As the Spring Festival approaches, most gatherings will involve a little alcohol to celebrate. Experts note that moderate drinking can promote blood circulation, warm the body, and ward off the cold. However, excessive consumption can backfire. Alcohol ingested is metabolized by the liver, and overindulgence causes the most damage to this vital organ.
"Many people have the bad habit of drinking a round of alcohol before food arrives during social gatherings. Drinking on an empty stomach is particularly harmful to the body, as alcohol absorption is significantly higher than when the stomach is full. On an empty stomach, alcohol can appear in the bloodstream within 5 minutes, and blood alcohol concentration peaks within 30 to 60 minutes."Experts suggest taking vitamin C, vitamin B, or eating a few oranges half an hour before drinking to help prevent alcohol poisoning. Consuming milk or carbohydrates beforehand can form a protective layer on the stomach lining, slowing alcohol absorption. During meals, drinking plenty of water or soup dilutes the alcohol and can help mitigate its effects.For those with pre-existing stomach conditions, taking appropriate gastric medication before drinking can minimize alcohol's damaging effects on the stomach lining.
"Many people resort to methods like inducing vomiting, drinking strong tea, or consuming vinegar after excessive drinking. Medically speaking, neither approach is advisable. While vomiting may provide temporary relief, severely intoxicated individuals often lack consciousness and risk choking on their own vomit.Strong tea and vinegar irritate the stomach lining. Combined with alcohol's irritation, they stimulate gastric acid secretion, effectively 'adding fuel to the fire' of alcohol-induced gastric damage.Experts advise that after intoxication, consuming honey water, glucose water, or vitamin-rich foods like tomato juice, grape juice, watermelon juice, oranges, or tangerines can accelerate the oxidation and metabolism of ethanol in the body.