Drinking alcohol before a colonoscopy influences the safety and success of the screening. Learn more about the effects of drinking before a colonoscopy in our latest blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Colonoscopies are no glamorous procedure. To add to its unpleasantness, the procedure involves a comprehensive preparation regimen that boosts its accuracy. One of the many instructions in the prep booklet for a colonoscopy is to avoid alcohol. While testing our luck is fun and games when buying a lottery ticket, this “no drinking” guideline is one we’ll want to follow.
Understanding the risks of drinking before a colonoscopy will help us follow protocols and have a safe procedure. Let’s take a good look (no pun intended) at if and when it’s okay to drink before a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that is used to check the large intestine for abnormalities like swelling, polyps, irritated tissue, and diseases. To do this, they insert a colonoscope — a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end — through the rectum to view the inside of our colon and surrounding areas.
Although it’s relatively quick (typically under an hour), a colonoscopy is considered an invasive procedure that requires anesthesia and a lengthy pre-procedure regimen that ensures the physician gets a clear view of our colon. Standard colonoscopy preparation includes limiting certain substances. Let’s take a closer look at what these are.
Preparation for a colonoscopy typically starts three to four days before the scheduled procedure. However, it’s always important to check with our treatment team for specific instructions.
To ensure that the gastroenterologist has an unobstructed view of our colon, we have to flush out our intestine. To do this, we are instructed to avoid certain foods and substances in the days leading up to the procedure:
Avoiding these four things will give us the best chance of a successful procedure. But let’s dive into how alcohol, specifically, could complicate our colonoscopy.
Most clear liquids are permitted up to two to four hours before the procedure. While most alcoholic beverages are clear liquids, they are still not allowed.
Why? There are several reasons. Alcohol dehydrates us, impacts anesthesia (the stuff that keeps us safe and asleep), and thins our blood. All of these can complicate what would normally be a standard procedure.
But what about just one beer? Can one sip of wine hurt?
When it comes to preparing for a colonoscopy (or any procedure for that matter), all alcohol is created equal.
Spirits, indeed, contain higher alcohol by volume, but any amount of alcohol can impact a colonoscopy. Lower-alcohol beverages such as wine or beer may produce less of an impact, but any amount of alcohol can have serious adverse effects.
People get colonoscopies for one reason: to detect abnormalities. If the doctor cannot get a clear picture, the whole procedure is pointless. When we drink before the procedure, we complicate the screening in multiple ways:
Drinking before a colonoscopy opens the door to complications that can be fatal. It is imperative that we tell our medical team if we have had anything to drink in the days leading up to our procedure. We might be hesitant to say anything for fear they will reschedule the procedure, but rescheduling is a small price to pay to avoid complications.
We should clear our calendars of all happy hours, weddings, or other festivities two to three days before a colonoscopy. A liquid diet and bowel emptying preparation typically start two days before colonoscopy procedures are scheduled. While avoiding alcohol for a longer period before a colonoscopy is beneficial, ensuring our last drink is at least 48 hours before is crucial for our safety.
Chronic drinking is also shown to impact anesthesia, regardless of following proper protocols. Be sure to communicate clearly with the operating physician and request individual direction if needed. Colonoscopy prep seems like it involves a lot of “no’s.” Let’s get into some “yes’s” and alternatives to alcohol.
Colonoscopy prep can be unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. As long as the beverage is non-alcoholic and meets the clear liquid criteria, we can still enjoy it. There are plenty of alternatives that won’t impact our colonoscopy:
Including variety in our clear liquid diet helps make the days leading up to our procedure less miserable. Water can get a bit old after two days of just that (even if it is the liquid of life). These alternatives can help us avoid alcohol the days before a colonoscopy, but what do we do if we slip up?
If we do accidentally have a drink within 48 hours of our colonoscopy, the first thing to do is note the time of our last drink. We can then inform our treatment team to receive further guidance on how to proceed. If necessary, the colonoscopy can be postponed to a later date.
We’ve warned against drinking before the procedure, but what about after?
Drinking right after a colonoscopy may not pose an immediate risk to our health, but it may lead to adverse symptoms and produce complications during recovery.
It may take hours or days to fully metabolize anesthesia. If we drink while anesthesia is still in our system, our liver may not be able to keep up. This can lead to increased side effects from anesthesia drugs and hangover symptoms from alcohol.
Furthermore, if any abnormalities are discovered and removed during the procedure, we might be prescribed medications. Drinking after the operation can interact with prescribed medications and also impact recovery.
When dealing with invasive procedures, the fewer complications the better. We’ve determined that alcohol is one of these complications that negatively influences the safety and outcome of colonoscopy procedures. To set us up for success, we can make intentional choices during colonoscopy preparation.
Implementing safe practices leading up to any medical procedure helps things go more smoothly. Here are four tips we can keep in our toolbox for colonoscopies and other medical procedures:
A colonoscopy and the prep leading up to it can be a pain in the butt (pun intended), but a successful procedure can help catch issues before they get more serious. The procedure is short but open to a host of complications when pre-procedure guidelines aren’t followed. One of these procedures is avoiding alcohol. We may think that a sip of wine can’t hurt, but any amount of alcohol before a colonoscopy can have detrimental effects on our safety and the conclusiveness of the test. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to alcohol that we can still enjoy during colonoscopy prep. Avoid alcohol and follow protocol!
Colonoscopies are no glamorous procedure. To add to its unpleasantness, the procedure involves a comprehensive preparation regimen that boosts its accuracy. One of the many instructions in the prep booklet for a colonoscopy is to avoid alcohol. While testing our luck is fun and games when buying a lottery ticket, this “no drinking” guideline is one we’ll want to follow.
Understanding the risks of drinking before a colonoscopy will help us follow protocols and have a safe procedure. Let’s take a good look (no pun intended) at if and when it’s okay to drink before a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that is used to check the large intestine for abnormalities like swelling, polyps, irritated tissue, and diseases. To do this, they insert a colonoscope — a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end — through the rectum to view the inside of our colon and surrounding areas.
Although it’s relatively quick (typically under an hour), a colonoscopy is considered an invasive procedure that requires anesthesia and a lengthy pre-procedure regimen that ensures the physician gets a clear view of our colon. Standard colonoscopy preparation includes limiting certain substances. Let’s take a closer look at what these are.
Preparation for a colonoscopy typically starts three to four days before the scheduled procedure. However, it’s always important to check with our treatment team for specific instructions.
To ensure that the gastroenterologist has an unobstructed view of our colon, we have to flush out our intestine. To do this, we are instructed to avoid certain foods and substances in the days leading up to the procedure:
Avoiding these four things will give us the best chance of a successful procedure. But let’s dive into how alcohol, specifically, could complicate our colonoscopy.
Most clear liquids are permitted up to two to four hours before the procedure. While most alcoholic beverages are clear liquids, they are still not allowed.
Why? There are several reasons. Alcohol dehydrates us, impacts anesthesia (the stuff that keeps us safe and asleep), and thins our blood. All of these can complicate what would normally be a standard procedure.
But what about just one beer? Can one sip of wine hurt?
When it comes to preparing for a colonoscopy (or any procedure for that matter), all alcohol is created equal.
Spirits, indeed, contain higher alcohol by volume, but any amount of alcohol can impact a colonoscopy. Lower-alcohol beverages such as wine or beer may produce less of an impact, but any amount of alcohol can have serious adverse effects.
People get colonoscopies for one reason: to detect abnormalities. If the doctor cannot get a clear picture, the whole procedure is pointless. When we drink before the procedure, we complicate the screening in multiple ways:
Drinking before a colonoscopy opens the door to complications that can be fatal. It is imperative that we tell our medical team if we have had anything to drink in the days leading up to our procedure. We might be hesitant to say anything for fear they will reschedule the procedure, but rescheduling is a small price to pay to avoid complications.
We should clear our calendars of all happy hours, weddings, or other festivities two to three days before a colonoscopy. A liquid diet and bowel emptying preparation typically start two days before colonoscopy procedures are scheduled. While avoiding alcohol for a longer period before a colonoscopy is beneficial, ensuring our last drink is at least 48 hours before is crucial for our safety.
Chronic drinking is also shown to impact anesthesia, regardless of following proper protocols. Be sure to communicate clearly with the operating physician and request individual direction if needed. Colonoscopy prep seems like it involves a lot of “no’s.” Let’s get into some “yes’s” and alternatives to alcohol.
Colonoscopy prep can be unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. As long as the beverage is non-alcoholic and meets the clear liquid criteria, we can still enjoy it. There are plenty of alternatives that won’t impact our colonoscopy:
Including variety in our clear liquid diet helps make the days leading up to our procedure less miserable. Water can get a bit old after two days of just that (even if it is the liquid of life). These alternatives can help us avoid alcohol the days before a colonoscopy, but what do we do if we slip up?
If we do accidentally have a drink within 48 hours of our colonoscopy, the first thing to do is note the time of our last drink. We can then inform our treatment team to receive further guidance on how to proceed. If necessary, the colonoscopy can be postponed to a later date.
We’ve warned against drinking before the procedure, but what about after?
Drinking right after a colonoscopy may not pose an immediate risk to our health, but it may lead to adverse symptoms and produce complications during recovery.
It may take hours or days to fully metabolize anesthesia. If we drink while anesthesia is still in our system, our liver may not be able to keep up. This can lead to increased side effects from anesthesia drugs and hangover symptoms from alcohol.
Furthermore, if any abnormalities are discovered and removed during the procedure, we might be prescribed medications. Drinking after the operation can interact with prescribed medications and also impact recovery.
When dealing with invasive procedures, the fewer complications the better. We’ve determined that alcohol is one of these complications that negatively influences the safety and outcome of colonoscopy procedures. To set us up for success, we can make intentional choices during colonoscopy preparation.
Implementing safe practices leading up to any medical procedure helps things go more smoothly. Here are four tips we can keep in our toolbox for colonoscopies and other medical procedures:
A colonoscopy and the prep leading up to it can be a pain in the butt (pun intended), but a successful procedure can help catch issues before they get more serious. The procedure is short but open to a host of complications when pre-procedure guidelines aren’t followed. One of these procedures is avoiding alcohol. We may think that a sip of wine can’t hurt, but any amount of alcohol before a colonoscopy can have detrimental effects on our safety and the conclusiveness of the test. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to alcohol that we can still enjoy during colonoscopy prep. Avoid alcohol and follow protocol!
Organic cane alcohol can sound like a better choice than conventional grain alcohol. But that’s not the case. Check out our latest blog for more info on the adverse effects of cane alcohol.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Organic, natural, and non-GMO, among many other labels, are supposedly “better” alternatives to a normal generic product. But what about organic cane alcohol? We know that there are harmful effects of drinking alcoholic beverages and may be looking for a better option.
On the surface, cane alcohol can seem like a viable alternative to other alcoholic beverages we may be more familiar with. However, a deeper dive into its adverse effects may suggest otherwise. Let’s further examine what it is and evaluate if it's a healthier option so we can make more well-informed alcohol choices.
Cane alcohol is alcohol that is made from the sugar cane plant. The two main types of cane alcohol are pure cane alcohol and alcohol made from molasses — which we know as rum.
Pure cane alcohol is made from organic sugar cane. The plant is cut and milled with water to produce raw sugar cane juice, which is then heated to remove the impurities. The sugar cane juice is fermented and distilled multiple times to reach a high level of purity, which organic cane alcohol is known for. Rum, on the other hand, is made from fermentation of molasses, a byproduct of the sugar-making process. It falls under the general category of cane alcohol but is distinct from pure cane alcohol.
Pure organic cane alcohol is known for its neutral taste and purity, making it adaptable to many different uses.
Organic cane alcohol is used in a variety of different industries aside from alcoholic beverage companies. Some of its other uses include the following:
Cane alcohol is versatile, not just in its applications within different industries but also in the types of alcoholic beverages it can create.
Pure cane alcohol, which is pure alcohol at 98% alcohol by volume, is used to make distilled alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs, vodkas, and bitters. Legality varies widely by country and region. When purchasing or consuming cane alcohol, it’s important to check regional regulations.
Cane alcoholic drinks are extremely popular in Brazil. Three of the most notable include cachaça, aguardente de cana, and simple alcoholic sugar cane distillate — all made from sugar cane juice. Each varies in ABV and has its own minimum and maximum ABV regulations in Brazil.
While cane alcoholic beverages are popular in Brazil, rum is the most popular cane alcohol approved for consumption in the U.S. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), rum may not exceed 95% alcohol by volume but can vary in regulations depending on the area.
So is cane alcohol really so bad, given its popularity and various uses?
Organic sugar cane alcohol in the context of cosmetics preservation and pharmaceuticals can be a great alternative to synthetically produced chemicals. However, in the context of alcoholic beverages, being derived from an organic plant doesn’t negate the toxicity of alcohol.
