It’s Saturday night, so you’re likely heading out to a dinner with friends or ordering in and enjoying a cocktail or two. But before you scarf down a big, heavy meal and start pouring the bottle, know that there are certain foods that health experts say you should avoid eating before drinking alcohol:
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Celebrity health and wellness Joey Thurman, CES CPT FNS, of kuudose: “The worst thing to eat before drinking is almost anything. What people don’t realize is alcohol limits fat oxidation while it’s in your body, meaning you won’t be burning any fat while that booze is in your system. The worst foods to eat before would be your processed foods, sugar, sweets, and processed carbs. These aren’t good for you anyways and especially when you add the booze. Other things to stay away from would be foods that will dehydrate you and make you thirsty like chips and salty pretzels.”
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Nutritionist Nataly Komova of JustCBD: Although the idea of reducing the effects of alcohol with a hearty meal is often heard, fatty foods in combination with alcohol will put a very serious strain on the liver and pancreas, making the situation worse in the morning, so it is better to supplement your diet with high-fiber meals, vegetables, not heavy meat and chips. Try to stay away from salty products as well because alcohol dehydrates your body. Chips, salty crackers, popcorn, garlic bread will dry out your body. Try to choose products that have a lot of water instead, for example, fruits (watermelon, melon, mango) and so on. Salt is also the reason you shouldn't eat sushi before going out. Soy sauce contains high levels of salt which will dehydrate you and then create a hangover."
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General physician Dr. Amanullah of Healthwire: "When you drink alcohol, it passes into your bloodstream and goes down to every part of the body. Alcohol effects depend on age, weight, and gender and it starts affecting. Avoid spicy foods (if it upsets your stomach, it will be a nightmare if you eat it before drinking); French fries (if you eat French fries before drinking, such intake may come up later due to its oily layer); Chocolate (when you drink alcohol on an empty stomach, it will result in acid reflux, and alcohol can contribute to that); salt (it will make you feel bloated).
Nutritionist Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim: "Avoid snacking on salty treats like chips. Alcohol is dehydrating and snacking on salty treats dry you out as well. A better snack is fruit high in water like melons."
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Nutritionist Heather Hanks, MS, of Instapot Life: "Foods that are high in refined sugar and low in fiber are not ideal any time of day, but especially before you drink alcohol. This is because alcohol increases insulin levels in the body. If you begin your alcohol session with foods that have already spiked your blood sugar levels, you will feel even worse when your insulin levels drop - causing you to crave more sugary calories to bring your blood sugar back up. If you plan on enjoying a few alcoholic beverages, be sure to fuel properly with high fiber foods that slow glucose dumping, such as vegetables and plant-based protein. Also, make sure you are not dehydrated when you start drinking as this will also make you feel worse."
