An NHS doctor has shared a top tip to help party-goers stay in control and ease the potential hangover brought on by the season’s indulgences. With Brits known for enjoying a tipple or two more during this time, health risks and undesirable hangovers might seem inevitable – but there are ways to lessen their impact.
Doctor Karan Rajan recommended eating beforehand to moderate alcohol’s effects on the body. He suggested that consuming meals high in fats, protein, and fibre can slow down the digestion process and the rate at which alcohol is absorbed. While completely preventing the effects of alcohol isn’t possible, making specific dietary choices can help.
In a demonstration involving a balloon and pipe, Dr. Rajan explained how consuming nutrients can cause the stomach to release food into the small intestine at a slower rate. This delay in alcohol’s entry into the small intestine means it’s absorbed more gradually into the bloodstream, resulting in slower intoxication. Any caloric intake before drinking can slow down the process, not just specific foods.
Dr. Rajan emphasized that consuming calories with or before alcohol delays gastric emptying and digestion overall. This is why drinking alcohol with zero-calorie mixes can lead to faster intoxication compared to full-calorie mixers, as sugar and calories stimulate the release of digestive hormones that slow down digestion.
To keep health risks from alcohol low, the NHS advises not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis, for both men and women. Spreading drinking over three or more days and having several drink-free days each week can help moderate alcohol consumption. This advice is particularly relevant during the festive season when many tend to drink more than usual.
So this Christmas, if you want to enjoy the festivities without the dreaded hangover, consider following these tips to ‘get drunk more slowly’ and make the most of the season’s celebrations without the unwanted side effects. Remember, moderation and mindful consumption are key to a healthy and enjoyable holiday season.