Many people at one point in their lives have had alcohol without eating anything first and can say from their experience that the effects of it are not at all pleasant.
From feeling lightheaded and nauseated to having nasty hangovers the next day – here’s the breakdown of what happens to your body when you drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
What Happens When You Drink Alcohol
The rate at which everyone absorbs alcohol after drinking is very different. Younger and smaller people, and also women generally tend to absorb alcohol quicker than men, and those who are older and bigger in body size. In addition to that, the health of your liver also determines how fast your body reacts to alcohol.
However, another major factor that affects the rate at which your body processes alcohol, is eating.
When you drink, the alcohol gets absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine in a very quick process and the stomach plays a huge role in letting the alcohol pass through to the small intestine.
The fuller your stomach is, the longer it will take the alcohol to move from your stomach to your small intestine, and therefore slow the absorption of it.
Drinking With An Empty Stomach
Now when you drink without eating anything first, much of the alcohol you drank will pass more quickly into your small intestine and get quickly absorbed by the bloodstream.
This can rapidly increase the side effects of drinking – making it harder to think and coordinate your movements.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol rapidly and on an empty stomach can increase the toxic effects of alcohol on the brain and is very dangerous.
Experts always advise against drinking on an empty stomach because of the harmful effects it can have on the body. If you are unable to think clearly or move efficiently, various injuries can occur, which in extreme cases can lead to death.
What To Do About Drinking On An Empty Stomach
It is recommended to eat at least 1 hour before your plans of drinking start, and remember to avoid drinking more than 1 standard drink per hour.
You can dilute the alcohol concentration of your drink either with water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
If after you’ve drunk on an empty stomach you begin to feel sick and start to vomit, stop drinking, and tell someone you’re with about how you’re feeling.
How To Feel Better After Drinking On An Empty Stomach
- Drink lots of water and fluids
- Eat simple food the day after you’ve drunk
- Avoid more alcohol to cure a hangover
- Take pain relievers if needed
- Sleep to help ease your symptoms
Now, who says you can’t have fun without consuming alcohol? Here are the best non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy with your friends this summer!
