with occasional pauses. Do not drink carbonated beverages like cola or soda while drinking, as this can speed up the body's absorption of alcohol.
4. Don't drink on an empty stomach
Drink and eat at the same time. Because alcohol stays in the stomach for a relatively long time, eating causes the stomach to secrete gastric acid, which interferes with alcohol absorption. Slower alcohol absorption naturally makes it less likely to get drunk, so you must not drink on an empty stomach.
5. Do not bathe after drinking
After drinking, the glucose stored in the body is consumed by physical activity during bathing, leading to a decrease in blood sugar and a sharp drop in body temperature. Alcohol inhibits the liver's normal functions, hindering the restoration of stored glucose in the body, which can endanger life and cause death.
6. The best remedy for intoxication is not tea
Nor is it Sprite or Coke. It's juice, especially orange and apple juice, which can have a good sobering effect because they contain fructose, which helps the body burn alcohol more effectively.
7. Don't mix different types of alcohol
Because different types of alcohol have different compositions and contents, mixing them can cause chemical reactions that make you feel uncomfortable after drinking, leading to headaches and getting drunk more easily.
8. Drink warm alcohol whenever possible
Whether it's Baijiu or yellow wine, drink it after warming it up. First, it tastes more aromatic and pleasant; second, it can volatilize some low-boiling aldehydes and other harmful substances, reducing harmful components. Drinking is hard to avoid. Moderate drinking is beneficial to health, while excessive drinking is harmful.
9. Don't use medicinal liquor for banquets
Certain medicinal ingredients may conflict with or chemically react with some food components, causing nausea, vomiting, and discomfort after consumption.