Just the way a basket of french fries or a carton of apple juice doesn't count as our serving of fruits and vegetables for the day, alcohol made from a plant doesn’t exactly make it a green juice. Organic cane alcohol has the same harmful effects as other alcoholic beverages that are made from other plants. It goes through the same fermentation process that creates alcohol by turning sugar into ethanol. When we consume ethanol, it’s broken down into a toxic compound known as acetaldehyde — the culprit of many of alcohol’s detrimental effects.
A particular study focused on sugar cane spirits found that their consumption produced anxiolytic-like effects in mice, reducing their inhibitions and causing them to behave out of the ordinary, while also causing them liver injury. While the alcohol content in organic cane alcohol can vary depending on the type of alcoholic beverage, it still contains toxic compounds that harm our health.
So, we’ve learned that cane alcohol has the same harmful effects as grain alcohol, but let’s dive into the difference a little more.
Grain and cane alcohol are similar in that they have various uses, and they’re both derived from plants: cane alcohol is from sugar cane and grain alcohol is from other grains such as corn, wheat, or barley. But grain and cane alcohol are distinct due to three main differences:
While sugar cane alcohol has some benefits over grain alcohol, consuming cane alcohol is still associated with many risks.
Sugar cane alcohol is just like any other alcohol in that it is a toxic compound that opens the door to many different complications and consequences. Some of the issues that drinking alcohol leads to include the following:
Due to the way sugar cane alcohol is presented, it also comes with its own risk factors.
Let’s clear up some of the confusion surrounding organic cane alcohol so we can make well-informed decisions about drinking.
Cane alcohol, specifically organic cane alcohol, is associated with many common misconceptions, such as:
After we understand exactly what cane alcohol is we are able to consume more mindfully and safely.
As we’ve learned, consuming cane alcohol comes with many risks. If we choose to drink cane alcohol, we can limit its negative consequences through mindful drinking practices:
Mindfully approaching cane alcohol and alcohol in general can help minimize its adverse effects. However, at the end of the day, alcohol is still alcohol, no matter if it’s organic or derived from a sugar cane plant.
We may have all been duped at some point in our lives by product labeling. Free-range, all-natural, and organic may not always be what we think. Debunking common myths about organic cane alcohol helps us see it for what it is. Pure cane alcohol is a useful, eco-friendly substance when used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries. However, as an alcoholic beverage, organic cane alcohol has the same toxic effects as grain alcohol, which we may be more familiar with. The lack of clarity and regulations surrounding cane alcohol makes it even more dangerous than other alcoholic beverages. Gain a better relationship with alcohol by cutting back, whether it be from grain or cane!
Organic, natural, and non-GMO, among many other labels, are supposedly “better” alternatives to a normal generic product. But what about organic cane alcohol? We know that there are harmful effects of drinking alcoholic beverages and may be looking for a better option.
On the surface, cane alcohol can seem like a viable alternative to other alcoholic beverages we may be more familiar with. However, a deeper dive into its adverse effects may suggest otherwise. Let’s further examine what it is and evaluate if it's a healthier option so we can make more well-informed alcohol choices.
Cane alcohol is alcohol that is made from the sugar cane plant. The two main types of cane alcohol are pure cane alcohol and alcohol made from molasses — which we know as rum.
Pure cane alcohol is made from organic sugar cane. The plant is cut and milled with water to produce raw sugar cane juice, which is then heated to remove the impurities. The sugar cane juice is fermented and distilled multiple times to reach a high level of purity, which organic cane alcohol is known for. Rum, on the other hand, is made from fermentation of molasses, a byproduct of the sugar-making process. It falls under the general category of cane alcohol but is distinct from pure cane alcohol.
Pure organic cane alcohol is known for its neutral taste and purity, making it adaptable to many different uses.
Organic cane alcohol is used in a variety of different industries aside from alcoholic beverage companies. Some of its other uses include the following:
Cane alcohol is versatile, not just in its applications within different industries but also in the types of alcoholic beverages it can create.
Pure cane alcohol, which is pure alcohol at 98% alcohol by volume, is used to make distilled alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs, vodkas, and bitters. Legality varies widely by country and region. When purchasing or consuming cane alcohol, it’s important to check regional regulations.
Cane alcoholic drinks are extremely popular in Brazil. Three of the most notable include cachaça, aguardente de cana, and simple alcoholic sugar cane distillate — all made from sugar cane juice. Each varies in ABV and has its own minimum and maximum ABV regulations in Brazil.
While cane alcoholic beverages are popular in Brazil, rum is the most popular cane alcohol approved for consumption in the U.S. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), rum may not exceed 95% alcohol by volume but can vary in regulations depending on the area.
So is cane alcohol really so bad, given its popularity and various uses?
Organic sugar cane alcohol in the context of cosmetics preservation and pharmaceuticals can be a great alternative to synthetically produced chemicals. However, in the context of alcoholic beverages, being derived from an organic plant doesn’t negate the toxicity of alcohol.
Just the way a basket of french fries or a carton of apple juice doesn't count as our serving of fruits and vegetables for the day, alcohol made from a plant doesn’t exactly make it a green juice. Organic cane alcohol has the same harmful effects as other alcoholic beverages that are made from other plants. It goes through the same fermentation process that creates alcohol by turning sugar into ethanol. When we consume ethanol, it’s broken down into a toxic compound known as acetaldehyde — the culprit of many of alcohol’s detrimental effects.
A particular study focused on sugar cane spirits found that their consumption produced anxiolytic-like effects in mice, reducing their inhibitions and causing them to behave out of the ordinary, while also causing them liver injury. While the alcohol content in organic cane alcohol can vary depending on the type of alcoholic beverage, it still contains toxic compounds that harm our health.
So, we’ve learned that cane alcohol has the same harmful effects as grain alcohol, but let’s dive into the difference a little more.
Grain and cane alcohol are similar in that they have various uses, and they’re both derived from plants: cane alcohol is from sugar cane and grain alcohol is from other grains such as corn, wheat, or barley. But grain and cane alcohol are distinct due to three main differences:
While sugar cane alcohol has some benefits over grain alcohol, consuming cane alcohol is still associated with many risks.
Sugar cane alcohol is just like any other alcohol in that it is a toxic compound that opens the door to many different complications and consequences. Some of the issues that drinking alcohol leads to include the following:
Due to the way sugar cane alcohol is presented, it also comes with its own risk factors.
Let’s clear up some of the confusion surrounding organic cane alcohol so we can make well-informed decisions about drinking.
Cane alcohol, specifically organic cane alcohol, is associated with many common misconceptions, such as:
After we understand exactly what cane alcohol is we are able to consume more mindfully and safely.
As we’ve learned, consuming cane alcohol comes with many risks. If we choose to drink cane alcohol, we can limit its negative consequences through mindful drinking practices:
Mindfully approaching cane alcohol and alcohol in general can help minimize its adverse effects. However, at the end of the day, alcohol is still alcohol, no matter if it’s organic or derived from a sugar cane plant.
We may have all been duped at some point in our lives by product labeling. Free-range, all-natural, and organic may not always be what we think. Debunking common myths about organic cane alcohol helps us see it for what it is. Pure cane alcohol is a useful, eco-friendly substance when used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries. However, as an alcoholic beverage, organic cane alcohol has the same toxic effects as grain alcohol, which we may be more familiar with. The lack of clarity and regulations surrounding cane alcohol makes it even more dangerous than other alcoholic beverages. Gain a better relationship with alcohol by cutting back, whether it be from grain or cane!
Is it safe to drink alcohol after getting a stent fitted for heart attacks or other related conditions? Learn the science and best practices for your heart health.
You’ve come to the right place! Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 forum and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Whether you’ve ever experienced heart problems, or they run in your family, or you're simply wanting to be more proactive about your heart health, you’ve come to the right place! February also happens to be Heart Health Month in the U.S., so what better way to celebrate than by educating yourself about the relationship between our heart health and alcohol.
If you’ve ever had a stent fitted or know someone who has, you may be wondering if you’ll ever be able to get back to your old self. “Do I have to give up Chick-fil-A for good?” “Will I be able to get back to long-distance running?” “Can I drink alcohol after having a stent fitted?”
Only your doctor can definitively answer questions about your prognosis, but we can touch on the alcohol-related side of things. Let’s explore and find out: Can you drink alcohol with stents in your heart? And how soon after a heart attack can you drink alcohol?
A stent is a small tube that a doctor installs inside one of our arteries to open it up after it’s been blocked by either cholesterol or fat buildup that was limiting — or, in the case of a heart attack, completely stopping — blood from flowing through our heart and to the rest of our body.
Once a doctor removes the buildup that was causing the blockage in the artery, a stent is then placed to prevent further stress to that area. Think of your coronary arteries as mining tunnels — a stent acts as a support structure to keep the tunnel from collapsing.
Simply put, our coronary arteries are a big deal! A completely blocked coronary artery will cause a heart attack. The classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing chest pain or pressure, shoulder or arm pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as neck or jaw pain, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, especially if you’ve already had a heart attack or have a stent in place.
Stents are typically used for those of us who have experienced heart problems such as a heart attack. They’re also used when we have advanced atherosclerosis, a condition that involves plaque collecting inside an artery. However, stents can be used for other conditions that aren’t related to the heart but are related to circulation and blood flow.
Here are some additional conditions that may require a stent:
Just like stents help increase blood flow when our hearts are blocked, they also help increase blood flow through our bodies when we have another blockage, such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in your leg, arm, or pelvis) or an aneurysm. They can also help with blockages in airways for someone experiencing a blockage in their lungs, for example. However, stents are most commonly used to prevent further damage after a heart attack.
As we mentioned, stents are often used after heart attacks to shore up the structure of the blood vessel that was blocked during the attack. Unfortunately, alcohol has many detrimental effects on the heart. But can alcohol cause cardiac arrest?
Drinking alcohol is linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including heart conditions. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke — but can alcohol give you a heart attack?
Excessive drinking can also contribute to cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle, and can contribute to conditions associated with heart attacks, such as diabetes, obesity, clotting, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation.
In general, it’s best to avoid alcohol if you’re concerned about heart health. And if you’ve already had a heart attack, it’s even more important.
We don’t recommend drinking alcohol after a heart attack or stent placement, but for those of us who do choose to consume alcohol, it’s important to exercise caution. Speak to a healthcare provider about your individual case and medical history. For some of us, it may be safe to drink a glass of wine after a week or so; whereas, for others, it may be best to wait up to a month or more or to cut out alcohol completely.
The takeaway is this: If we choose to drink alcohol, it’s important to practice moderation. Remember, there is no “safe” level of alcohol, only best practices for reducing the risk of harm.
Now, back to stents!
The clinical term for a heart stent procedure is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or angioplasty. The procedure is usually done using a local anesthetic, though we’ll likely be given medication to help us relax.
An inflatable catheter (called a “balloon”) is inserted into a blood vessel, typically through our wrist. Once the doctor determines the target location, the stent is placed using special X-ray equipment. The balloon is inflated, and the stent is expanded around it. Then the balloon is deflated, leaving the stent in place.
After the procedure, we will likely be required to take blood thinners or other medications to ensure our arteries remain open and the blood continues to flow freely, as it should.
The recovery process after getting a stent fitted depends on the seriousness of the preceding event. It’s always important to speak with our healthcare provider and ask detailed questions. To protect our well-being, it’s important to be honest and open with our doctor.
But generally, here are a few things to avoid at least for a few days after a stent procedure:
All of this sounds like a drag — but hey, it’s better than the alternative! After your recovery period, you’ll be able to get back to your normal self. However, you will likely have to adjust to a different lifestyle with healthier choices. Say goodbye to your regular fried chicken sandwich for lunch!
But wait, can you drink alcohol with stents in your heart? Let’s find out!
As we’ve reiterated throughout the article, we recommend speaking with your doctor about this before you go for a drink. Everyone’s recovery process is different, and we all react differently to medical procedures. Depending on overall health, a few drinks might not kill us, but drinking alcohol at this stage poses a lot of risks. Here are the big ones:
Let’s face it, if we’ve just had a stent placed, we probably have more than the average health considerations to take into account! We’re healing not only from the procedure, but we’re in the process of recovering from whatever condition led to the placement of the stent. To optimize heart and blood health and give our body the best chance at healing, it’s best to take it easy and avoid stressing our body out with alcohol.
Seek medical attention or dial 911 if you experience any of these symptoms after a stent procedure:
Although the angioplasty and stent will help the blood circulate better, that doesn’t mean we’re completely off the hook! We still need to do our part to live a healthy lifestyle. That means eating healthy foods, exercising, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting alcohol.
Moderation is key to overall health and a healthy relationship with alcohol. We may have heard the term “moderation” thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean?
Moderation means consuming alcoholic beverages in reasonable limits that mitigate risks to health. Moderation implies a balanced and controlled approach to drinking. It’s typically defined as less than one drink per day for women and fewer than two drinks per day for men.
