In this brief article, we will answer the question, “What is the best food to eat before drinking alcohol?” We will also discuss what happens if you drink on an empty stomach and the foods not to eat before drinking.
What is the best food to eat before drinking alcohol?
The best foods to eat before drinking include the following:
Eggs
Eggs are best because they are filling foods that are nutritious. Eggs work by delaying the absorption of alcohol as well as filling the stomach before drinking. Eggs are proteins that are macronutrients best for filling the stomach for a longer time hence binges induced by alcohol are prevented.
Eating eggs before going out for drinking will reduce cravings and keep you satisfied longer. You can have your eggs hard boiled, mixed with vegetables or have them scrambled,
Oats
Oats help in easing the impact of alcohol in addition to their high fiber content. 12 grams of proteins are contained in just a single cup of oats.Studies have also shown that oats are beneficial to the health of the liver therefore protecting it from being damaged by alcohol and ensuring normal function.
You can have your oats in smoothies, granola bars or have them baked. You can also use them for flatbread, patties or even the crust base of pizza. They are the best snacks before drinking.
Salmon
Salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids which help in reducing the impact of alcohol. Binge drinking can cause inflammation, therefore salmon will leave you satisfied, reducing alcohol absorption.
You can roast your salmon by placing it on a baking sheet and seasoning with pepper, salt and other spices and baking for 20 minutes at 400 degrees then serve with a vegetable of your choice.
Bananas
Bananas are easy to carry around and snack on before drinking which helps in slowing down absorption of alcohol into the blood. Their high potassium content helps in balancing the electrolytes in the body and keeping the body hydrated as Bananas are made up of 70% water.
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurts are one of the best pre-drinking snacks since they are easily digested and therefore alcohol absorption is delayed. It is also a portable snack whenever you feel hungry or craving something savory to snack on. You can top your yogurt with seeds, nuts and fruits to help keep you full for a long time.
Why should you not drink on an empty stomach?
Taking Alcohol on an empty stomach can cause abdominal pains, heartburn, dehydration and bloating. This is because alcohol absorption in the blood is faster causing adverse effects on the liver.
The food you eat before taking alcohol affects how you will feel after drinking or how you will sleep afterwards. Foods taken before drinking help reduce the effects of alcohol as well as electrolyte balance in the body and the feeling of hunger.
In case you want to drink without snacking on anything, it is best to choose a beverage that has low alcohol concentration and drink plenty of water afterwards to help in diluting the concentration of the alcohol.
Moreover, alcohol poisoning affects the body quicker if you drink the alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol poisoning can be differentiated from normal hangover due to the symptoms such as stupor, hypothermia, slurred speech, confusion and vomiting blood.
In order to feel better after drinking, take fruit juices the whole day after a night of drinking. You can also eat simple foods such as crackers and toast to help the stomach settle as well as boost the blood sugar. You can also take painkillers to ease the pain.
Which foods should not be eaten before drinking?
Salty foods can cause dehydration. Salty foods like pretzel, chips and popcorn tend to cause drying of the mouth even before you go out drinking. Instead, take foods that are water filled like watermelon, Bananas and Cucumber
Acidic foods are also not good before drinking since they cause acid reflux and heartburn.
Caffeine. Taking caffeine before drinking can mask alcohol effects making you unaware that you are consuming too much alcohol.
Fried foods such as french fries are junk foods that can leave you dehydrated and later make you feel more hungry because they are not filling foods.
Salads cannot reduce alcohol absorption because they do not have enough calories for that. Eating salad alone before drinking will not be helpful, it is best to add some eggs or toast in order to be filled longer.
For more details on the effects of alcohol on the stomach. Click here
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question “best foods to eat before drinking alcohol?” We have also discussed the foods that should not be eaten before drinking and what happens if you take alcohol on an empty stomach.
