What should you not do before drinking alcohol? (2023)

What should I do before I drink alcohol?

DON'T guzzle. When you are drinking, take hour-long breaks between drinks. Drinking faster than your body can feel the effects can get you into real trouble. Avoid drinking games, you'll end up drinking more alcohol, more quickly than your body can handle.

Our bodies tend to lose potassium when we drink alcohol (especially when drinking excessive amounts),2 so eating potassium-rich foods prior to drinking can help boost the amount in your body. Spinach, avocado, potatoes, lentils, milk, and yogurt are also high in potassium and great to snack on before drinking.

Drink Plenty of Water Beforehand

Alcohol, being the diuretic it is, also effectively strips your body of electrolytes, making your potential hangover worse than it would have been had you stayed on top of your hydration game. So, be sure to pre-game with plenty of water beforehand.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid foods that can irritate the stomach, such as spicy, acidic or fried foods. Avoid or cut down on alcohol to below the UK low risk drinking guidelines.

It is important for a person to eat a good meal before drinking. Eating before or at the time of drinking can slow down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Food can help keep a person's blood alcohol concentration lower and may reduce the effects of a hangover.

What foods soak up alcohol? Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach means your body will absorb alcohol faster and you'll feel the effects of alcohol more rapidly. Any food will help, but carbohydrates — like bread, pasta or potatoes — slow down how quickly your body absorbs the alcohol.

Generally speaking, it takes about 6 hours for the effects of being drunk to wear off. If you count the hangover/detoxification period that happens after drinking alcohol, the effects may last longer. For most people, one drink leads to a . 02 blood alcohol level.

What should I drink when drunk?

If you're feeling the effects of alcohol, drink water or sports drinks to prevent dehydration. Certain OTC medications and bland foods can help with a headache or an upset stomach. Also, seek help immediately if you think there's any chance you may pass out.

Consider reaching for Gatorade, Pedialyte, Powerade, or a similar nonfizzy sports drink. These drinks are packed with certain minerals called electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium — which help regulate fluid levels in the body.

The most ideal situation to avoid any ill effects from drinking on an empty stomach is of course to avoid doing it by eating some food. Eat at least an hour before drinking if you plan on consuming more than one drink in a sitting. Don't drink more than one standard drink per hour and know your limits.

Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium can stave off headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain. Another classic hangover helper is Gatorade, Pedialyte, or similar formulations of electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorous.

“Vodka is known to be the best alcoholic beverage for the most minimal hangover. Gin, light rum and white wine are runner-ups—with brandy and whiskey being at the bottom of the list.

How do I prepare my liver for alcohol?

Having a snack or a meal before your first beverage will help give your body the time it needs to process alcohol and help prevent nausea, headache, and upset stomach. A little bit of starch or dairy goes a long way in coating your stomach lining and preparing your body for alcohol.

Fruit, water, lean protein, and starchy veggies

From there, try to incorporate as many fruits and veggies into your drunk eating snacks as possible, suggests Harbstreet. Another solid place to start: lean protein and starchy veggies, says Gabrielle Tafur, RD.

"Hard liquor contains more alcohol than beer or wine, making it more dangerous for your liver," continues Coleman. "A single shot of 80-proof hard liquor contains about 15 grams of alcohol and most shots contain even more alcohol than this." Another alcoholic beverage also takes a considerable toll on your liver.