Introduction: Experts warn that the saying "strong tea sobering you up" is not only without scientific basis but also extremely harmful to the human heart.
We all know that excessive drinking is bad for the heart. In mild cases, it can cause discomfort, and in severe cases, it can even lead to temporary paralysis of the heart. It is often said by the elderly that tea can sober a person up, so when someone is too drunk to wake up, some people's first thought is to pour them a cup of strong tea, not realizing that this is a taboo for heart health. Zhang Yajun, director of the Special Needs Department at Shanghai Yuanda Chest Hospital, said that the saying "strong tea sobering you up" is not only without scientific basis but also extremely harmful to the human heart.
People usually believe that drinking tea after being drunk helps to sober up and clear the mind, and the stronger the tea, the better. Medically speaking, this undoubtedly adds a burden to the heart. The main component of alcohol is ethanol, which is harmful to the body's circulatory system, cardiovascular system, and cerebrovascular system. Director Zhang Yajun said that after alcohol enters the human body, it first acts on the cerebral cortex, causing it to be in an abnormal state of excitement or paralysis, which in turn加重了 the burden on the heart. Strong tea also has a similar stimulating effect on the heart. When the two are combined, it is like "adding fuel to the fire" for an already damaged heart.
Indeed, drinking tea regularly is good for the heart, but it should be light and elegant. The various alkaline substances in tea have a strong diuretic effect. If you drink strong tea after alcohol, the acetaldehyde converted from alcohol will enter the kidneys with the tea water before it has time to be broken down. Because acetaldehyde is highly toxic, it can also cause significant damage to the kidneys. These injuries are not always easy to detect immediately, but over time, they will definitely lead to illness.
Does this mean you can't drink tea after drinking? Not necessarily. Zhang Yajun, director of the Special Needs Department at Shanghai Yuanda Chest Hospital, said that the harm of tea to the heart after drinking is mainly aimed at strong tea. Some people who are slightly drunk can still drink some light tea, soda water, or other beverages to dilute the alcohol concentration in their blood. Instead of strong tea, you might try eating some fresh fruit. Fruits are rich in vitamins and various fibers, which can accelerate the metabolism and excretion of alcohol. Additionally, drinking milk, mung bean and licorice soup, or honey and orange juice can improve the body's detoxification ability. For those who are deeply drunk and even unconscious, it is best to send them to the hospital for emergency treatment to avoid serious consequences. However, for the sake of health, people should try to drink less alcohol, protect their body organs, and cherish their lives.