Moderation entails making intentional and informed decisions about the quantity and frequency of our alcohol intake. Mindful drinking prioritizes our health goals and allows us to avoid negative consequences such as impaired judgment or dependency. To learn more about how mindful drinking benefits overall well-being, check out our article about health benefits of cutting back on drinking.
Luckily, life offers many options for enjoying ourselves without drinking alcohol. Let’s take a look at how we can protect our heart health with sobriety!
Many of us have heard that a glass of red wine is good for heart health. So is that an invitation to drink our daily glass (and then some) if we’re on a path of healing our heart?
Think again! We wish it were that simple. Most of those studies have been debunked, or it was proven that we get all the benefits of drinking red wine by just drinking non-alcoholic grape juice (without the negative effects of alcohol).
Luckily, there are heart-healthy ways to enjoy a “drink” without alcohol. In fact, this time of healing can stand as the beginning of a greater journey toward sobriety or mindfully reduced drinking. Let’s look at some healthy alternatives to drinking alcohol after getting a stent placed.
Whether we’re recovering from heart surgery or taking a break from drinking for other health reasons, there are many benefits to an alcohol-free lifestyle worth exploring.
Although it’s not technically a “no-no” to drink alcohol after having a stent fitted, the best idea is to exercise caution with anything that could potentially put us at risk or cause any complications — especially when we’re dealing with matters of the heart! Our hearts are really the heartbeat of our entire well-being. As always, Reframe is here to help us all make positive changes that benefit our health.
Whether you’ve ever experienced heart problems, or they run in your family, or you're simply wanting to be more proactive about your heart health, you’ve come to the right place! February also happens to be Heart Health Month in the U.S., so what better way to celebrate than by educating yourself about the relationship between our heart health and alcohol.
If you’ve ever had a stent fitted or know someone who has, you may be wondering if you’ll ever be able to get back to your old self. “Do I have to give up Chick-fil-A for good?” “Will I be able to get back to long-distance running?” “Can I drink alcohol after having a stent fitted?”
Only your doctor can definitively answer questions about your prognosis, but we can touch on the alcohol-related side of things. Let’s explore and find out: Can you drink alcohol with stents in your heart? And how soon after a heart attack can you drink alcohol?
A stent is a small tube that a doctor installs inside one of our arteries to open it up after it’s been blocked by either cholesterol or fat buildup that was limiting — or, in the case of a heart attack, completely stopping — blood from flowing through our heart and to the rest of our body.
Once a doctor removes the buildup that was causing the blockage in the artery, a stent is then placed to prevent further stress to that area. Think of your coronary arteries as mining tunnels — a stent acts as a support structure to keep the tunnel from collapsing.
Simply put, our coronary arteries are a big deal! A completely blocked coronary artery will cause a heart attack. The classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing chest pain or pressure, shoulder or arm pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as neck or jaw pain, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, especially if you’ve already had a heart attack or have a stent in place.
Stents are typically used for those of us who have experienced heart problems such as a heart attack. They’re also used when we have advanced atherosclerosis, a condition that involves plaque collecting inside an artery. However, stents can be used for other conditions that aren’t related to the heart but are related to circulation and blood flow.
Here are some additional conditions that may require a stent:
Just like stents help increase blood flow when our hearts are blocked, they also help increase blood flow through our bodies when we have another blockage, such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in your leg, arm, or pelvis) or an aneurysm. They can also help with blockages in airways for someone experiencing a blockage in their lungs, for example. However, stents are most commonly used to prevent further damage after a heart attack.
As we mentioned, stents are often used after heart attacks to shore up the structure of the blood vessel that was blocked during the attack. Unfortunately, alcohol has many detrimental effects on the heart. But can alcohol cause cardiac arrest?
Drinking alcohol is linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including heart conditions. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke — but can alcohol give you a heart attack?
Excessive drinking can also contribute to cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle, and can contribute to conditions associated with heart attacks, such as diabetes, obesity, clotting, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation.
In general, it’s best to avoid alcohol if you’re concerned about heart health. And if you’ve already had a heart attack, it’s even more important.
We don’t recommend drinking alcohol after a heart attack or stent placement, but for those of us who do choose to consume alcohol, it’s important to exercise caution. Speak to a healthcare provider about your individual case and medical history. For some of us, it may be safe to drink a glass of wine after a week or so; whereas, for others, it may be best to wait up to a month or more or to cut out alcohol completely.
The takeaway is this: If we choose to drink alcohol, it’s important to practice moderation. Remember, there is no “safe” level of alcohol, only best practices for reducing the risk of harm.
Now, back to stents!
The clinical term for a heart stent procedure is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or angioplasty. The procedure is usually done using a local anesthetic, though we’ll likely be given medication to help us relax.
An inflatable catheter (called a “balloon”) is inserted into a blood vessel, typically through our wrist. Once the doctor determines the target location, the stent is placed using special X-ray equipment. The balloon is inflated, and the stent is expanded around it. Then the balloon is deflated, leaving the stent in place.
After the procedure, we will likely be required to take blood thinners or other medications to ensure our arteries remain open and the blood continues to flow freely, as it should.
The recovery process after getting a stent fitted depends on the seriousness of the preceding event. It’s always important to speak with our healthcare provider and ask detailed questions. To protect our well-being, it’s important to be honest and open with our doctor.
But generally, here are a few things to avoid at least for a few days after a stent procedure:
All of this sounds like a drag — but hey, it’s better than the alternative! After your recovery period, you’ll be able to get back to your normal self. However, you will likely have to adjust to a different lifestyle with healthier choices. Say goodbye to your regular fried chicken sandwich for lunch!
But wait, can you drink alcohol with stents in your heart? Let’s find out!
As we’ve reiterated throughout the article, we recommend speaking with your doctor about this before you go for a drink. Everyone’s recovery process is different, and we all react differently to medical procedures. Depending on overall health, a few drinks might not kill us, but drinking alcohol at this stage poses a lot of risks. Here are the big ones:
Let’s face it, if we’ve just had a stent placed, we probably have more than the average health considerations to take into account! We’re healing not only from the procedure, but we’re in the process of recovering from whatever condition led to the placement of the stent. To optimize heart and blood health and give our body the best chance at healing, it’s best to take it easy and avoid stressing our body out with alcohol.
Seek medical attention or dial 911 if you experience any of these symptoms after a stent procedure:
Although the angioplasty and stent will help the blood circulate better, that doesn’t mean we’re completely off the hook! We still need to do our part to live a healthy lifestyle. That means eating healthy foods, exercising, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting alcohol.
Moderation is key to overall health and a healthy relationship with alcohol. We may have heard the term “moderation” thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean?
Moderation means consuming alcoholic beverages in reasonable limits that mitigate risks to health. Moderation implies a balanced and controlled approach to drinking. It’s typically defined as less than one drink per day for women and fewer than two drinks per day for men.
Moderation entails making intentional and informed decisions about the quantity and frequency of our alcohol intake. Mindful drinking prioritizes our health goals and allows us to avoid negative consequences such as impaired judgment or dependency. To learn more about how mindful drinking benefits overall well-being, check out our article about health benefits of cutting back on drinking.
Luckily, life offers many options for enjoying ourselves without drinking alcohol. Let’s take a look at how we can protect our heart health with sobriety!
Many of us have heard that a glass of red wine is good for heart health. So is that an invitation to drink our daily glass (and then some) if we’re on a path of healing our heart?
Think again! We wish it were that simple. Most of those studies have been debunked, or it was proven that we get all the benefits of drinking red wine by just drinking non-alcoholic grape juice (without the negative effects of alcohol).
Luckily, there are heart-healthy ways to enjoy a “drink” without alcohol. In fact, this time of healing can stand as the beginning of a greater journey toward sobriety or mindfully reduced drinking. Let’s look at some healthy alternatives to drinking alcohol after getting a stent placed.
Whether we’re recovering from heart surgery or taking a break from drinking for other health reasons, there are many benefits to an alcohol-free lifestyle worth exploring.
Although it’s not technically a “no-no” to drink alcohol after having a stent fitted, the best idea is to exercise caution with anything that could potentially put us at risk or cause any complications — especially when we’re dealing with matters of the heart! Our hearts are really the heartbeat of our entire well-being. As always, Reframe is here to help us all make positive changes that benefit our health.
Learn how to detox your body from alcohol with these 7 tasty liver detox drinks, and find out how to optimize your liver health!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Last night was wild, and now you’re feeling crummy. Maybe it’s a hangover, or flashes from embarrassing moments. At times like these, we often have some clarity about our self-care. We may decide to counteract our overindulgence with a healthy boost to the system — a trip to the gym, a green smoothie for breakfast, or a commitment to take it a little easier next time.
One great way to get a health boost after heavy drinking is to give our liver a break. Indulging in a healthy liver detox drink is like giving a spa day to the hardworking organ that cleans up the alcohol from our system and gets us back to our sober selves.
If you’re wondering what to drink to detox your body, looking for liver flush recipes, or searching for homemade detox drink ideas, you’ve come to the right place. What is a good detox drink to flush your system? And what are the best detox drinks for alcohol recovery? Read on for tips and recipes!
Now that you have some ideas of how to experiment with your own recipes, let’s look at a few to get you started and inspire you. Here are seven tasty recipes to set you on the road to recovery.
1 cup of water
½ inch piece of ginger, grated or sliced
Juice from half a lemon
1 tsp of honey (or to taste)
Optional: cinnamon stick, fresh mint leaves, or turmeric
Boil the water and add all ingredients. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain. This drink is soothing when hot, and refreshing when served over ice.
Psychotherapy is beneficial for AUD treatment because it addresses our mental health. Our mental health and AUD are connected in three main ways:
Blend all the ingredients together well and serve while still warm.
1 bananas (fresh or frozen without the skin)
1 cup of milk of your choice
¼ cup peanut butter
Optional: 1 tablespoons honey, or to taste
1 cup of ice cubes
Blend everything together very well and enjoy. It’s that simple!
1 cup leafy greens (spinach, kale, and chard are great!)
½ - 1 banana
½ avocado
½ cup orange juice, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon chia seeds and/or hemp hearts
1 cup almond milk, plus more as needed to blend
Handful of ice
Toss everything into a blender and enjoy! You might also consider adding ingredients like spirulina, flaxseed meal, and frozen fruits (try pineapple or mango!).
⅓ cup peeled + chopped raw beet (or ¼ cup beet juice)
1 ⅓ cup frozen strawberries
½ frozen banana
⅔ cup apple juice or cider
A handful of ice (more if using fresh fruit)
Blend everything together. Want to get experimental? Try adding a tablespoon of almond or sunflower seed butter for some extra creaminess, or a carrot for an extra nutritional boost.
If you have access to fresh dandelion root — amazing! It can be hard to find, so here are some suggestions for spicing up your plain store-bought dandelion tea. Experiment and find what works for you! Don’t go too crazy: try one or two of these things at a time to get an idea of what you do or don’t like.
Milk or cream of your choice
1 cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon of dried ginger
1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
⅛ tsp vanilla extract (or to taste)
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
⅛ tsp pumpkin spice
⅛ tsp cloves
1 large orange, peeled
½ banana (fresh or frozen)
1 cup frozen mango chunks
½ cup milk of your choice
¼ cup vanilla extract
Blend everything together very well. Consider adding a carrot for an extra nutrient boost and a glowing orange color.
The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body, an essential player on the organ team that keeps our body running. Understanding what it does is a good place to start when thinking about how to take care of it.
A detox can help us keep our liver in tip-top shape.
Wondering what to drink to detox your body? The best detox cleanse drink for your liver is the one you’ll drink and enjoy! When you understand the ingredients that go into good detox drinks, you can start crafting one to your tastes.
When it comes to the mixology of liver detox drinks, there are two major categories to explore: teas and smoothies.
Teas allow us to take advantage of the many herbs and plants that boost liver health. You can make hot tea on a cold winter day or a cozy evening, or an iced tea to beat the heat in the dead of summer. Whichever you choose, there are a few key items to keep in your pantry.
Who doesn’t love a tasty smoothie? They’re an easy, refreshing way to blend up superfoods and pack a wellness punch. Let’s look at some great smoothie ingredients to inspire you:
Next time you’re enjoying your morning cup of joe, consider that it’s doing more for you than just giving you an energy boost. Coffee is known to help protect against liver cancer. Don’t think that’s a license to up your intake — the caffeine in coffee can interfere with sleep and cause gastrointestinal issues, and excessive coffee intake is associated with a higher risk of other types of cancer.
Hopefully these liver-detoxing ingredients have you excited and inspired. But before you run to the kitchen to concoct some cleansing drinks, let’s consider one more thing.
If you’re in a rush to detox, you may be out of luck. If you’re wondering how to get alcohol out of your system fast, a detox drink simply won’t do it. There’s no way to speed up the elimination of alcohol from your system. Your liver can only process alcohol so quickly, and it needs time and rest to do its job.
