Eat before drinking
According to research from the World Health Organization (WHO), eating foods rich in protein or fat before drinking alcohol can slow down the absorption of alcohol into the blood.
Food creates a lining in the stomach, slowing the movement of alcohol into the small intestine, where it is primarily absorbed. A report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) also found that people who drink on a full stomach have lower blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) than those who drink on an empty stomach.
Drink water before and while drinking alcohol
NIAAA recommends that drinking water between drinks can help dilute the alcohol concentration, thereby slowing its absorption. Furthermore, water also prevents dehydration - a factor that increases the negative effects of alcohol. WHO also emphasizes that keeping the body hydrated before drinking alcohol helps the liver function more effectively.
Limit carbonated drinks
Research from the University of Melbourne (Australia) shows that carbonated drinks increase the rate of alcohol absorption by speeding up the process of alcohol leaving the stomach. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol with soda or energy drinks.
Drink slowly
WHO recommends that drinking slowly gives the liver enough time to metabolize alcohol, reducing the risk of alcohol accumulation in the blood. An experiment in the UK also noted that drinking quickly significantly increased blood alcohol concentration compared to drinking the same amount of alcohol slowly.
The above methods, although effective, only help slow down the absorption rate but do not completely eliminate the effects of alcohol.
Therefore, limiting alcohol consumption and being health conscious are still the optimal measures recommended by health organizations.
