Contents
Most of us are all too familiar with the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. It can cause a lot of trouble, including vomiting. This is a very unpleasant process, but natural.
– Vomiting during alcohol intoxication is an absolutely normal symptom, it speaks of a healthy reaction of the body, – assures psychotherapist, narcologist Ilya Kisler. – It’s not dangerous, but useful. The body seeks to get rid of toxins.
Causes of vomiting after alcohol
Alcohol is a toxin. When a person drinks, enzymes in the liver break down alcohol at a rate of about one drink (a term for one drink) per hour (half a can of beer, a glass of wine, or a 30ml shot of vodka). The breakdown product of alcohol is acetaldehyde. And it’s also toxic. If the acetaldehyde level gets too high, the liver is unable to handle it and the body reacts with a gag reflex to remove excess alcohol from the stomach.
Unfortunately, alcohol is not only toxic to the liver. It irritates the stomach wall, causing gastritis, which also often leads to vomiting.
However, not only an excess of alcohol can cause vomiting. Incorrect use of it leads to an increase in the level of alcohol in the blood, which can have the same effect.
- Alcohol on an empty stomach. The presence of food in the stomach, especially carbohydrates, slows down the absorption of alcohol. If you drink on an empty stomach – intoxication will come faster, the liver will not be able to quickly utilize alcohol.
- Lack of water. Drinking water during a feast is very important for two reasons: water dilutes alcohol and protects the body from dehydration. Without water, intoxication comes faster.
- Strong alcohol. Vodka, whiskey, rum, which are usually 40% alcohol, increase blood alcohol levels faster than beer, which is usually 3-8%.
- Carbonated drinks. Alcohol in sparkling wines and champagne is absorbed faster. The same thing happens if you drink alcohol with carbonated water.
- Medicines. For example, the drug Cimetidine, which reduces stomach acid, slows down the metabolism of alcohol. It is also known that antihistamines speed up gastric emptying, and an empty stomach absorbs alcohol faster.
But pay attention! If you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to vomiting, seek emergency medical attention immediately:
- confusion;
- slow pulse;
- slow, irregular, or shallow breathing;
- unconsciousness;
- preservation of consciousness, but indifference to everything that happens;
- hypothermia
In addition, vomiting for a drunk person carries another danger – he can choke on his own vomit.
What to do at home if vomiting occurs after alcohol
When a person vomits, his body gets rid of toxins, so there is no point in fighting this process. To minimize the side effects associated with vomiting and hangovers in general, the following tips can help:
Drink water or soda
But you need to drink it in small sips, waiting about 30 minutes after the last vomiting. Otherwise, the water will again cause a gag reflex.
Soda in the morning is also a good option. Yes, it is not recommended to drink it with alcohol, because gases accelerate the absorption of alcohol into the blood, but with a hangover – that’s it. Carbonated water helps to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic breakdown product of alcohol, faster.
Eat a piece of ginger
It is a powerful antioxidant and relieves hangovers. In addition, it relieves symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Take Ibuprofen
In case you feel sick and vomit in the morning, take an Ibuprofen tablet – this is the most gentle drug for an exhausted body.
Aspirin also helps in the morning, but in this situation it is better to refuse it – it irritates the stomach.
And in no case do not take Paracetamol (by the way, it is also part of Citramon). This drug gives a very large load on the liver, and it is already overloaded with alcohol.
have breakfast
Light meals, such as dry toast, crackers, potatoes, or bananas, will help your body recover.
But the products that can cause irritation of the stomach and which are difficult for him to digest, it is better to refuse. These are fatty, fried or spicy foods, as well as milk and cheese.
Give up coffee
A cup of good, freshly brewed coffee beans helps to cheer up, but at the same time, it is a diuretic. And additional dehydration of the body can increase the gag reflex.
Take a walk in the fresh air
A brisk walk in the fresh air will help you feel better. But do not be zealous with activity – sweating will lead to even more dehydration and nausea.
Get some sleep
Sleep restores strength, so if possible, you need to sleep an extra 2 – 3 hours.
Popular questions and answers
As we have already found out, vomiting after drinking alcohol is usually a good sign. However, there are times when vomiting can be a warning sign. We asked questions about this. psychotherapist, narcologist Ilya Kisler.