When socializing, people often have to drink a few glasses to liven up the atmosphere. Many people like to mix their alcohol with carbonated drinks, such as Coca-Cola or Sprite, thinking this "dilutes" the alcohol and reduces its effects. This is not actually the case. Wu Dongfang, Deputy Director of the Gastroenterology Department at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, explains that from a digestive system perspective, the carbon dioxide gas released by carbonated drinks in the stomach forces the alcohol to enter the small intestine quickly. The small intestine absorbs alcohol much faster than the stomach, thereby increasing the damage. Many people find drinking Coca-Cola while drinking alcohol very refreshing to beat the summer heat, but this is also the easiest way to cause physical harm. Because of the carbonation, alcohol can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain, causing damage. Therefore, drinking carbonated beverages while drinking alcohol can actually speed up intoxication. Mixing drinks with alcohol无形中 increases the intake of sugar and calories, and long-term consumption can affect health, leading to obesity and other chronic diseases.
Many people also believe that strong tea can sober them up and help alleviate the effects of alcohol. It is true that the polyphenols in tea have a certain liver-protective effect, but the theophylline in strong tea can cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise, which can instead worsen headaches. Therefore, after drinking, it is okay to have some light tea or diluted fruit vinegar, but it is best to avoid strong tea.
Another method is to drink two bottles of glucose oral solution after drinking. Because the human body primarily relies on glucose to break down alcohol, glucose oral solution can speed up the decomposition of alcohol in the body, preventing alcohol poisoning. Additionally, you can drink a glass of milk or yogurt before drinking to protect the gastric mucosa from alcohol irritation.