So what is the best drink to flush your liver. Water! Good old H2O is the antidote to alcohol’s dehydrating effects. To give your liver a chance to focus on its job, drink some water, get in a good veggie-filled meal, and have a restful day.
While these recipes are a great way to recover, the best way to protect your liver is to control your alcohol intake by quitting or cutting back on drinking. Let’s look at some tips to help you make a successful rebound on your liver recovery journey.
Last night was wild, and now you’re feeling crummy. Maybe it’s a hangover, or flashes from embarrassing moments. At times like these, we often have some clarity about our self-care. We may decide to counteract our overindulgence with a healthy boost to the system — a trip to the gym, a green smoothie for breakfast, or a commitment to take it a little easier next time.
One great way to get a health boost after heavy drinking is to give our liver a break. Indulging in a healthy liver detox drink is like giving a spa day to the hardworking organ that cleans up the alcohol from our system and gets us back to our sober selves.
If you’re wondering what to drink to detox your body, looking for liver flush recipes, or searching for homemade detox drink ideas, you’ve come to the right place. What is a good detox drink to flush your system? And what are the best detox drinks for alcohol recovery? Read on for tips and recipes!
Now that you have some ideas of how to experiment with your own recipes, let’s look at a few to get you started and inspire you. Here are seven tasty recipes to set you on the road to recovery.
1 cup of water
½ inch piece of ginger, grated or sliced
Juice from half a lemon
1 tsp of honey (or to taste)
Optional: cinnamon stick, fresh mint leaves, or turmeric
Boil the water and add all ingredients. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain. This drink is soothing when hot, and refreshing when served over ice.
Psychotherapy is beneficial for AUD treatment because it addresses our mental health. Our mental health and AUD are connected in three main ways:
Blend all the ingredients together well and serve while still warm.
1 bananas (fresh or frozen without the skin)
1 cup of milk of your choice
¼ cup peanut butter
Optional: 1 tablespoons honey, or to taste
1 cup of ice cubes
Blend everything together very well and enjoy. It’s that simple!
1 cup leafy greens (spinach, kale, and chard are great!)
½ - 1 banana
½ avocado
½ cup orange juice, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon chia seeds and/or hemp hearts
1 cup almond milk, plus more as needed to blend
Handful of ice
Toss everything into a blender and enjoy! You might also consider adding ingredients like spirulina, flaxseed meal, and frozen fruits (try pineapple or mango!).
⅓ cup peeled + chopped raw beet (or ¼ cup beet juice)
1 ⅓ cup frozen strawberries
½ frozen banana
⅔ cup apple juice or cider
A handful of ice (more if using fresh fruit)
Blend everything together. Want to get experimental? Try adding a tablespoon of almond or sunflower seed butter for some extra creaminess, or a carrot for an extra nutritional boost.
If you have access to fresh dandelion root — amazing! It can be hard to find, so here are some suggestions for spicing up your plain store-bought dandelion tea. Experiment and find what works for you! Don’t go too crazy: try one or two of these things at a time to get an idea of what you do or don’t like.
Milk or cream of your choice
1 cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon of dried ginger
1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
⅛ tsp vanilla extract (or to taste)
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
⅛ tsp pumpkin spice
⅛ tsp cloves
1 large orange, peeled
½ banana (fresh or frozen)
1 cup frozen mango chunks
½ cup milk of your choice
¼ cup vanilla extract
Blend everything together very well. Consider adding a carrot for an extra nutrient boost and a glowing orange color.
The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body, an essential player on the organ team that keeps our body running. Understanding what it does is a good place to start when thinking about how to take care of it.
A detox can help us keep our liver in tip-top shape.
Wondering what to drink to detox your body? The best detox cleanse drink for your liver is the one you’ll drink and enjoy! When you understand the ingredients that go into good detox drinks, you can start crafting one to your tastes.
When it comes to the mixology of liver detox drinks, there are two major categories to explore: teas and smoothies.
Teas allow us to take advantage of the many herbs and plants that boost liver health. You can make hot tea on a cold winter day or a cozy evening, or an iced tea to beat the heat in the dead of summer. Whichever you choose, there are a few key items to keep in your pantry.
Who doesn’t love a tasty smoothie? They’re an easy, refreshing way to blend up superfoods and pack a wellness punch. Let’s look at some great smoothie ingredients to inspire you:
Next time you’re enjoying your morning cup of joe, consider that it’s doing more for you than just giving you an energy boost. Coffee is known to help protect against liver cancer. Don’t think that’s a license to up your intake — the caffeine in coffee can interfere with sleep and cause gastrointestinal issues, and excessive coffee intake is associated with a higher risk of other types of cancer.
Hopefully these liver-detoxing ingredients have you excited and inspired. But before you run to the kitchen to concoct some cleansing drinks, let’s consider one more thing.
If you’re in a rush to detox, you may be out of luck. If you’re wondering how to get alcohol out of your system fast, a detox drink simply won’t do it. There’s no way to speed up the elimination of alcohol from your system. Your liver can only process alcohol so quickly, and it needs time and rest to do its job.
So what is the best drink to flush your liver. Water! Good old H2O is the antidote to alcohol’s dehydrating effects. To give your liver a chance to focus on its job, drink some water, get in a good veggie-filled meal, and have a restful day.
While these recipes are a great way to recover, the best way to protect your liver is to control your alcohol intake by quitting or cutting back on drinking. Let’s look at some tips to help you make a successful rebound on your liver recovery journey.
Many alcoholic drinks are loaded with sugar, which is detrimental to our overall well-being. Learn which beverages contain the most sugar and discover low-sugar alternative options.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You’ve been slowly making changes to your lifestyle, and you’re finally tackling one area in particular: your sugar intake. You’ve removed the Oreos from your pantry, traded your morning donut for a bowl of oatmeal, and swapped your afternoon chocolate bar for a handful of nuts. But there’s still one lingering issue — your alcohol intake.
You have a cocktail or a glass of wine several times throughout the week. But have you ever paused to consider what's inside these beverages beyond the alcohol? The sugar content in alcoholic drinks is often overlooked, yet it can impact our health.
First let’s start by discussing the basic chemistry of alcoholic beverages. Pure alcohol, chemically known as ethanol, does not contain any sugar. Ethanol is produced through the fermentation process, during which yeast consumes sugars found in fruits, grains, or vegetables and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
The key factor in determining alcoholic beverages’ sugar content lies in the specifics of this fermentation process and the liquid’s subsequent treatments. For example, in wine production, the natural sugars in grapes are partially or fully fermented into alcohol, depending on the desired sweetness of the wine. Dry wines undergo a longer fermentation process, resulting in lower residual sugar; sweeter wines retain more of the original sugars.
In the case of distilled spirits such as vodka and whiskey, the initial fermentation creates a mash that contains alcohol and sugars. The distillation process then heats this mixture, evaporating the alcohol (which has a lower boiling point) and leaving most other substances, including sugars, behind. Consequently, most straight distilled spirits contain negligible sugar.
However, post-distillation treatments and flavor additions can alter this natural state. Liqueurs, flavored spirits, and pre-mixed drinks often have sugars and other sweeteners added to enhance taste, contributing to their overall sugar content.
Thus, while pure alcohol itself is sugar-free, the final sugar content in alcoholic beverages varies significantly based on the type of drink, the fermentation process, and any additional flavorings or mixers. Understanding these factors is essential for those of us looking to manage our sugar intake while still enjoying alcoholic beverages.
Vodka, a popular distilled spirit, is known for its clarity and supposed purity. This perception stems from its production process, which involves the fermentation of grains like wheat, rye, or potatoes, followed by a thorough distillation. The distillation process effectively removes impurities and residual sugars from the fermented mixture, resulting in a beverage that’s almost exclusively composed of water and ethanol (alcohol). This is why traditional, unflavored vodka is often considered sugar-free.
The caloric content in unflavored vodka comes primarily from its alcohol content. Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which is almost twice as caloric as carbohydrates (including sugars) but less caloric than fats. While vodka does not contribute sugar to our diet, it does contribute calories — an important consideration for those of us watching our overall caloric intake.
Flavored vodkas are a different story. These contain sugars and other sweetening agents to enhance their taste and appeal. The sugar content in flavored vodkas varies widely depending on the brand and the specific flavoring methods. Some flavored vodkas contain 2-11 grams of sugar per 1.5-ounce serving. This can quickly add up, especially when consumed quickly in the form of shots.
Gin, similar to vodka, is typically sugar-free post-distillation, as the sugars in the original mash are converted into alcohol. The distillation process renders gin’s sugar content negligible — the final product is primarily alcohol and water.
However, the classic gin and tonic cocktail introduces a great deal of sugar, not from the gin itself, but from the tonic water. Tonic water, often perceived as a simple mixer, actually contains a considerable amount of sugar to balance the bitterness of quinine, its key ingredient. A single serving of tonic water can add up to 18 grams of sugar to a drink.
Beer contains sugars due to its brewing process. Brewed from starch-rich ingredients such as barley, the sugars in these grains are essential for fermentation, during which yeast converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. However, not all the sugars are fermented; some remain in the final product, contributing to the beer's flavor and body.
The sugar content in beer varies, but a standard pint typically contains up to 3 grams of sugar. This amount can increase, particularly in darker beers. Darker beers often have a richer malt profile, which involves the use of more heavily roasted grains. These grains contribute not only to the beer's deeper color and robust flavor but also to a higher residual sugar content.
Therefore, the sugar content of beer greatly depends upon its type, with darker varieties generally having more sugar compared to lighter ones.
The sugar content in wine varies greatly depending on the type and style of wine. It ranges from almost zero in some dry wines to high levels in sweet dessert wines.
In dry wines, most of the natural sugars from grapes are fermented into alcohol, leaving less than 1 gram of sugar per glass. Medium-dry wines might contain 1 to 12 grams of sugar per serving. On the other hand, sweet wines, such as some rieslings or dessert wines like port, can have over 20 grams of sugar per serving.
The winemaking process plays a crucial role in this variation; winemakers can stop fermentation early to retain more natural sugar for a sweeter taste or allow it to continue longer for a drier wine. It’s essential for those of us monitoring our sugar intake to understand the distinction between dry, medium, and sweet wines, as is checking the label for residual sugar content where available.
Tequila, a distinctive spirit distilled from the agave plant, typically contains almost no sugar. The production process involves harvesting the agave, extracting the juice, and then fermenting it. During fermentation, the natural sugars in the agave are converted into alcohol. The subsequent distillation process further purifies the liquid, leaving behind most non-alcoholic components, including sugars.
As a result, pure tequila, particularly the clear varieties such as blanco or silver tequila, is generally considered sugar-free. However, aged tequilas, such as reposado or añejo, may have trace amounts of sugar due to the caramelization of natural sugars during the aging process in wooden barrels. It's also noteworthy that flavored or mixed tequilas can contain added sugars, significantly altering their sugar content compared to traditional, pure tequila.
While tequila may have little to no sugar, it still contains a significant amount of alcohol. Consumption should be monitored to avoid the adverse effects of intoxication.
Whiskey, a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat, typically has no sugar after the distillation process. The sugars present in the grains are crucial for fermentation, a process through which they’re converted into alcohol. During distillation, the alcohol is separated from most other components, including sugars, resulting in a sugar-free final product.
This holds true for various types of whiskey, such as scotch, bourbon, and rye. However, it's important to distinguish between straight whiskey and whiskey-based liqueurs or flavored whiskeys. The latter often contain added sugars and other flavoring agents, which can significantly increase their sugar content.
Like tequila, it’s important to drink whiskey in moderation to avoid the downsides of its high alcohol content.
Cocktails are notorious for their high sugar content. The sugar content in these beverages can significantly vary based on their ingredients:
Sugar, unfortunately, is present in many of our foods and beverages today. Many of us far exceed the recommended 24 grams (for women) or 36 grams (for men) of added sugar per day.
Consuming excessive amounts of sugar poses several health risks:
As with alcohol, moderating our sugar intake is key. Understanding the sugar content in alcoholic beverages is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing these potential risks.
When we build healthier drinking habits, we can also lower our overall sugar intake. Here’s how we can simultaneously lower our sugar and alcohol consumption:
Sugar sneaks into many of our food and beverages, and alcohol is no exception. Awareness of the sugar content in alcoholic beverages is a crucial step in making informed health decisions. With this knowledge, we can enjoy our evenings responsibly, knowing we're taking care of our bodies in the process.
The changes we make today will have lasting effects on our well-being. And with better health, we can be more present for what truly matters in our lives.
You’ve been slowly making changes to your lifestyle, and you’re finally tackling one area in particular: your sugar intake. You’ve removed the Oreos from your pantry, traded your morning donut for a bowl of oatmeal, and swapped your afternoon chocolate bar for a handful of nuts. But there’s still one lingering issue — your alcohol intake.
