After festive gatherings during Tet, many people seek ways to quickly reduce blood alcohol levels and regain sobriety while protecting their health. According to Dr. Duong Du Manh, a member of the Vietnam Vascular Disease Association, the body’s process of eliminating alcohol doesn’t always occur as fast as desired. However, some simple measures can effectively support this process.
Why is it hard to lower blood alcohol levels quickly?
After consuming alcohol, ethanol is rapidly absorbed through the stomach lining and small intestine, enters the bloodstream, and distributes throughout the body. The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing alcohol through two main stages.
The liver needs time to metabolize alcohol from drinks (Image: Getty).
According to Dr. Manh, about 90% of alcohol is processed by the liver. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that causes headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Subsequently, the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) converts acetaldehyde into acetate, which is less harmful, and finally breaks down into water and CO₂, excreted through urine, breath, and sweat.
However, the liver can only process approximately 7-10 grams of alcohol per hour (equivalent to one 330ml can of beer). If you drink too much or too quickly, the alcohol concentration in your blood will increase, leading to intoxication and slowing down the detoxification process. Your body type and overall health also significantly affect the rate of metabolism.
Tips to help lower blood alcohol levels
Drink plenty of water
Drinking water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help your body eliminate alcohol. Water not only dilutes the alcohol concentration in your blood but also supports better functioning of the liver and kidneys, accelerating the elimination of alcohol through urine.
Drinking water helps increase alcohol excretion (Image: Getty).
You should drink small amounts regularly, totaling 1.5 to 2 liters after drinking alcohol. Warm water is a good choice, as it soothes the stomach lining and reduces discomfort. However, avoid over-relying on plain water and opt for electrolyte-rich beverages instead.
Consume fruit juices
Fruit juices, especially those made from oranges, lemons, pineapples, or tomatoes, are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. These components help the liver function more efficiently, enhance its detoxification capabilities, and mitigate the effects of alcohol on the body.
Juices from fruits and vegetables help the liver detoxify alcohol (Image: Tú Anh).
Tomato juice contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that aids in faster recovery. A warm glass of lemon water with a bit of honey or pineapple juice is also an excellent option for cleansing the body.
Eat starchy and fiber-rich foods
Eating bread, rice, porridge, or cereals after drinking alcohol helps absorb remaining alcohol in the stomach, slowing its absorption into the bloodstream. Fiber-rich foods like cabbage, broccoli, celery, or bananas also aid digestion and protect the liver.
Use ginger tea or green tea
Ginger tea warms the stomach, reduces nausea, and stimulates blood circulation, helping the liver process alcohol more efficiently. Green tea, rich in catechins and polyphenols, reduces the impact of alcohol on the liver and supports detoxification.
Ginger tea helps warm the stomach and reduce nausea (Image: Getty).
Conclusion
While these methods can be helpful, time remains a critical factor for the liver to fully process alcohol. To protect your health, limit alcohol consumption as much as possible. A healthy, balanced lifestyle will help you avoid long-term harm and maintain well-being for yourself and your family.
References:
Dantri.com.vn
