Alcohol consumption has become somewhat of a norm in many cultures across the world, mainly served on occasion, and at the bar for those who regard it as a means to relax or escape reality.
For centuries, alcohol use has become a part of human life and history and it may remain the same for a very long time.
The harmful use of alcohol causes a high burden of disease and has significant social and economic consequences. Banning alcohol use because of its negative effects is an impossible feat however educating to ensure its responsible use is a step in the right direction.
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What Happens When You Take Alcohol on an Empty Stomach
After you swallow alcohol on an empty stomach, it flows down the oesophagus and into the stomach. If there is no solid food in the stomach, most of the alcohol moves down into the small intestine and will come in contact with the intestinal walls.
When it gets into the smaller intestines, it is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. All the alcohol of one drink may be absorbed within 30 minutes when it’s taken on an empty stomach.
Alcohol on a full stomach
Taking alcohol with food on the other hand allows the alcohol to be trapped with the food in your stomach.
In the stomach absorption is not very efficient therefore it is slowed down and doesn’t move into the small intestines quickly. When it happens like this, the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream is slowed down significantly.
What this means is that the alcohol user will become impaired slowly and reach a lower peak alcohol concentration.
Doctors advise against consuming alcohol on an empty stomach this is because alcohol increases acid in the stomach. For an alcohol abuser, it can lead to severe stomach pains or sores in the intestines.
This is why it is a good idea to eat a nice big meal while you are drinking. The presence of fatty meals in the stomach can significantly reduce the peak blood alcohol, concentration BAC up to 50% relative to that produced when alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach.
The human body needs alcohol but not in excess that is why it is important to be measured in the quantity you take. In summary, taking alcohol on an empty stomach will knock you out faster but the long-term effect on your health is detrimental. If you can avoid it completely.
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