A must-read for alcoholics: Why eat before drinking?

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Key point: Why should you eat vegetables first and then drink alcohol? The effect of alcohol on the body depends on the alcohol concentration in the blood, and is related to factors such as the alcohol content of the drink, the speed at which it is consumed, whether one is fasting, and the types of food consumed simultaneously. 　 There are many work-related dinners during the New Year. Often, before the food even arrives, everyone can’t wait to stand up and \"express their gratitude\". At this time, one drinks alcohol on an empty stomach, often choosing high-alcohol-content baijiu as a sign of respect and to convey a sense of sophistication. Nutritionist Xiong Miao advises that, for the sake of health, one should eat vegetables first and then drink alcohol. Why? 　　Alcohol is something that has both good and bad aspects. It’s good when needed, but harmful in excess. The effect of alcohol on the body depends on the alcohol concentration in the blood, and is related to factors such as the alcohol content of the drink, the speed at which it is consumed, whether one is fasting, and the types of food consumed simultaneously. 　　Dangers of drinking alcohol on an empty stomach: 1. Drinking large amounts of alcohol on an empty stomach can lead to shock. When the stomach is empty, alcohol stays there for only a short time; 80% of it is absorbed by the duodenum and jejunum, while the remaining amount is absorbed by the stomach. Over an hour and a half, more than 90% of the alcohol is absorbed. Alcohol appears in a person’s blood 5 minutes after drinking. When the alcohol content in 100 milliliters of blood is between 200 and 400 milligrams, it results in significant poisoning ； At 400 milligrams to 500 milligrams, it can cause severe damage to the brain, even leading to death. Therefore, drinking on an empty stomach can lead to intoxication even with small amounts of alcohol, increasing the harm that alcohol causes to the body. 　　II. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can easily cause stomach problems. When the stomach is empty, as there is no food present, alcohol directly irritates the stomach lining, leading to gastritis; in severe cases, this can result in vomiting blood. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach over a long period of time can also cause gastric ulcers. 　　III. Drinking on an empty stomach increases the risk of hypoglycemia. After drinking, ethanol is metabolized in the body by the liver into acetaldehyde, which is then further broken down into water and carbon dioxide. If a person drinks alcohol while fasting and hungry, at that time the liver has very little glycogen stored and blood sugar levels are low ； Because ethanol is quickly absorbed into the blood, it can stimulate pancreatic beta-cells to secrete large amounts of insulin, further reducing blood sugar levels ； At the same time, ethanol enters the liver rapidly, and it can also inhibit the breakdown of liver glycogen and gluconeogenesis, further increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. 　　What foods are suitable to eat before drinking alcohol? 　　——Protein-based beverages such as milk and soy milk. Especially yogurt, which has a thick consistency and often contains plant-based thickeners, stays in the stomach for a longer time, which helps to dilute alcohol and slow down its absorption. Although milk-based beverages have a much lower nutritional value than milk and yogurt, they contain thickeners that can provide some protection for the stomach lining. 　　——Fruits and vegetables rich in pectin. Such as hawthorns, apples, cauliflower, pumpkins, and the like. You can start by ordering a large mixed salad. Shredded bitter lettuce sprouts are perfect for those who drink alcohol, as they help protect the liver and eyes. It is necessary to consume more of such foods; the pectin in them also helps to slow down the absorption of nutrients from food. Moreover, these foods contain a high amount of water, which helps to dilute alcohol. Since they have very low calories, there’s no need to worry about gaining weight if you eat more of them. 　　——Starchy foods. Starch macromolecules can bind with alcohol and also delay its absorption. For example, a small bowl of red adzuki bean porridge or steamed yam will do. 　　——Foods rich in B vitamins, such as lean offal, mixed spinach and chicken gizzard salad, steamed egg custard, and shiitake mushrooms with rape. If necessary, taking a tablet of compound B vitamins orally is beneficial and harmless to the body. The metabolism of alcohol in the liver requires their help.