Tap into the alcohol side of the social media algorithm, and you’ll be surprised by how many people have shared their experience of drinking on an empty stomach.
For some, it’s the go-to vacation breakfast, and for others, it’s a cheap financial hack to get drunk with minimal booze. But why do people get intoxicated within minutes in this scenario, and what exactly happens inside the body?
What happens inside the body?
Normally, when we eat or drink, it travels down the esophagus into the stomach, stays there briefly, and then moves to the small intestine, where it’s absorbed into the bloodstream. But when there’s no food in the stomach, any liquid enters the small intestine much faster.
“The small intestine has a large surface area and absorbs alcohol rapidly into the bloodstream, increasing the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) much faster than if you had eaten,” explains Dr Bhushan Bhole, Senior Consultant GI Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Delhi’s PSRI Hospital.
As alcohol reaches the brain faster than usual, it overwhelms normal brain function and hits harder. “The person experiences stronger effects such as dizziness, impaired coordination, and reduced judgment.”
Whether you drink early in the morning or after a full day without skipping meals, alcohol hits harder than usual on an empty stomach (source: Pexels).
What are the risks?
Dr Bhole warns that while the effects hit within minutes, there’s a much higher risk of blackouts, nausea, vomiting, and dangerous intoxication. “Drinking without food is not safe for the body and increases the likelihood of accidents and long-term harm. People may blackout even if they don’t appear extremely drunk at the time,” he adds.
Things to keep in mind
The best way to prepare your body before a drinking session is by eating a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
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“Eggs, lean meats, cheese, nuts, and avocados are excellent choices. These foods stay in the stomach longer and slow digestion, delaying alcohol absorption,” he explains. While carbohydrates are also helpful, they digest quickly and leave the stomach sooner.
“Eating snacks while drinking can further slow absorption and reduce the risk of rapid intoxication.”
Finally, Dr Bhole recommends staying hydrated before and during drinking. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and causes the body to lose more fluid than it takes in. That’s why many people find themselves needing to pee more frequently while drinking.
So, while drinking on an empty stomach may seem like a cheap thrill, it can take a serious toll on your body.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
