March 18th 2024.
Alcohol is known to have a major impact on our bodies. Whether it was a wild St. Patrick's Day celebration or a cozy night in with a bottle of wine, we've all experienced the dreaded hangover that comes with consuming too much alcohol. When we're feeling rough the next day, we just want it to be over and may find ourselves wondering how long it will take for the alcohol to leave our system. Luckily, the NHS has provided us with an answer.
According to their experts, it takes approximately one hour for our body to break down one unit of alcohol. One unit is equivalent to 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which is roughly the amount found in a small glass of wine, half a pint of beer, or a single measure of spirits. For those who may have indulged in six pints of Guinness, it could take up to half a day for all the alcohol to completely leave their system.
However, there are a few factors that can affect how long it takes for alcohol to leave our bodies. These include our gender, age, weight, recent meal consumption, the type of alcohol we're drinking, and our stress levels. It's important to keep in mind that the more we drink, the longer we will feel hungover.
But what exactly is alcohol doing to our bodies? According to Aliza Marogy, a registered nutritionist, and founder of Inessa supplement brand, most of the alcohol we consume is absorbed into our bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. It then travels to various organs, including the liver, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can deplete important nutrients in our body and disrupt the production of digestive enzymes, making it harder for our body to extract nutrients from food.
In particular, alcohol is known to deplete B-vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. These essential nutrients play a vital role in maintaining a healthy heart, brain, nervous system, bones, and regulating blood sugar levels. They also act as antioxidants, boost our immune system, and promote healthy skin, bones, and cartilage. In fact, alcohol can have a negative impact on our skin, causing dryness, wrinkles, and other skin issues.
To avoid getting a hangover, there are a few things we can do. Firstly, it's important to know our limits and not exceed the recommended amount of alcohol consumption. For men, this is up to two drinks per day, and for women, it's one drink per day. It's also important to stay hydrated by alternating between alcohol and water. Alcohol can quickly dehydrate the body by suppressing a hormone that helps our kidneys retain fluid. Lastly, it's best to avoid greasy foods while drinking, as they can further overwhelm our already sensitive stomachs.
In conclusion, while alcohol may be a fun and social activity, it's important to be mindful of our limits and take care of our bodies. Drinking in moderation and staying hydrated can help us avoid the dreaded hangover and keep our bodies healthy. So, the next time you're thinking of indulging in a few drinks, remember to drink responsibly and take care of yourself.
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