You have a cocktail or a glass of wine several times throughout the week. But have you ever paused to consider what's inside these beverages beyond the alcohol? The sugar content in alcoholic drinks is often overlooked, yet it can impact our health.
First let’s start by discussing the basic chemistry of alcoholic beverages. Pure alcohol, chemically known as ethanol, does not contain any sugar. Ethanol is produced through the fermentation process, during which yeast consumes sugars found in fruits, grains, or vegetables and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
The key factor in determining alcoholic beverages’ sugar content lies in the specifics of this fermentation process and the liquid’s subsequent treatments. For example, in wine production, the natural sugars in grapes are partially or fully fermented into alcohol, depending on the desired sweetness of the wine. Dry wines undergo a longer fermentation process, resulting in lower residual sugar; sweeter wines retain more of the original sugars.
In the case of distilled spirits such as vodka and whiskey, the initial fermentation creates a mash that contains alcohol and sugars. The distillation process then heats this mixture, evaporating the alcohol (which has a lower boiling point) and leaving most other substances, including sugars, behind. Consequently, most straight distilled spirits contain negligible sugar.
However, post-distillation treatments and flavor additions can alter this natural state. Liqueurs, flavored spirits, and pre-mixed drinks often have sugars and other sweeteners added to enhance taste, contributing to their overall sugar content.
Thus, while pure alcohol itself is sugar-free, the final sugar content in alcoholic beverages varies significantly based on the type of drink, the fermentation process, and any additional flavorings or mixers. Understanding these factors is essential for those of us looking to manage our sugar intake while still enjoying alcoholic beverages.
Vodka, a popular distilled spirit, is known for its clarity and supposed purity. This perception stems from its production process, which involves the fermentation of grains like wheat, rye, or potatoes, followed by a thorough distillation. The distillation process effectively removes impurities and residual sugars from the fermented mixture, resulting in a beverage that’s almost exclusively composed of water and ethanol (alcohol). This is why traditional, unflavored vodka is often considered sugar-free.
The caloric content in unflavored vodka comes primarily from its alcohol content. Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which is almost twice as caloric as carbohydrates (including sugars) but less caloric than fats. While vodka does not contribute sugar to our diet, it does contribute calories — an important consideration for those of us watching our overall caloric intake.
Flavored vodkas are a different story. These contain sugars and other sweetening agents to enhance their taste and appeal. The sugar content in flavored vodkas varies widely depending on the brand and the specific flavoring methods. Some flavored vodkas contain 2-11 grams of sugar per 1.5-ounce serving. This can quickly add up, especially when consumed quickly in the form of shots.
Gin, similar to vodka, is typically sugar-free post-distillation, as the sugars in the original mash are converted into alcohol. The distillation process renders gin’s sugar content negligible — the final product is primarily alcohol and water.
However, the classic gin and tonic cocktail introduces a great deal of sugar, not from the gin itself, but from the tonic water. Tonic water, often perceived as a simple mixer, actually contains a considerable amount of sugar to balance the bitterness of quinine, its key ingredient. A single serving of tonic water can add up to 18 grams of sugar to a drink.
Beer contains sugars due to its brewing process. Brewed from starch-rich ingredients such as barley, the sugars in these grains are essential for fermentation, during which yeast converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. However, not all the sugars are fermented; some remain in the final product, contributing to the beer's flavor and body.
The sugar content in beer varies, but a standard pint typically contains up to 3 grams of sugar. This amount can increase, particularly in darker beers. Darker beers often have a richer malt profile, which involves the use of more heavily roasted grains. These grains contribute not only to the beer's deeper color and robust flavor but also to a higher residual sugar content.
Therefore, the sugar content of beer greatly depends upon its type, with darker varieties generally having more sugar compared to lighter ones.
The sugar content in wine varies greatly depending on the type and style of wine. It ranges from almost zero in some dry wines to high levels in sweet dessert wines.
In dry wines, most of the natural sugars from grapes are fermented into alcohol, leaving less than 1 gram of sugar per glass. Medium-dry wines might contain 1 to 12 grams of sugar per serving. On the other hand, sweet wines, such as some rieslings or dessert wines like port, can have over 20 grams of sugar per serving.
The winemaking process plays a crucial role in this variation; winemakers can stop fermentation early to retain more natural sugar for a sweeter taste or allow it to continue longer for a drier wine. It’s essential for those of us monitoring our sugar intake to understand the distinction between dry, medium, and sweet wines, as is checking the label for residual sugar content where available.
Tequila, a distinctive spirit distilled from the agave plant, typically contains almost no sugar. The production process involves harvesting the agave, extracting the juice, and then fermenting it. During fermentation, the natural sugars in the agave are converted into alcohol. The subsequent distillation process further purifies the liquid, leaving behind most non-alcoholic components, including sugars.
As a result, pure tequila, particularly the clear varieties such as blanco or silver tequila, is generally considered sugar-free. However, aged tequilas, such as reposado or añejo, may have trace amounts of sugar due to the caramelization of natural sugars during the aging process in wooden barrels. It's also noteworthy that flavored or mixed tequilas can contain added sugars, significantly altering their sugar content compared to traditional, pure tequila.
While tequila may have little to no sugar, it still contains a significant amount of alcohol. Consumption should be monitored to avoid the adverse effects of intoxication.
Whiskey, a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat, typically has no sugar after the distillation process. The sugars present in the grains are crucial for fermentation, a process through which they’re converted into alcohol. During distillation, the alcohol is separated from most other components, including sugars, resulting in a sugar-free final product.
This holds true for various types of whiskey, such as scotch, bourbon, and rye. However, it's important to distinguish between straight whiskey and whiskey-based liqueurs or flavored whiskeys. The latter often contain added sugars and other flavoring agents, which can significantly increase their sugar content.
Like tequila, it’s important to drink whiskey in moderation to avoid the downsides of its high alcohol content.
Cocktails are notorious for their high sugar content. The sugar content in these beverages can significantly vary based on their ingredients:
Sugar, unfortunately, is present in many of our foods and beverages today. Many of us far exceed the recommended 24 grams (for women) or 36 grams (for men) of added sugar per day.
Consuming excessive amounts of sugar poses several health risks:
As with alcohol, moderating our sugar intake is key. Understanding the sugar content in alcoholic beverages is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing these potential risks.
When we build healthier drinking habits, we can also lower our overall sugar intake. Here’s how we can simultaneously lower our sugar and alcohol consumption:
Sugar sneaks into many of our food and beverages, and alcohol is no exception. Awareness of the sugar content in alcoholic beverages is a crucial step in making informed health decisions. With this knowledge, we can enjoy our evenings responsibly, knowing we're taking care of our bodies in the process.
The changes we make today will have lasting effects on our well-being. And with better health, we can be more present for what truly matters in our lives.
Is there any truth to the adages that warn against mixing drinks, such as “Beer before liquor, you’ve never been sicker”? Learn about the real problem with mixing different types of alcohol.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You’re meeting some friends for happy hour after work. You order a beer, gulp it down, and are ready for another drink. You’re thinking about ordering a vodka soda, but your friend urges you to reconsider, saying, “Beer before liquor, never sicker.” You shrug it off. This isn’t the first time you’ve heard a saying like this. You’ve also been told, “Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear” and “Beer before wine, and you’ll feel fine.”
But is the “beer before liquor” rule really true? Can you mix beer and wine? Or does mixing alcohol somehow make it stronger? And what about mixing liquors? In this post, we explore the dangers of mixing different types of alcohol and provide tips on how to better manage our alcohol consumption. Let’s dive in!
Many people assume that mixing drinks increases the risk of getting sick or makes our hangovers worse (hence all those rhyming warnings). But this actually isn’t true. Drinking a beer and then a gin and tonic will probably have the same effect on our body as sticking to one type of alcoholic beverage.
When it comes to drinking alcohol, experts agree that there are only two things that increase our likelihood of getting sick or experiencing a hangover. Let’s take a closer look:
So, why is mixing alcohol bad? The problem with mixing drinks comes down to the rate at which our body processes alcohol. When we take a sip of alcohol — whether beer, wine, or liquor — it’s quickly absorbed into our bloodstream through our stomach lining and small intestine.
Once in our blood, alcohol is rapidly transported throughout our entire body, which is why it affects so many different bodily systems. Depending on how quickly our body’s tissues absorb alcohol, we’ll typically feel its effect within 15 to 45 minutes.
Most alcohol that enters our body eventually ends up in the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing it, or breaking it down. Our liver can only efficiently process one standard-sized alcoholic drink per hour. In other words, it takes 1 hour for our body to metabolize just one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot.
The amount of alcohol in our blood rises more quickly after drinking liquor than beer, due to its higher concentration of alcohol. If we drink liquor before beer, we’re likely to feel the effects of alcohol sooner. This might encourage us not to consume as much, thereby decreasing our chance of getting sick. However, drinking beer before liquor may lead to us becoming ill since our lowered inhibitions and impaired decision making may motivate us to consume higher concentrations of alcohol by doing shots or mixing stronger drinks.
We can also think about it like this: if we drink beer and then liquor, we’ll most likely get more drunk than we would if we had started with liquor and felt the effects of alcohol earlier. If we end up getting sick, we may assume that the culprit was mixing the two types of alcohol in that order. In reality, the total amount of alcohol consumed in a short period of time caused us to become sick.
Furthermore, another problem with mixing drinks is that it makes it harder to track how much alcohol we’ve been consuming. For instance, it’s much easier to keep track of how many drinks we’ve consumed if we stick with one type of alcohol — such as beer or wine. If we’re bouncing around between cocktails, wine, beer, and shots, we’re likely to lose track pretty quickly. And when we’re not keeping track, we’re more likely to drink too much — which can cause us to get sick.
There aren’t necessarily any side effects specifically related to mixing alcohol. In fact, one study looked at whether drinking wine before beer was associated with hangover severity and found that the order of alcoholic beverages didn’t have a significant effect.
However, certain types of alcohol may be more likely to lead to a hangover than others. This is because different types of alcohol have different congeners — toxins that result from the fermentation process. Congeners put extra stress on our liver to break down these substances and restore normal body function.
Congeners also contribute to alcohol’s color and flavor. Darker alcohols (such as brandy, bourbon, whiskey, tequila, darker beer, and red wine) have more congeners than clear or lighter alcohols like vodka, gin, and lighter beers. Bourbon whisky, for example, contains 37 times the quantity of congeners as vodka!
If we mix different kinds of alcohol, we may unknowingly drink higher amounts of congeners, which may lead to a more intense hangover, nausea, or dizziness the next day. Experts agree that feeling sick while intoxicated or experiencing a hangover is due largely to the amount of alcohol consumed and the time period it’s consumed over.
Research suggests that hangovers are primarily caused by alcohol’s toxicity and dehydrating effects. Let’s take a closer look:
Furthermore, there’s evidence that alcohol disrupts our immune system, which could also contribute to the symptoms of a headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Several other factors play a role in how our body processes and tolerates alcohol. For instance, our sex might factor into hangover severity. One study found that women who had moderate to high estimated peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC) — 0.08 percent to more than 0.2 percent — reported hangovers with more severe nausea, tiredness, weakness and dizziness than men. This could be because women process alcohol differently from men: they tend to have less acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), an important enzyme for metabolizing alcohol in the stomach.
Similarly, our age and weight also play a role. For instance, the older we are, the longer alcohol stays in our liver before it moves into our general bloodstream or is metabolized. Typically, older people have lower percentages of body water compared to those who are younger, which can also contribute to a higher blood alcohol content (BAC) and a slower processing time.
Many people don’t realize that mixing alcohol with medications can be much more dangerous than mixing different types of alcohol together. Alcohol is known to interact with a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications such as the following:
Mixing alcohol with these substances can lead to a higher risk of liver damage, irregular heart rate, heart attacks, overdose, and enhanced side effects from the medication.
We won’t have to worry about getting sick from alcohol if we avoid it entirely or consume it in moderation. Mindful drinking can be particularly effective at helping us make more intentional choices. Here are some other tips for managing our alcohol consumption:
Mixing different types of alcoholic drinks doesn’t increase our risk of getting sick or having a hangover. It’s the quantity of alcohol consumed — not combined — and the rate at which we’re consuming it that influences intoxication and sickness. In other words, the problem with mixing beer and wine is that it usually leads to higher amounts of alcohol consumed more quickly in one sitting. This puts us in danger of intoxication and feeling hungover the next day.
If you’re struggling to manage your alcohol consumption, consider trying Reframe. We’re a science-backed app that has helped millions of people cut back on their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
You’re meeting some friends for happy hour after work. You order a beer, gulp it down, and are ready for another drink. You’re thinking about ordering a vodka soda, but your friend urges you to reconsider, saying, “Beer before liquor, never sicker.” You shrug it off. This isn’t the first time you’ve heard a saying like this. You’ve also been told, “Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear” and “Beer before wine, and you’ll feel fine.”
