Honey water? Tea? Coffee? There's only one truth about sobering up.

During the rare long holiday, Hanhan enjoyed watching the World Cup with friends, and inevitably had a few drinks. However, facing the pressure of going back to work the next day, how to effectively sober up and get back to a good state became a key issue.

Alcohol metabolism and intoxication mechanisms

After alcohol enters the body, it is first metabolized into acetaldehyde. If excessive alcohol is consumed, or...Metabolic function is impairedAcetaldehyde accumulates in the body, causing symptoms of intoxication such as headache, dizziness, and palpitations. Acetaldehyde is then further metabolized into acetic acid, and the discomfort gradually subsides. If the amount of alcohol consumed far exceeds the body's metabolic capacity, alcohol can also suppress the central nervous system, leading to circulatory, respiratory, and digestive system dysfunctions, requiring medical treatment in severe cases. Furthermore, alcohol exacerbates dehydration, making the discomfort of intoxication more pronounced.

Myths about honey water for hangovers

Honey water is considered a traditional remedy for hangovers because it contains fructose.Accelerate alcohol metabolismStudies show that supplementing with 1 gram of fructose at a ratio of 1 gram of alcohol to 1 gram of fructose can increase the blood alcohol metabolism rate by 44.71 TP4T and shorten the duration of poisoning symptoms by 30.71 TP4T. However, there are three major problems in practical application:

1. ​Metabolic side effectsFructose can cause a sharp increase in uric acid and lactic acid, which may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and raise the incidence of diabetes and heart disease in the long term.
2. ​Absorption LimitationThe experiment requires the injection of a large amount of fructose (e.g., 31 cc of fructose needs to be supplemented for every 10 cc of alcohol consumed), which far exceeds the body's natural absorption capacity (adults absorb only 5-50 grams at a time). Excessive intake may cause diarrhea.
3. ​Diverse sourcesFructose is widely found in fruits (such as apples and bananas) and vegetables (such as red peppers and onions), and is not unique to honey, so there is no need to be fixated on a specific form.

Misconceptions about coffee and tea

Many people use coffee or tea to refresh themselves and sober up, but caffeine only provides a temporary "false sense of wakefulness" to the brain, which can actually worsen dehydration and does not help to sober up in the long run.

Practical hangover remedies

1. ​Hydration is key.Alcohol metabolism depletes a significant amount of water, so it is recommended to drink plenty of water and replenish with electrolyte-containing beverages. Simply adding salt is insufficient to restore key minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which must be obtained through food.
2. ​Dietary therapyConsuming easily digestible foods (such as porridge or bread) after drinking alcohol can protect the digestive tract and replenish fluids and nutrients. Choosing foods you enjoy can help improve comfort.
3. ​Prevention is better than cure.Consuming foods rich in fat or protein (such as nuts and cheese) before or after drinking alcohol can slow down alcohol absorption and reduce the amount of alcohol consumed. Drinking on an empty stomach will significantly accelerate alcohol absorption and should be avoided.

In summary, there are no magic shortcuts to sobering up; the key lies in proper hydration, a balanced diet, and preventative measures. Mastering these principles will ensure you're in top condition to face work challenges after a holiday celebration.