We’ve all heard it said before that eating a big slice of bread will help to soak up the alcohol in your system and prevent you from getting drunk. But is there any truth to this claim? Let’s take a look at the science behind this popular belief to see if there’s any merit to it.
Does Bread Soak Up Alcohol?
It’s true that bread does contain starch, which can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. However, the amount of starch in bread is relatively small, and it would take a lot of bread to make any real difference.
To put it into perspective, you would need to eat about six slices of bread in order to slow down your body’s absorption of one standard drink.
And even then, the effect would only be temporary. So while eating bread before drinking might slightly delay the onset of intoxication, it’s not going to do much to prevent you from getting drunk in the long run.
Of course, bread is not the only food that people believe can help to soak up the alcohol. Other common contenders include salty snacks like chips or pretzels, as well as greasy foods like french fries or burgers.
But just like bread, these foods only offer a temporary delay in the absorption of alcohol and will not necessarily prevent you from getting drunk if you consume too much alcohol over the course of an evening.
The best way to avoid getting drunk is to simply drink responsibly and pace yourself throughout the night.
Top Foods That Soak Up Alcohol
A night of heavy drinking can leave you feeling pretty rough the next day. If you’re looking for a way to ease your hangover, you might be wondering what foods soak up the alcohol.
While there’s no magic cure-all for a hangover, certain foods can help you feel better by easing your symptoms and replenishing your body. Here are some of the best foods to eat after a night of drinking.
1. Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein, which can help repair tissue damaged by alcohol consumption. They also contain cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism.
In addition, eggs contain vitamin B6, which is needed for proper alcohol metabolism. Try eating eggs scrambled with some vegetables for a Hangover Helper breakfast sandwich.
2. Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, two minerals that are essential for proper muscle function. They also contain vitamin B6, which helps metabolize alcohol.
Try adding a banana to your morning smoothie or oatmeal, or enjoy a bowl of sliced bananas with yogurt and honey for a sweet and nutritious breakfast or snack.
3. Oats
Oats are another good source of magnesium and potassium as well as fiber. Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels that can contribute to feelings of fatigue and irritability.
Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit and nuts, or enjoy a hot oat-based cereal like cream of wheat or farina.
4. Ginger
Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea and upset stomachs. It’s thought to work by slowing down stomach contractions and helping to settle the contents of your stomach.
Try sipping on ginger tea or adding freshly grated ginger root to your morning smoothie or juice. You can also find ginger supplements at most health food stores.
How to Sober Up Quickly: The Definitive Guide
There are few things worse than realizing you’ve had one too many drinks…especially when you have to be up for work in a few short hours. If you find yourself in this predicament, all is not lost. There are a few things you can do to sober up quickly and minimize the damage.
1. Eat some protein
Protein takes longer to digest than carbs, so it will help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. In addition, protein helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be depleted by alcohol consumption.
Good sources of protein include eggs, meat, fish, and legumes.
2. Have a slice of toast or a bowl of oatmeal
Just like protein, complex carbs take longer to digest and will help to slow down the absorption of alcohol. Alcohol causes your blood sugar levels to drop, so eating complex carbs will help to replenish them.
Fruits and vegetables are also good options because they contain natural sugars that will help to raise your blood sugar levels.
3. Drink plenty of water or fluids with electrolytes
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more frequently and can lead to dehydration. To combat this, make sure to drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) throughout the day.
If you’re feeling particularly dehydrated, sports drinks or coconut water are a good option because they contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are also lost through increased urination.
Just make sure to stay away from sugary juices or sodas, as these can actually make your hangover worse.
4. Drink coffee or tea.
Caffeine helps to narrow blood vessels and tighten muscles, both of which can help alleviate a headache caused by alcohol consumption. Just be careful not to overdo it – too much caffeine can actually lead to dehydration (which we know can intensify a hangover).
Stick to one cup of coffee or tea in the morning and save caffeinated beverages for after lunchtime if possible.
5. Take a pain reliever if needed.
If you’re struggling with a really bad headache, popping an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen may help provide some relief (just be sure not to take it on an empty stomach!)
Excedrin is specifically designed for headaches caused by overconsumption of alcohol, so that’s another option worth considering if you’re desperate for relief!
So there you have it – the truth about whether or not bread can help to soak up the alcohol. While eating bread (or any other food for that matter) before drinking might slightly delay the onset of intoxication, it’s not going to do much to prevent you from getting drunk in the long run. The best way to avoid getting drunk is to simply drink responsibly and pace yourself throughout the night.
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