But is the “beer before liquor” rule really true? Can you mix beer and wine? Or does mixing alcohol somehow make it stronger? And what about mixing liquors? In this post, we explore the dangers of mixing different types of alcohol and provide tips on how to better manage our alcohol consumption. Let’s dive in!
Many people assume that mixing drinks increases the risk of getting sick or makes our hangovers worse (hence all those rhyming warnings). But this actually isn’t true. Drinking a beer and then a gin and tonic will probably have the same effect on our body as sticking to one type of alcoholic beverage.
When it comes to drinking alcohol, experts agree that there are only two things that increase our likelihood of getting sick or experiencing a hangover. Let’s take a closer look:
So, why is mixing alcohol bad? The problem with mixing drinks comes down to the rate at which our body processes alcohol. When we take a sip of alcohol — whether beer, wine, or liquor — it’s quickly absorbed into our bloodstream through our stomach lining and small intestine.
Once in our blood, alcohol is rapidly transported throughout our entire body, which is why it affects so many different bodily systems. Depending on how quickly our body’s tissues absorb alcohol, we’ll typically feel its effect within 15 to 45 minutes.
Most alcohol that enters our body eventually ends up in the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing it, or breaking it down. Our liver can only efficiently process one standard-sized alcoholic drink per hour. In other words, it takes 1 hour for our body to metabolize just one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot.
The amount of alcohol in our blood rises more quickly after drinking liquor than beer, due to its higher concentration of alcohol. If we drink liquor before beer, we’re likely to feel the effects of alcohol sooner. This might encourage us not to consume as much, thereby decreasing our chance of getting sick. However, drinking beer before liquor may lead to us becoming ill since our lowered inhibitions and impaired decision making may motivate us to consume higher concentrations of alcohol by doing shots or mixing stronger drinks.
We can also think about it like this: if we drink beer and then liquor, we’ll most likely get more drunk than we would if we had started with liquor and felt the effects of alcohol earlier. If we end up getting sick, we may assume that the culprit was mixing the two types of alcohol in that order. In reality, the total amount of alcohol consumed in a short period of time caused us to become sick.
Furthermore, another problem with mixing drinks is that it makes it harder to track how much alcohol we’ve been consuming. For instance, it’s much easier to keep track of how many drinks we’ve consumed if we stick with one type of alcohol — such as beer or wine. If we’re bouncing around between cocktails, wine, beer, and shots, we’re likely to lose track pretty quickly. And when we’re not keeping track, we’re more likely to drink too much — which can cause us to get sick.
There aren’t necessarily any side effects specifically related to mixing alcohol. In fact, one study looked at whether drinking wine before beer was associated with hangover severity and found that the order of alcoholic beverages didn’t have a significant effect.
However, certain types of alcohol may be more likely to lead to a hangover than others. This is because different types of alcohol have different congeners — toxins that result from the fermentation process. Congeners put extra stress on our liver to break down these substances and restore normal body function.
Congeners also contribute to alcohol’s color and flavor. Darker alcohols (such as brandy, bourbon, whiskey, tequila, darker beer, and red wine) have more congeners than clear or lighter alcohols like vodka, gin, and lighter beers. Bourbon whisky, for example, contains 37 times the quantity of congeners as vodka!
If we mix different kinds of alcohol, we may unknowingly drink higher amounts of congeners, which may lead to a more intense hangover, nausea, or dizziness the next day. Experts agree that feeling sick while intoxicated or experiencing a hangover is due largely to the amount of alcohol consumed and the time period it’s consumed over.
Research suggests that hangovers are primarily caused by alcohol’s toxicity and dehydrating effects. Let’s take a closer look:
Furthermore, there’s evidence that alcohol disrupts our immune system, which could also contribute to the symptoms of a headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Several other factors play a role in how our body processes and tolerates alcohol. For instance, our sex might factor into hangover severity. One study found that women who had moderate to high estimated peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC) — 0.08 percent to more than 0.2 percent — reported hangovers with more severe nausea, tiredness, weakness and dizziness than men. This could be because women process alcohol differently from men: they tend to have less acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), an important enzyme for metabolizing alcohol in the stomach.
Similarly, our age and weight also play a role. For instance, the older we are, the longer alcohol stays in our liver before it moves into our general bloodstream or is metabolized. Typically, older people have lower percentages of body water compared to those who are younger, which can also contribute to a higher blood alcohol content (BAC) and a slower processing time.
Many people don’t realize that mixing alcohol with medications can be much more dangerous than mixing different types of alcohol together. Alcohol is known to interact with a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications such as the following:
Mixing alcohol with these substances can lead to a higher risk of liver damage, irregular heart rate, heart attacks, overdose, and enhanced side effects from the medication.
We won’t have to worry about getting sick from alcohol if we avoid it entirely or consume it in moderation. Mindful drinking can be particularly effective at helping us make more intentional choices. Here are some other tips for managing our alcohol consumption:
Mixing different types of alcoholic drinks doesn’t increase our risk of getting sick or having a hangover. It’s the quantity of alcohol consumed — not combined — and the rate at which we’re consuming it that influences intoxication and sickness. In other words, the problem with mixing beer and wine is that it usually leads to higher amounts of alcohol consumed more quickly in one sitting. This puts us in danger of intoxication and feeling hungover the next day.
If you’re struggling to manage your alcohol consumption, consider trying Reframe. We’re a science-backed app that has helped millions of people cut back on their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Ever wondered what tequila really does to your body? Explore the science behind that familiar drink and discover what unfolds inside you.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
In the world of booze, tequila packs a unique punch. Here’s how author Laurie Perez describes it in Torpor: Though the Heart Is Warm: “We force a dull clash of cups and pour everything down at once. The hard tequila shudders that never happen in the movies. First your head feels light, then it starts receiving the distress signals from the throat, lungs, belly. Your shoulders jerk to shake off the snake that wrapped around you and squeezed. It burns. The good burn.”
It’s a party, and someone shouts "Tequila!" Suddenly, it’s shot glasses for everyone. But what exactly does that shot of tequila do to your body? Is tequila good for you? Or, rather, is tequila healthy compared to other types of booze?
Let’s just say it might not be the party pleaser it’s made out to be. After learning more about the components of tequila and the science behind it, we can understand how it affects our body at a deeper level.
Tequila, primarily produced in Mexico, is made from the blue agave plant. Native to Mexico's sun-drenched fields, the blue agave looks like an oversized aloe vera with long, spiky leaves, and it can take 7-10 years to reach maturity. The environment, soil composition, and cultivation techniques all play a role in giving tequila its unique profile.
There are the main types of tequila:
As for the chemical components of tequila, here’s the inside scoop:
When tequila enters the body, its effects include more than just a potential dance on the table. Here are 5 ways in which tequila affects the body:
Stage 1: The Absorption Phase
Tequila, like all alcoholic beverages, undergoes an absorption phase when consumed. This phase is critical in determining how quickly the effects of alcohol are felt in the body. Once ingested, the alcohol enters our bloodstream through the stomach and intestines. This is where the "buzz" starts, as our blood alcohol content (BAC) rises.
Tequila, given its alcohol content, is absorbed relatively quickly into the bloodstream. The rate of absorption can be influenced by various factors:
While the liver metabolizes most of the alcohol we consume, around 20% is directly absorbed through the stomach lining into the bloodstream. This is why the effects of alcohol, including tequila, can be felt shortly after drinking.
A rapid rise in BAC leads to intoxication, reduced inhibitions, and impaired judgment. Tequila's high alcohol content and its potential for rapid absorption, especially on an empty stomach, can lead to a swift increase in BAC.
During the absorption phase, as BAC rises, we might experience mood elevation, increased sociability, and a sense of relaxation. However, these effects are short-lived, and they quickly turn negative with overconsumption. The line between pleasure and risk is thin, especially with drinks as potent as tequila.
Stage 2: The Unique Agave Effect
The agavins (natural sugars) in tequila have a unique role in the absorption process. Agavins are derived from the blue agave plant, and no, they're not similar to the agave syrup you might drizzle over your pancakes. Unlike the more commonly known agave nectar or syrup found in stores, agavins are not sweet and cannot be used as sweeteners.
If you've ever noticed that tequila gives you a different "buzz" compared to other drinks, agavins’ unique composition might be the reason. Some studies suggest they act more like dietary fibers and are not easily broken down. Bypassing the usual digestive process means that agavins might not raise blood sugar levels in the same way other sugars might.
As a result, tequila offers a slightly different metabolic experience than other alcoholic drinks, possibly leading to a smoother, more gradual sensation of intoxication. Some tequila drinkers report a “cleaner” or “smoother” buzz, which might be attributed, in part, to agavins.
But is tequila “good” for you? Before you start considering tequila a health drink, pump the brakes. While there's some talk about agavins possibly aiding in weight loss or benefiting gut health, concrete evidence is still on the horizon. Tequila is still a potent beverage, and the overall negative impact of the alcohol in it remains the same.
Stage 3: Entering the Brain
Alcohol affects neurotransmitters in the brain, impacting coordination, judgment, and mood, and tequila is no exception. In fact, its rapid absorption might lead to faster perceived effects on mood and judgment.
Once tequila is in the bloodstream, it makes a beeline for the brain. There it interferes with several processes, and the effects can take effect quite quickly:
Stage 4: The Dehydration Twist
We've all been there — waking up the morning after a tequila night with a mouth that feels like the Sahara and a thirst that could drain a water cooler. Why can tequila leave us so parched?
Stage 5: Body Temperature Fluctuations
Tequila can cause a rapid spike in body temperature. That warmth that we may feel right after a shot? It's not just the burn of the drink — it’s our body reacting to the alcohol.
Tequila has a direct influence on our body's temperature dynamics:
As we can see, tequila can have a profound effect on the physical processes in our body, some of which might not be obvious at first glance.
While a hangover is a temporary discomfort, consistent drinking can lead to more severe health concerns:
Now that you have the inside scoop on what tequila does to your body, here's how you can take action:
Tequila may have a reputation as the life of the party, but the real story unfolds inside your body. By understanding the science behind the booze and taking actionable steps, you can make more informed decisions about your relationship with tequila and rewrite the story in a way that reflects the authentic you.
Remember, life's a party even without the tequila shots. Celebrate your health and well-being!
In the world of booze, tequila packs a unique punch. Here’s how author Laurie Perez describes it in Torpor: Though the Heart Is Warm: “We force a dull clash of cups and pour everything down at once. The hard tequila shudders that never happen in the movies. First your head feels light, then it starts receiving the distress signals from the throat, lungs, belly. Your shoulders jerk to shake off the snake that wrapped around you and squeezed. It burns. The good burn.”
It’s a party, and someone shouts "Tequila!" Suddenly, it’s shot glasses for everyone. But what exactly does that shot of tequila do to your body? Is tequila good for you? Or, rather, is tequila healthy compared to other types of booze?
Let’s just say it might not be the party pleaser it’s made out to be. After learning more about the components of tequila and the science behind it, we can understand how it affects our body at a deeper level.
Tequila, primarily produced in Mexico, is made from the blue agave plant. Native to Mexico's sun-drenched fields, the blue agave looks like an oversized aloe vera with long, spiky leaves, and it can take 7-10 years to reach maturity. The environment, soil composition, and cultivation techniques all play a role in giving tequila its unique profile.
There are the main types of tequila:
As for the chemical components of tequila, here’s the inside scoop:
When tequila enters the body, its effects include more than just a potential dance on the table. Here are 5 ways in which tequila affects the body:
Stage 1: The Absorption Phase
Tequila, like all alcoholic beverages, undergoes an absorption phase when consumed. This phase is critical in determining how quickly the effects of alcohol are felt in the body. Once ingested, the alcohol enters our bloodstream through the stomach and intestines. This is where the "buzz" starts, as our blood alcohol content (BAC) rises.
Tequila, given its alcohol content, is absorbed relatively quickly into the bloodstream. The rate of absorption can be influenced by various factors:
While the liver metabolizes most of the alcohol we consume, around 20% is directly absorbed through the stomach lining into the bloodstream. This is why the effects of alcohol, including tequila, can be felt shortly after drinking.
A rapid rise in BAC leads to intoxication, reduced inhibitions, and impaired judgment. Tequila's high alcohol content and its potential for rapid absorption, especially on an empty stomach, can lead to a swift increase in BAC.
During the absorption phase, as BAC rises, we might experience mood elevation, increased sociability, and a sense of relaxation. However, these effects are short-lived, and they quickly turn negative with overconsumption. The line between pleasure and risk is thin, especially with drinks as potent as tequila.
Stage 2: The Unique Agave Effect
The agavins (natural sugars) in tequila have a unique role in the absorption process. Agavins are derived from the blue agave plant, and no, they're not similar to the agave syrup you might drizzle over your pancakes. Unlike the more commonly known agave nectar or syrup found in stores, agavins are not sweet and cannot be used as sweeteners.
