In my career as a doctor, I have often come across patients who come in for excessive drinking. Today, I would like to share a special experience that not only changed the lifestyle of one patient, but also made me reflect deeply on our general attitudes towards drinking culture. It was a weekend night, and a middle-aged man hurried to the emergency room, pale and extremely unwell. He told me that he had attended a friend's party and had drunk a lot of alcohol because he didn't want to be rude. I thought I would get better after going home and sleeping, but I didn't expect to feel worse when I woke up, with a splitting headache and nausea and vomiting. His friend advised him, "Drink something 'thorough' and you'll be fine, and then drink some more to stimulate it." I couldn't help but frown when I heard this. "Transparent", in the eyes of many, seems to be a savior after drinking, but as a doctor, I must make it clear to everyone that this is an extremely dangerous misunderstanding. In this patient's case, continuing to drink alcohol only adds to the burden on his body and can lead to more serious health problems. This experience made me realize the need to educate everyone on how to drink healthily and avoid discomfort after drinking.
Physical effects of alcohol consumption
First, let's look at how alcohol affects our liver. The liver, the main organ that processes alcohol, breaks it down through the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an overload on the liver, which can lead to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis and even cirrhosis over time. These diseases not only affect liver function, but also have a knock-on effect on the overall health of the body. Next, the effects of alcohol on the stomach should not be ignored. Alcohol can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, causing an increase in gastric acid secretion, which may cause gastritis and even gastric ulcers in the long run. In addition, alcohol can also affect the normal peristalsis of the stomach, leading to indigestion and insufficient nutrient absorption. Finally, the effects of alcohol on the brain are probably the most well known. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which can slow down neurotransmission, affecting judgment and reaction speed. Not only can this lead to disability in words and actions when drinking, but long-term heavy drinking may also lead to persistent cognitive decline. In conclusion, while drinking alcohol in moderation may help to relax the mind, the health risks of excessive alcohol consumption cannot be ignored. Understanding how alcohol affects our bodies can help us make healthier drinking choices.
Does "See-through" Really Work?
First, let's look at the mechanism of action of alcohol. Alcohol mainly enters the liver through the bloodstream, where it is broken down by alcohol dehydrogenase. When you continue to drink, you're actually putting a burden on your liver so that it needs to break down more alcohol. This not only slows down the process of alcohol clearance, but can also increase the burden on the body, especially on the liver. Studies have shown that continuing to drink after drinking only temporarily suppresses hangover symptoms, not treats or alleviates hangovers. When the narcotic effect of alcohol wears off, hangover symptoms such as headaches, nausea and dehydration are exacerbated by continued drinking. What's more, this practice may also increase the risk of alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence is not only a health problem, but can also have a profound impact on an individual's social and professional life. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable with drinking, the safest and most effective way is to stop drinking and give your body a chance to recover. Stay hydrated, get proper rest, and seek medical help if necessary. Continuing to drink alcohol is not a viable solution and can have long-term negative effects on your health.
Practical tips for healthy drinking
1. Drink alcohol wisely
Know the standard unit of alcohol: The standard unit can help us estimate the amount of alcohol we consume. Typically, a standard unit contains about 10 grams of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to a small glass of wine (125ml), a can of beer (330ml), or a small glass of spirits (40ml). Mastering this will give you more control over how much you drink. Set a limit on how much you drink: Before you start drinking, set a clear limit and stick to no more than that. For example, no more than two standard units for men and one standard unit for women can effectively reduce the health risks posed by alcohol.
2. Food pairings when drinking
Don't drink alcohol on an empty stomach: Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach allows alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly, increasing the burden on the body. Make sure to eat some high-protein foods, such as cheese, nuts, or lean meats, before drinking alcohol, which can slow down the absorption of alcohol. Choose healthy snacks: When drinking, choose healthy snacks, such as vegetable bars with low-fat dipping sauces or whole wheat bread slices, which can not only help slow down alcohol absorption, but also avoid the extra calorie intake caused by high-calorie snacks. With these practical tips, you can enjoy drinking at social events more healthily while reducing the negative effects of alcohol on your body. Remember, drinking in moderation is all about self-control and responsibility.