Does Eating Sober You Up Fast?

We’ve all been there. We’re out at a work happy hour after a busy day, and after we’ve already thrown back a few beers, we realize we completely spaced on eating a proper meal that day. Eek! We snacked on a bag of peanuts while working through lunch and all we’ve had since then was a granola bar, which was not very satisfying.

Suddenly, we’re feeling more buzzed than we want to, and all we want to do is make the feeling stop. We down a large water and decide it’s time to head home. We have our driver stop through a fast-food joint on the way home, hoping a burger and fries will do the trick.

But does eating food actually help you sober up fast? Is there truth to this or is it just one of those things people say? Let’s unpack this topic together!

The Science of Alcohol Metabolism and Absorption

First, let’s talk about the science behind alcohol absorption and how it’s relevant to the relationship between food and drinking alcohol. Alcohol absorption begins in our stomach and our small intestine. When we consume alcohol, it quickly passes through our stomach lining and enters our bloodstream where it is then transported to various organs and tissues throughout our body.

Only so much food (and liquid) can pass through at one time. When we have food in our stomach, alcohol passes more slowly, and we don’t absorb as much all at once. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, on the other hand, means our body absorbs the alcohol faster, so we feel the effects of alcohol faster, too. 

The rate of alcohol absorption depends on a few factors, including the concentration of alcohol we consume, the presence of food (if any) in our stomach, and individual factors like our weight and metabolism. In other words, everyone’s rate of absorption is different because everyone’s body is different. 

This might explain why we feel buzzed after one gin cocktail, but your friend seems to be able to sip martinis all night with seemingly no effects! Also, every drink is not created equal. In other words, one tequila shot and one beer may have the same amount of alcohol, but the concentration of liquor means that alcohol hits us all at once.

Being aware of our body and how certain foods and drinks affect us is the first step in being more in tune with ourselves.

Food and Drinking: The Facts and the Fiction

So, what about eating and drinking? Do certain foods help slow down the effects of alcohol or reduce hangover symptoms? The short answer is yes. It is true that having food in your stomach while drinking alcohol does slow down the rate of alcohol absorption like we touched on earlier. However, not all foods are created equal. What you eat and how much you eat are definitely important factors to keep in mind when you’re debating what to reach for. 

What’s The Deal With Greasy Foods?

We know you were wondering! It’s a common belief that greasy foods are some kind of magical “hangover cure.” 

While it is somewhat true that eating greasy foods before drinking or while drinking may help slow alcohol absorption, greasy foods can also upset our stomach or make us feel worse later. Unfortunately for fast-food lovers, this one is simply not true.

Like most food-body interactions, there is so much more to it. When we drink alcohol, our body experiences a variety of changes. This includes changes to the types of food we crave. Interestingly enough, alcohol intake encourages our brain to release galanin, a neurochemical that causes us to feel a craving for fatty or greasy foods. Hence, all those late-night fast food runs or pizza orders. 

The morning after, those galanin levels in our brain are still higher than normal, so we may feel that craving even more intensely. Ever wonder why a huge plate of hash browns and a breakfast sandwich with bacon sound so good? Bingo!

The good news is certain foods can help speed up the hangover recovery process. So, instead of grabbing a burger and fries the morning after and risking an upset stomach, avoid fatty, greasy foods (anytime, really), and opt for scrambled eggs or a smoothie instead. Check out our hangover 101 tips for more helpful advice.

Overeating in an attempt to fill our stomach is not the answer either! Overeating is not a healthy alternative and will likely make us feel full, bloated, nauseous, and all-around not great.

Healthy Food Options To Try Instead

So, now that we know what not to do in terms of foods that aren’t so great when we’re drinking or feeling hungover, here’s some guidance on healthier food options to choose before, during, and after we’re drinking alcohol.

Foods to consume:

• Vitamin-rich foods such as berries and leafy greens
• Protein such as eggs, chicken, fish, or tofu
• High-fiber foods such as fruits and veggies or smoothies
• Healthy grains such as whole wheat bread, oats, and brown rice.

Foods to avoid:

• Processed and packaged foods
• High-sugar foods and sweets
• Fried foods
• Soft drinks and sodas
• Orange juice (high in sugar!)
• Candy

Need more guidance on healthy food ideas? Here are some great food options for healing the liver or detoxing after a night of drinking.

Other Ways To Slow Down the Effects of Alcohol

Now that we’ve gotten the eating part down, how else can we slow down alcohol’s effects on our body? Here are a few more healthy tips on how we can sober up in a healthy way. 

• Drink in moderation. The best way to avoid the negative effects of drinking alcohol is to practice moderation if you do choose to drink. Moderation means balance and is typically defined as drinking less than one alcoholic drink a day for women and fewer than two drinks a day for men. Here’s more advice on how to practice moderation.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, electrolytes, or another hydrating beverage like coconut water or unsweetened tea. Again, avoid sugary drinks and sodas, which can add to hangover symptoms like a headache. Also, check the labels! Some beverages we think are “healthy” are actually packed with sugar.
• Wait it out. Sometimes, the best option is simply to wait it out and let your body run its course. This might mean staying at the party longer and helping your friends clean up, taking a walk around the block a few times, or calling a supportive family member or friend. 
• Get some sleep. It may not always be possible depending on where you are, but getting some sleep is always a good option. Grab a cat nap on your friend’s couch or call it an early night if you need to. 

In Conclusion

So, the next time you’re faced with the food and drinking dilemma, we hope you feel equipped to tackle the situation with flying colors! Pro tip: keep a granola bar or apple in your bag at all times, just in case, so you’re always prepared. You’ll thank us later!