If you've ever noticed that tequila gives you a different "buzz" compared to other drinks, agavins’ unique composition might be the reason. Some studies suggest they act more like dietary fibers and are not easily broken down. Bypassing the usual digestive process means that agavins might not raise blood sugar levels in the same way other sugars might.
As a result, tequila offers a slightly different metabolic experience than other alcoholic drinks, possibly leading to a smoother, more gradual sensation of intoxication. Some tequila drinkers report a “cleaner” or “smoother” buzz, which might be attributed, in part, to agavins.
But is tequila “good” for you? Before you start considering tequila a health drink, pump the brakes. While there's some talk about agavins possibly aiding in weight loss or benefiting gut health, concrete evidence is still on the horizon. Tequila is still a potent beverage, and the overall negative impact of the alcohol in it remains the same.
Stage 3: Entering the Brain
Alcohol affects neurotransmitters in the brain, impacting coordination, judgment, and mood, and tequila is no exception. In fact, its rapid absorption might lead to faster perceived effects on mood and judgment.
Once tequila is in the bloodstream, it makes a beeline for the brain. There it interferes with several processes, and the effects can take effect quite quickly:
Stage 4: The Dehydration Twist
We've all been there — waking up the morning after a tequila night with a mouth that feels like the Sahara and a thirst that could drain a water cooler. Why can tequila leave us so parched?
Stage 5: Body Temperature Fluctuations
Tequila can cause a rapid spike in body temperature. That warmth that we may feel right after a shot? It's not just the burn of the drink — it’s our body reacting to the alcohol.
Tequila has a direct influence on our body's temperature dynamics:
As we can see, tequila can have a profound effect on the physical processes in our body, some of which might not be obvious at first glance.
While a hangover is a temporary discomfort, consistent drinking can lead to more severe health concerns:
Now that you have the inside scoop on what tequila does to your body, here's how you can take action:
Tequila may have a reputation as the life of the party, but the real story unfolds inside your body. By understanding the science behind the booze and taking actionable steps, you can make more informed decisions about your relationship with tequila and rewrite the story in a way that reflects the authentic you.
Remember, life's a party even without the tequila shots. Celebrate your health and well-being!
Wondering which drinks could trigger acid reflux? Dive into our latest blog for the science-backed scoop on which beverages play nice with your stomach and which might stir up trouble.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Most of us have felt it at some point: that sudden, uncomfortable burning sensation that starts in the middle of the chest and can creep its way up to the throat. Heartburn — that oh-so-common discomfort — can put a damper on a pizza night or yoga class and can keep us from getting a good night’s sleep.
Believe it or not, heartburn isn't a modern phenomenon resulting from our love for spicy tacos or greasy burgers. Our ancestors experienced it, too! Historical texts and records from ancient Greece and Egypt describe symptoms that closely resemble modern-day heartburn. They even had their own remedies: a mixture of herbs, roots, and sometimes, quirky rituals.
It’s also a known fact that alcohol can make the problem worse. Let’s explore the connection between heartburn, drinking alcohol, and what different types of alcohol mean for acid reflux.
Let’s start by clarifying: in spite of what the name suggests, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. The term likely comes from the location of the pain. The burning sensation often felt in the center of the chest can mimic the discomfort one might feel with heart issues. However, heartburn is all about the digestive system.
When we eat, our food travels from the mouth to the stomach via the esophagus. At the bottom of the esophagus is a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Its main job is to act as a one-way gate, letting food in and keeping stomach acids from coming back up.
However, sometimes, the LES doesn't close properly or opens too often, allowing stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus. This acid, which is great for breaking down food in the stomach, irritates the esophagus lining, leading to that familiar burning sensation.
Certain factors can make acid reflux more likely:
Each case is a little different, and triggers can shift over time. For example, some people find that certain foods that used to cause heartburn no longer do, while new culprits might appear on the scene. It’s good to keep track of the factors that seem to aggravate heartburn — preventing it before it begins is always our best bet.
It's worth noting that occasional heartburn is common and is not a cause for alarm. However, frequent episodes can be a sign of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This chronic condition can lead to complications if not addressed. The combination of alcohol and GERD can worsen symptoms such as heartburn. If heartburn symptoms persist, it's essential to see a healthcare professional. For people already diagnosed with GERD, researching the relationship between GERD and alcohol may be helpful for understanding and mitigating adverse symptoms.
If you've ever indulged in a glass of wine, a cold beer, or a cocktail and soon after felt the sting of heartburn, you're not alone. While alcohol might be responsible for many merry moments and relaxed evenings, it can be a prime culprit behind that unwelcome fiery feeling in your chest. Let's demystify why alcohol and heartburn often go hand in hand.
When you have heartburn, drinking alcohol is clearly a gamble. While it's undeniable that alcohol plays a part in inducing heartburn, not all drinks are made equal when it comes to acid reflux. For instance, carbonated alcoholic beverages (like certain beers) increase the risk of heartburn due to their bubbly nature. Meanwhile, high-proof spirits might irritate the esophagus more due to their higher alcohol content. Let’s explore this subject of heartburn from alcohol in more detail as we take a closer look at wine, beer, hard liquor, and mixed drinks, and learn what is the best alcoholic drink for acid reflux!
When deciding between red and white wine, you might be surprised to learn that the color does play a role in its potential to cause acid reflux. So if you're choosing between the two, red wine might be the lesser of two evils. But remember: it still has the potential to cause heartburn.
Moreover, wine is often enjoyed with a meal. The type of food you pair with your wine can either amplify or mitigate heartburn risks. A spicy or very fatty meal, combined with wine, can be a recipe for increased acid reflux. Pairing wine with milder foods might help balance things out.
Beer, often referred to as “liquid bread,” has been a part of human life for thousands of years. However, for those prone to acid reflux, that comforting mug of beer might sometimes lead to uncomfortable consequences. Let's take a closer look at beer and its ties to acid reflux.
Beer is a fermented beverage made primarily from water, barley, hops, and yeast. The fermentation process results not just in alcohol — which enough to cause acid reflux by relaxing the LES — but also in certain compounds and gasses that can play a role in digestion:
The wide world of beer offers a diverse range of flavors and styles, from light lagers to rich stouts. The differences in ingredients and brewing processes can affect their potential to instigate reflux. While individual reactions may vary, it's always a good idea to be mindful and notice if a particular type of beer consistently triggers discomfort.
Spirits like whiskey, gin, and vodka might seem tempting, but they contain higher alcohol content, which can more readily relax the esophageal sphincter.
When it comes to beverages, hard liquor stands apart with its potent punch and distinct flavors. Whether it's a neat shot of whiskey, a gin on the rocks, or a simple vodka mixer, spirits are often the go-to choice for many. But how do these strong beverages fare when it comes to acid reflux? Let's sift through the facts.
The distinguishing feature of hard liquor over other alcoholic beverages is its higher alcohol content. Here's how that plays into acid reflux:
Often, spirits aren't consumed alone. They're mixed with a variety of beverages, from sodas to fruit juices. These mixers can be a double-edged sword:
Mixed drinks, with their variety and versatility, often steal the spotlight at gatherings and nights out. But how do these concoctions interact with acid reflux?
When we talk about mixed drinks, we're addressing a fusion of ingredients. Each component can play a role in influencing heartburn:
Some mixed drinks inherently pose a higher risk for reflux than others due to their ingredient list. A cocktail with multiple acidic components and carbonation might be more problematic than a simpler mix with non-acidic elements.
For those who have a soft spot for mixed drinks but are wary of acid reflux, a bit of cocktail creativity can go a long way:
So after diving deep into the world of wine, beer, hard liquor, and mixed drinks, what's the consensus on which are the best options for people dealing with acid reflux? Let's bring it all together.
If you’re struggling with acid reflux, avoid anything that will irritate your digestive tract further. In addition to alcohol, coffee and sometimes green tea can be an irritant, so opt for chamomile or rooibos instead. Smoothies, coconut water, and non-acidic juices are all great options as well. And if you’re set on having an alcoholic drink, choose one that has a lower alcohol content and low acidity, such as a light beer.
Understanding the roots and mechanics of heartburn can provide not just relief but empowerment. It's always good to know what's happening inside our body and why.
Thankfully, with modern science and medical advancements, we have a clearer understanding of heartburn's causes and treatments, from over-the-counter antacids to lifestyle changes, making it easier for us to find relief. These are some common treatments:
Keep these general tips in mind to avoid alcohol heartburn:
While cutting back or quitting alcohol is a commendable decision for numerous health reasons, understanding the nuanced relationship between heartburn and your drink choice is crucial. Always listen to your body, and when in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional. After all, a little knowledge (and maybe a splash of water in your drink) can go a long way in keeping that heartburn at bay. Here’s to smarter sipping — whether that means moderation or a refreshing glass of water!
Most of us have felt it at some point: that sudden, uncomfortable burning sensation that starts in the middle of the chest and can creep its way up to the throat. Heartburn — that oh-so-common discomfort — can put a damper on a pizza night or yoga class and can keep us from getting a good night’s sleep.
Believe it or not, heartburn isn't a modern phenomenon resulting from our love for spicy tacos or greasy burgers. Our ancestors experienced it, too! Historical texts and records from ancient Greece and Egypt describe symptoms that closely resemble modern-day heartburn. They even had their own remedies: a mixture of herbs, roots, and sometimes, quirky rituals.
It’s also a known fact that alcohol can make the problem worse. Let’s explore the connection between heartburn, drinking alcohol, and what different types of alcohol mean for acid reflux.
Let’s start by clarifying: in spite of what the name suggests, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. The term likely comes from the location of the pain. The burning sensation often felt in the center of the chest can mimic the discomfort one might feel with heart issues. However, heartburn is all about the digestive system.
When we eat, our food travels from the mouth to the stomach via the esophagus. At the bottom of the esophagus is a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Its main job is to act as a one-way gate, letting food in and keeping stomach acids from coming back up.
However, sometimes, the LES doesn't close properly or opens too often, allowing stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus. This acid, which is great for breaking down food in the stomach, irritates the esophagus lining, leading to that familiar burning sensation.
Certain factors can make acid reflux more likely:
Each case is a little different, and triggers can shift over time. For example, some people find that certain foods that used to cause heartburn no longer do, while new culprits might appear on the scene. It’s good to keep track of the factors that seem to aggravate heartburn — preventing it before it begins is always our best bet.
It's worth noting that occasional heartburn is common and is not a cause for alarm. However, frequent episodes can be a sign of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This chronic condition can lead to complications if not addressed. The combination of alcohol and GERD can worsen symptoms such as heartburn. If heartburn symptoms persist, it's essential to see a healthcare professional. For people already diagnosed with GERD, researching the relationship between GERD and alcohol may be helpful for understanding and mitigating adverse symptoms.
If you've ever indulged in a glass of wine, a cold beer, or a cocktail and soon after felt the sting of heartburn, you're not alone. While alcohol might be responsible for many merry moments and relaxed evenings, it can be a prime culprit behind that unwelcome fiery feeling in your chest. Let's demystify why alcohol and heartburn often go hand in hand.
When you have heartburn, drinking alcohol is clearly a gamble. While it's undeniable that alcohol plays a part in inducing heartburn, not all drinks are made equal when it comes to acid reflux. For instance, carbonated alcoholic beverages (like certain beers) increase the risk of heartburn due to their bubbly nature. Meanwhile, high-proof spirits might irritate the esophagus more due to their higher alcohol content. Let’s explore this subject of heartburn from alcohol in more detail as we take a closer look at wine, beer, hard liquor, and mixed drinks, and learn what is the best alcoholic drink for acid reflux!
When deciding between red and white wine, you might be surprised to learn that the color does play a role in its potential to cause acid reflux. So if you're choosing between the two, red wine might be the lesser of two evils. But remember: it still has the potential to cause heartburn.
Moreover, wine is often enjoyed with a meal. The type of food you pair with your wine can either amplify or mitigate heartburn risks. A spicy or very fatty meal, combined with wine, can be a recipe for increased acid reflux. Pairing wine with milder foods might help balance things out.
Beer, often referred to as “liquid bread,” has been a part of human life for thousands of years. However, for those prone to acid reflux, that comforting mug of beer might sometimes lead to uncomfortable consequences. Let's take a closer look at beer and its ties to acid reflux.
Beer is a fermented beverage made primarily from water, barley, hops, and yeast. The fermentation process results not just in alcohol — which enough to cause acid reflux by relaxing the LES — but also in certain compounds and gasses that can play a role in digestion:
The wide world of beer offers a diverse range of flavors and styles, from light lagers to rich stouts. The differences in ingredients and brewing processes can affect their potential to instigate reflux. While individual reactions may vary, it's always a good idea to be mindful and notice if a particular type of beer consistently triggers discomfort.
