It is a known and proven fact that eating while consuming alcohol is necessary.
Food just hits differently when you’re inebriated from alcohol —science even says so. One tends to grow hungrier, the more he or she drinks alcohol. According to a study published in the journal Physiology and Behaviour, alcohol stimulates the appetite in a way that makes you crave high-fat , salty foods and foods high in fibre, which makes perfect sense.
Salty food can worsen the dehydration effects of the body. And as the body tends to be dehydrated during drinking, it is better to avoid salty food. High-fibre food items are not good for the health either. It delays the digestion process, which is not a good sign for the body.
On the other hand, consuming only alcohol ignoring hunger would lead to several diseases like pancreatitis and issues with the liver.
It turns out that if you eat the right foods before your drink, you are less likely to feel bloated and be dreadfully hungry the next day. Eating beforehand dilutes the alcohol you consume since it has water content. Further, it delays the time the alcohol takes to get into the bloodstream.
When you eat something before drinking, it slows down alcohol’s rate of absorption, so you don’t get drunk as quickly.
Also, it is not advisable to eat food in large portions before going to bed, especially after alcohol intake.
Here are a bunch of foods to eat before drinking alcohol:
1. Bananas
Fruits are extremely healthy, to begin with, and the added benefit is that they contain high amounts of water which will dilute the alcohol. Bananas carry the added advantage of high fibre and potassium content, which is an electrolyte that plays an important role in muscle function, blood pressure, nerve function, and fluid regulation.
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Our bodies tend to lose potassium when we drink alcohol (especially when drinking excessive amounts), so eating potassium-rich foods before drinking can help boost the amount in your body.
Spinach, avocado, potatoes, lentils, milk, and yoghurt are also high in potassium and great to snack on before drinking.
2. Melon
Watermelon and cantaloupe are both great to consume before drinking because they contain a lot of water, which helps hydrate the body. Consuming melon and other hydrating foods can help prevent some of the dehydration that’s associated with alcohol consumption.
3. Eggs
We say eggs because of the high amount of protein they carry. Any food that is rich in protein will work as it slows alcohol absorption and keeps you feeling full for a long time. But the benefits don’t stop at protein alone. Eggs are also high in an amino acid called cysteine that plays a role in alcohol metabolism.
4. Water
Alcohol is a diuretic (to put it bluntly, it makes you pee) and can easily lead you to become dehydrated. For this reason, sipping a few glasses of water is one of the most important things you can do before drinking. It dilutes the alcohol and regulates salt balance. Even when you’re out and drinking, keep having water at regular intervals and pace yourself.
In addition to drinking water, you can also eat water-rich foods like cucumber, strawberries, and lettuce. Try out our homemade infused water recipes.
5. Nuts
There’s a reason bars serve mixed nuts with alcohol. Not only do they taste good, but they also have high amounts of fat which help slow the absorption of alcohol.
6. Salmon
Salmon has been lauded for its health benefits for a long time. It contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids and is packed with proteins. Further, salmon is rich in Vitamin B12, an important nutrient that’s often diminished with alcohol consumption.
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7.Avocado
Though still somewhat difficult to get in all parts of India and a little expensive, avocados are packed with healthy fats which digest slowly to keep you full and may slow the absorption of alcohol into your blood. Like bananas, they also contain high amounts of potassium. One of the best things about avocado is that you can easily add it to nearly any meal.
8.Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is high in protein, which is digested slowly and slows the absorption of alcohol. In addition to protein, yogurt also contains fats and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious food that’s filling, provides lots of energy, and doesn’t cause blood sugar.
It’ll literally stick to your gut, as the food will digest slowly over four to six hours.
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9.Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a good addition to any meal or snack before you head out for a few drinks. They contain potassium and other electrolytes, and they’re also complex carbohydrates, which means they are slow digesting and can help to reduce the effects of alcohol on the body.
Research has shown that sweet potatoes prevent swings in blood sugar, which can prevent the overeating caused by drinking.
10.Hummus
Containing a healthy mix of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, hummus is a great snack choice before drinking. It’s a particularly good option for someone looking to load up on protein from a plant-based source.
When you consume alcohol it depletes the body of Vitamin B, therefore hummus can also help in boosting your B-vitamins. The amino acids in hummus are also considered helpful in preventing a hangover.
Bonus : 10 Types of Liquor and Food Pairings
Whiskey + Roast chicken
Cognac + seafood dish
Bourbon + Pickled Vegetables, Meat
Rye + Sushi Nigiri
Scotch + Duck Breast , Seasonal Vegetables
Rum + Glazed Jerk Chicken
Tequila + Lamb Barbacoa Tacos, fruit platter
Brandy + Chocolate Brownies
Red wine + Cured meats, pasta, cheese
Beer + Crumbed chicken, beef jerky
By being aware of the right eatables, the ill effects of alcohol can be mitigated to a large extent. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a certified-nutritionist.
Detoxpri 