In this era of small gatherings, drinking has almost become a lubricant for social interaction. Many people like to drink some peanuts at the same time, which not only delights the taste buds, but also increases the fun.
However, there are always people who say that eating peanuts while drinking alcohol does not seem to be good for the body. What the hell is going on here? Today, let's take a good look at what you eat while drinking may make your liver miserable.
1. The science of pairing alcohol with food
First of all, let's understand why the food pairing when drinking is so important. After alcohol enters the human body, it has to be metabolized by the liver.
In this process, the liver is like a hard worker, having to break down the alcohol, convert it, and finally excrete it from the body. If you stuff a bunch of indigestible food into your stomach at this time, the burden on the liver will increase, and over time, the liver may go on strike.
2. Fried peanuts and alcohol: an unfavorable combination?
When it comes to drinking alcohol and not eating peanuts, it actually refers to fried peanuts. Peanuts are already oily, and after frying, the fat content is even higher.
You think, a high-fat food, combined with high-calorie alcohol, isn't this adding fuel to the fire? If you do this for a long time, it is not only easy to gain weight, but it may also lead to hyperlipidemia, that is, there is more fat in the blood to a certain extent, which is not good for the body.
Don't forget, the liver is the general of our oil metabolism. As soon as the fat content of fried peanuts is high, if you eat it when you drink alcohol, the burden on the liver will be even heavier. Over time, liver function may decline, resulting in fatty liver, cirrhosis and other problems.
But don't rush to throw all the peanuts away. The science says that moderate amounts are still okay. Eating fried peanuts once in a while has little effect on the body.
The problem is that many people can't control the amount, and they eat a lot of it, which is not good. Moreover, even if you don't drink alcohol, fried food is not often eaten, and this little common sense is still necessary.
3. Three foods that are not recommended as snacks
When discussing food pairings when drinking alcohol, there are several foods that are recommended to avoid as much as possible, in addition to fried peanuts. These recommendations do not come out of thin air, but are backed by sound scientific evidence and medical research.
1. Processed meats, including our common sausages, bacon, hams, etc., are classified as Class 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of the large amount of preservatives, colorings and other chemical additives added during processing.
A study published in the journal International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that a daily intake of 50 grams of processed meat increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%.
Alcohol itself is a big burden on the liver, and if you add these high-risk foods, it will undoubtedly make it worse.
2. During high-temperature cooking of barbecued foods, the proteins and fats on the meat will undergo a chemical reaction to produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo[a]pyrene, which have been proven to be carcinogenic.
Long-term consumption of these foods, especially while drinking alcohol, increases the risk of stomach and bowel cancer. Studies have shown that long-term intake of high-temperature barbecued food is significantly associated with the occurrence of digestive system cancer.
3. Seafood, especially high-purine seafood, such as shrimp and crab, is more likely to cause hyperuricemia and gout when ingested at the same time as alcohol.
When purines are metabolized in the body, uric acid is produced, and alcohol intake slows down the excretion of uric acid, resulting in an increase in blood uric acid levels, which may induce gout in the long run.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that moderate drinkers had a significantly increased risk of developing gout compared to high drinkers.
Fourth, how to reduce the damage of alcohol to the human body
Although we can't completely avoid drinking alcohol in social situations, there are steps we can take to reduce the harm that alcohol can do to our bodies.
A global study published in The Lancet shows that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Therefore, the most immediate and effective way to do this is to minimize the amount of alcohol you drink, or to abstain from alcohol altogether. For those who are unwilling or unable to quit drinking completely, learning to refuse excessive drinking is a necessary skill.
In addition, there are some practical strategies that can be taken to reduce the damage to the body when drinking alcohol:
1. Don't drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach accelerates alcohol absorption and increases the burden on the liver. Choose some low-fat, high-fiber foods as an accompaniment to your drink, such as fresh vegetables and fruits.
2. Drink plenty of water. Alcohol has a diuretic effect and can easily lead to dehydration. Alternating drinking water while drinking alcohol can help dilute the alcohol concentration in the blood and reduce damage to the liver.
3. Appropriate supplementation of B vitamins and vitamin C. The metabolism of alcohol depletes B vitamins and vitamin C in the body, and proper supplementation of these nutrients can help reduce the damage of alcohol to the body.
Finally, if you are a regular drinker, it is very necessary to have regular liver function tests. This can help detect liver problems early and take timely action.
With the above measures, we can minimize the harm caused by alcohol and maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying social fun.
5. Practical advice to avoid alcohol injuries
The harm of alcohol should not be underestimated, but it is not realistic for many people to abstain from alcohol completely in social situations. Therefore, it is especially important to know how to protect your body while drinking.
When it comes to drinking, choosing the right amount of alcohol intake is essential to protect your liver. According to the Chinese Adult Drinking Guidelines, the daily alcohol intake should not exceed 25 grams for men and 15 grams for women.
This recommendation is based on the analysis of a large number of epidemiological data and aims to reduce the risk of alcohol-related diseases.
In addition to controlling the total amount of alcohol, attention should also be paid to the frequency of drinking. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke if it is consumed too frequently. It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption to specific social situations rather than drinking alcohol every day.
When it comes to drinking, it is also important to choose the right drink. Studies have shown that alcoholic beverages with high sugar content can increase the burden on the liver, so it is recommended to choose low-sugar or sugar-free alcoholic beverages.
At the same time, avoid excessive caffeine intake, as caffeine can exacerbate the diuretic effect of alcohol and accelerate the loss of water from the body.
Proper exercise is a good option for those who wish to reduce the burden on their liver while drinking alcohol. Exercise speeds up metabolism and helps the liver break down alcohol faster.
A study published in the journal Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse found that moderate exercise can significantly reduce the risk of liver disease due to alcohol consumption.
6. Healthy eating habits and lifestyle
A healthy diet and lifestyle are essential to prevent alcohol-related diseases. In terms of diet, you should focus on a balanced diet rich in protein and fiber, such as fish, legumes, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods not only help maintain good health, but also reduce the damage to the liver caused by alcohol.
Lifestyle improvements should not be overlooked. Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and relaxing properly can all help improve your body's tolerance and metabolism of alcohol. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine showed that good sleep quality was associated with lower alcohol consumption.
Finally, it's equally important to develop healthy social styles. In social situations, you can choose non-alcoholic beverages, or drink alcohol as an after-dinner part rather than a major part of the social process. This not only allows you to enjoy the fun of socializing, but also reduces the harm caused by alcohol.
summary
With these practical suggestions and lifestyle adjustments, we can enjoy life while protecting our bodies from the potential harm of alcohol.
Let's work together and toast to our health.