Spirits like whiskey, gin, and vodka might seem tempting, but they contain higher alcohol content, which can more readily relax the esophageal sphincter.
When it comes to beverages, hard liquor stands apart with its potent punch and distinct flavors. Whether it's a neat shot of whiskey, a gin on the rocks, or a simple vodka mixer, spirits are often the go-to choice for many. But how do these strong beverages fare when it comes to acid reflux? Let's sift through the facts.
The distinguishing feature of hard liquor over other alcoholic beverages is its higher alcohol content. Here's how that plays into acid reflux:
Often, spirits aren't consumed alone. They're mixed with a variety of beverages, from sodas to fruit juices. These mixers can be a double-edged sword:
Mixed drinks, with their variety and versatility, often steal the spotlight at gatherings and nights out. But how do these concoctions interact with acid reflux?
When we talk about mixed drinks, we're addressing a fusion of ingredients. Each component can play a role in influencing heartburn:
Some mixed drinks inherently pose a higher risk for reflux than others due to their ingredient list. A cocktail with multiple acidic components and carbonation might be more problematic than a simpler mix with non-acidic elements.
For those who have a soft spot for mixed drinks but are wary of acid reflux, a bit of cocktail creativity can go a long way:
So after diving deep into the world of wine, beer, hard liquor, and mixed drinks, what's the consensus on which are the best options for people dealing with acid reflux? Let's bring it all together.
If you’re struggling with acid reflux, avoid anything that will irritate your digestive tract further. In addition to alcohol, coffee and sometimes green tea can be an irritant, so opt for chamomile or rooibos instead. Smoothies, coconut water, and non-acidic juices are all great options as well. And if you’re set on having an alcoholic drink, choose one that has a lower alcohol content and low acidity, such as a light beer.
Understanding the roots and mechanics of heartburn can provide not just relief but empowerment. It's always good to know what's happening inside our body and why.
Thankfully, with modern science and medical advancements, we have a clearer understanding of heartburn's causes and treatments, from over-the-counter antacids to lifestyle changes, making it easier for us to find relief. These are some common treatments:
Keep these general tips in mind to avoid alcohol heartburn:
While cutting back or quitting alcohol is a commendable decision for numerous health reasons, understanding the nuanced relationship between heartburn and your drink choice is crucial. Always listen to your body, and when in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional. After all, a little knowledge (and maybe a splash of water in your drink) can go a long way in keeping that heartburn at bay. Here’s to smarter sipping — whether that means moderation or a refreshing glass of water!
Ever wondered why your feet swell when you drink? Our latest blog post uncovers the science behind this odd phenomenon and explores how swollen feet might be your body's way of hinting at bigger health concerns.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
When you think about the odd ways your body responds to alcohol — headaches, face flushing, and the like — what happens to your feet might not be at the top of your list. And yet it’s a familiar scenario: you’re relaxing at home after a long day, maybe you’re catching up on a new Top Chef episode while sipping something with a little kick to it — maybe a craft beer, a glass of wine, or a zesty cocktail. But the next thing you know, your shoes are feeling a little tight, your feet are starting to resemble balloons, and you're left scratching your head, wondering, “Why in the world do my feet swell when I drink? And why do my legs hurt after drinking?”
It may not seem like the most glamorous of topics, but hey, when your feet are unhappy, it’s hard to ignore the discomfort. So let’s kick off our shoes, get comfy, and look into it further.
The thing about alcohol is that it's not just a liquid we consume — it has profound effects on our body. It's a potent diuretic, encouraging our kidneys to produce more urine and leading to dehydration and swollen feet. Think of your kidneys like the bouncers of the hydration nightclub. When alcohol comes into play, the bouncers get a bit lax, letting more water out than they should.
But there’s more. Alcohol also decreases the production of an important hormone called vasopressin. Vasopressin's job is to tell your kidneys to reabsorb water rather than flush it out. When there's less vasopressin on duty, more water escapes into your urine. You might have noticed this when you “break the seal” during a night out.
Sure — diuretic, vasopressin, got to pee. But what’s that got to do with our feet? Specifically, why does drinking cause our feet to swell and our legs to hurt?
As our body gets dehydrated due to the diuretic effects of alcohol, it starts to send out SOS signals — “Help! We need to compensate for the lost liquid!” One way the body does this is by drawing water from our cells into our bloodstream to maintain blood pressure and keep vital organs working correctly. This is called fluid shift — the main cause of edema, or the collection of water in body tissues — and swollen feet can be a sign that it’s happening.
The problem is, gravity isn’t selective. Fluid that is shifting downward due to gravity can pool in our feet and ankles, leading to swelling known as peripheral edema. In short, alcohol gets our fluids all confused, and they end up where they shouldn’t be: in our feet.
While so far we have been focusing on foot swelling as a temporary discomfort caused mainly by dehydration, it’s crucial to keep in mind that swollen feet can be a sign of more serious health conditions, such as heart problems.
When the heart doesn't pump blood effectively, it can cause a condition called congestive heart failure. As the heart struggles, blood flow slows down, causing blood returning to the heart through the veins to back up.
This backup leads to an increase in pressure within the veins, pushing fluid out into the surrounding tissues, causing swelling, usually in the lower parts of the body like the legs, ankles, and feet. So if you have swollen feet and also experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid weight gain, and a persistent cough, it's a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional ASAP — these may be signs of heart problems requiring immediate attention.
Another thing to keep in mind is that swollen feet caused by drinking can be an indicator of liver damage. The liver is a powerhouse organ — it detoxifies harmful substances in the body, stores vitamins and iron, converts stored sugar to functional sugar when the body's sugar levels fall, and even helps produce blood proteins that aid in clotting. What a multitasker!
When the liver gets damaged through excessive alcohol consumption — or anything else, for that matter — it can't perform its functions as effectively. One of its jobs is to produce a protein called albumin. Albumin helps keep fluid in your bloodstream so it doesn't leak into other tissues. But when the liver is damaged and albumin production drops, this fluid can escape into surrounding tissues, causing swelling, or edema.
This fluid can accumulate in various parts of the body, but — because of gravity — it often ends up in the feet and ankles, causing them to swell. This is one way that our feet might be trying to tell us that our liver needs some help.
Liver damage can also cause fluid to accumulate in the abdominal cavity in a condition called ascites. If we’re experiencing foot and ankle swelling along with weight gain and swelling in the abdomen, these could be signs of severe liver disease, like cirrhosis — definitely not something we’d want to ignore.
Another condition to be aware of is pulmonary edema, which happens when fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It can be caused by heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, which happens when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
In such a scenario, increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs causes fluid to be pushed into the air sacs. This fluid prevents the lungs from filling with enough air, leading to shortness of breath.
While pulmonary edema itself might not directly cause swollen feet, its root cause — congestive heart failure — often does. So, the presence of swollen feet alongside symptoms such as difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat should trigger an immediate call to your healthcare provider.
The bottom line? While the occasional swelling of feet or leg pain after a night of a bit too much drinking can be chalked up to alcohol's effects on the body, such as dehydration, persistent or severe swelling should never be ignored. If you have swollen feet accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it’s absolutely crucial to seek medical attention promptly. The earlier potential health problems are detected, the better they can be managed.
The great news is you have the power to control the impact alcohol has on your body. Reducing or even eliminating alcohol from your lifestyle can improve your health in countless ways, including preventing our feet from swelling when we drink. Here are some specific steps you can take:
Last but not least, if you’re wondering how long alcohol-related water retention lasts, the answer is 24 to 48 hours, max. Give it a day or two, and you'll likely be back to your fabulous, non-puffy self.
As for ways to get rid of water retention after drinking alcohol, try these tips:
In the end, those puffy feet might be a nuisance, but they’re also your body’s way of saying “hey, maybe ease up a little.” Let’s give them a break and keep them — and you! — happy and healthy!
When you think about the odd ways your body responds to alcohol — headaches, face flushing, and the like — what happens to your feet might not be at the top of your list. And yet it’s a familiar scenario: you’re relaxing at home after a long day, maybe you’re catching up on a new Top Chef episode while sipping something with a little kick to it — maybe a craft beer, a glass of wine, or a zesty cocktail. But the next thing you know, your shoes are feeling a little tight, your feet are starting to resemble balloons, and you're left scratching your head, wondering, “Why in the world do my feet swell when I drink? And why do my legs hurt after drinking?”
It may not seem like the most glamorous of topics, but hey, when your feet are unhappy, it’s hard to ignore the discomfort. So let’s kick off our shoes, get comfy, and look into it further.
The thing about alcohol is that it's not just a liquid we consume — it has profound effects on our body. It's a potent diuretic, encouraging our kidneys to produce more urine and leading to dehydration and swollen feet. Think of your kidneys like the bouncers of the hydration nightclub. When alcohol comes into play, the bouncers get a bit lax, letting more water out than they should.
But there’s more. Alcohol also decreases the production of an important hormone called vasopressin. Vasopressin's job is to tell your kidneys to reabsorb water rather than flush it out. When there's less vasopressin on duty, more water escapes into your urine. You might have noticed this when you “break the seal” during a night out.
Sure — diuretic, vasopressin, got to pee. But what’s that got to do with our feet? Specifically, why does drinking cause our feet to swell and our legs to hurt?
As our body gets dehydrated due to the diuretic effects of alcohol, it starts to send out SOS signals — “Help! We need to compensate for the lost liquid!” One way the body does this is by drawing water from our cells into our bloodstream to maintain blood pressure and keep vital organs working correctly. This is called fluid shift — the main cause of edema, or the collection of water in body tissues — and swollen feet can be a sign that it’s happening.
The problem is, gravity isn’t selective. Fluid that is shifting downward due to gravity can pool in our feet and ankles, leading to swelling known as peripheral edema. In short, alcohol gets our fluids all confused, and they end up where they shouldn’t be: in our feet.
While so far we have been focusing on foot swelling as a temporary discomfort caused mainly by dehydration, it’s crucial to keep in mind that swollen feet can be a sign of more serious health conditions, such as heart problems.
When the heart doesn't pump blood effectively, it can cause a condition called congestive heart failure. As the heart struggles, blood flow slows down, causing blood returning to the heart through the veins to back up.
This backup leads to an increase in pressure within the veins, pushing fluid out into the surrounding tissues, causing swelling, usually in the lower parts of the body like the legs, ankles, and feet. So if you have swollen feet and also experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid weight gain, and a persistent cough, it's a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional ASAP — these may be signs of heart problems requiring immediate attention.
Another thing to keep in mind is that swollen feet caused by drinking can be an indicator of liver damage. The liver is a powerhouse organ — it detoxifies harmful substances in the body, stores vitamins and iron, converts stored sugar to functional sugar when the body's sugar levels fall, and even helps produce blood proteins that aid in clotting. What a multitasker!
When the liver gets damaged through excessive alcohol consumption — or anything else, for that matter — it can't perform its functions as effectively. One of its jobs is to produce a protein called albumin. Albumin helps keep fluid in your bloodstream so it doesn't leak into other tissues. But when the liver is damaged and albumin production drops, this fluid can escape into surrounding tissues, causing swelling, or edema.
This fluid can accumulate in various parts of the body, but — because of gravity — it often ends up in the feet and ankles, causing them to swell. This is one way that our feet might be trying to tell us that our liver needs some help.
Liver damage can also cause fluid to accumulate in the abdominal cavity in a condition called ascites. If we’re experiencing foot and ankle swelling along with weight gain and swelling in the abdomen, these could be signs of severe liver disease, like cirrhosis — definitely not something we’d want to ignore.
Another condition to be aware of is pulmonary edema, which happens when fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It can be caused by heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, which happens when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
In such a scenario, increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs causes fluid to be pushed into the air sacs. This fluid prevents the lungs from filling with enough air, leading to shortness of breath.
While pulmonary edema itself might not directly cause swollen feet, its root cause — congestive heart failure — often does. So, the presence of swollen feet alongside symptoms such as difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat should trigger an immediate call to your healthcare provider.
The bottom line? While the occasional swelling of feet or leg pain after a night of a bit too much drinking can be chalked up to alcohol's effects on the body, such as dehydration, persistent or severe swelling should never be ignored. If you have swollen feet accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it’s absolutely crucial to seek medical attention promptly. The earlier potential health problems are detected, the better they can be managed.
The great news is you have the power to control the impact alcohol has on your body. Reducing or even eliminating alcohol from your lifestyle can improve your health in countless ways, including preventing our feet from swelling when we drink. Here are some specific steps you can take:
Last but not least, if you’re wondering how long alcohol-related water retention lasts, the answer is 24 to 48 hours, max. Give it a day or two, and you'll likely be back to your fabulous, non-puffy self.
As for ways to get rid of water retention after drinking alcohol, try these tips:
In the end, those puffy feet might be a nuisance, but they’re also your body’s way of saying “hey, maybe ease up a little.” Let’s give them a break and keep them — and you! — happy and healthy!
