Ways To Prevent Alcohol Bloat After A Night Of Drinking
As much as we love a good night out with friends and a few drinks, there’s nothing worse than waking up the next morning feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
Alcohol bloat can put a damper on your day, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to prevent it. So read on!
Eat a Light Meal Before Drinking
Starting your night out with a light meal can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and reduce how bloated you feel the next morning. Eating something with carbohydrates, like toast or a sandwich, can help keep you full longer and reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
Avoid Salty Foods
Salty foods like chips, pretzels, and popcorn can cause you to hold onto extra water, which can make you feel bloated. If you’re planning on drinking alcohol, try to avoid these foods as much as possible. Instead, opt for healthier snacks such as nuts and cheese.
Do Low-Impact Exercises
While exercise is great for your body, it’s important to keep it low-impact before a night of drinking. Sweating causes your body to retain water for a few hours after a vigorous workout, which can contribute to alcohol bloat. Instead, try yoga or Pilates to keep your body moving and reduce the risk of bloating.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is essential to staying hydrated and reducing alcohol bloat. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to lose fluids quickly. To combat this, try alternating between drinks or having a glass of water before and after each alcoholic beverage. This will prevent you from becoming too intoxicated and help ease your hangover the next day.
Quit Smoking
Smoking and drinking often go hand in hand, but smoking can contribute to alcohol bloat by increasing the gas trapped in your stomach when you swallow and inhale.
Toxins in tobacco products also cause inflammation in your stomach and intestines, causing discomfort. If you’re a smoker, consider cutting down or quitting altogether to reduce your risk of alcohol bloating.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Carbonation in beers and sodas can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable. The air can get trapped in your stomach, causing pain or the sensation that your belly is twice its size. Stick to flat beverages or clear liquors, such as vodka or gin, with a sugar-free mixer.
Drink Alcohol Slowly
Drinking slowly is one of the best ways to prevent alcohol bloat. This allows your body time to absorb the alcohol, rather than it all hitting you at once. Drinking slowly also reduces your risk of ingesting too much air into your stomach. Chugging your drinks too fast can lead to overconsumption, which causes alcohol bloating the next day.
Take Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help with bloating and digestion. Taking these supplements before and after drinking may help your body process alcohol better, improve gut health, and boost your immune system. Consider adding probiotic supplements to your routine or eating yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented foods.
Exercise After Partying
Getting your body moving after a night of drinking is important. A light jog or walk can help reduce bloating and keep you feeling good the next day. Exercise increases blood flow and helps digestion, which can alleviate some discomfort caused by alcohol bloat. It also aids your body in the removal of toxins and releases endorphins.
The Best Drinks to Treat Alcohol Bloat
Alcohol bloat is a common symptom that many people experience after a night of heavy drinking. It’s caused by the accumulation of gas and fluid in the stomach and intestines, leading to discomfort, bloating, and sometimes even pain.
Fortunately, there are several remedies and drinks that can help reduce alcohol bloat and make you feel better.
Detox Lemonade Cleanse with Cayenne & Ginger
One of the best drinks to treat alcohol bloat is a detox lemonade cleanse with cayenne and ginger. Lemon water acts as a diuretic, helping to reduce fluid retention in the body, while the capsaicin in cayenne pepper speeds up digestion and increases the flow of digestive enzymes through the intestines.
Ginger has also been shown to relieve bloating and stomach discomfort by promoting the movement of food through the digestive tract.
To make this detox drink, simply mix the juice of half a lemon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a teaspoon of grated ginger into a glass of warm water. Drink this mixture before or after a night of heavy drinking to reduce alcohol bloat and improve digestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic with Green Tea
Another excellent drink to help reduce alcohol bloat is an apple cider vinegar tonic with green tea.
Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that help flush out excess water and sodium from the body, while the caffeine in green tea stimulates gastrointestinal tract movement and reduces bloating.
Apple cider vinegar has also been shown to improve digestion and relieve bloating by promoting the growth of good gut bacteria.
To make this drink, simply mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of honey, and a bag of green tea into a cup of hot water. Drink this mixture before or after a night of heavy drinking to reduce alcohol bloat and improve digestion.
Cucumber and Watermelon Juice
If you prefer a refreshing and hydrating drink to reduce alcohol bloat, try cucumber and watermelon juice. Both cucumber and watermelon have a high water content, making them excellent for replenishing fluids and easing gas.
They also contain nutrients and antioxidants that support the body’s natural detoxifying process, helping to flush out toxins and reduce bloating.
To make this drink, simply blend half a cucumber and one cup of watermelon chunks in a blender until smooth. Drink this mixture before or after a night of heavy drinking to reduce alcohol bloat and improve hydration.
Strawberry Basil Water
For a simple and delicious way to rehydrate and flush out toxins, try strawberry basil water. Strawberries contain antioxidants and vitamins that support the body’s natural detoxifying process, while basil has been shown to improve digestion and reduce bloating by promoting the movement of food through the digestive tract.
To make this drink, simply add sliced strawberries and a handful of fresh basil leaves to a pitcher of water. Let it infuse for a few hours in the refrigerator and then enjoy throughout the day to reduce alcohol bloat and improve hydration.
Medical Treatments for Stomach Bloating
If you experience severe discomfort after drinking alcohol, you should consult a doctor to treat alcohol bloat. They may prescribe an antibiotic to cure gastritis and minimize bloating or recommend H2 blockers, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors to lower stomach acid production.
Alcohol Consumption and Weight Gain
Women’s recommended daily calorie intake is 2,000 calories and 2,500 for men. Alcoholic drinks are high in calories, which can lead to weight gain over time. If you’re not careful with your alcohol consumption, you can quickly start packing on excess pounds, leading to that unattractive “beer belly.”
A 12-ounce serving of regular beer contains 153 calories or 103 calories for a light beer. You could consume up to 350 calories per drink if you prefer craft beers. Wine can range from around 120 calories per 5 ounces to over 150 calories for a dry dessert wine.
Other types of alcohol, such as rum or vodka, contain 97 calories per 1.5 ounces. If you enjoy mixed drinks, expect to add over 500 calories.
How Much Alcohol is Safe to Drink?
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the suggested daily limit for men is two drinks and one drink for women. The amount of alcohol you can drink safely depends on several factors, such as your weight, how quickly you metabolize alcohol, and how often you drink.
Alcohol Bloat FAQ
What is the least bloating alcohol?
The type of alcohol you choose can affect how much bloating you experience. Generally speaking, clear liquors such as vodka, gin, and tequila are the least likely to cause bloat because they are made from fermented grains or vegetables that don’t contain many sugars or additives that can contribute to bloating.
Darker alcoholic beverages such as red wine, whiskey, brandy, and dark rum may contain more sugars or additives that can cause bloating.
What can I mix with vodka to stop bloating?
Mix vodka with sugar-free mixers like tonic water instead of juice or cola. You can squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice for an extra kick.
Does alcohol bloating go away after you stop drinking?
Yes, alcohol bloating usually goes away after you stop drinking. However, the best way to avoid it in the first place is to drink responsibly and stay hydrated throughout the night. But alcohol-induced gastritis is a different story.
This condition is due to excessive alcohol consumption and can cause long-term stomach issues, such as bloating and stomach pain.
In Closing…
In conclusion, alcohol bloat is an unpleasant but common side effect of drinking too much alcohol. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and treat alcohol bloat, including drinking water, consuming detox drinks, and eating fiber-rich foods. It’s also important to keep track of your alcohol consumption to avoid excessive calorie intake and weight gain.
If you’re experiencing severe discomfort after drinking, it’s essential to consult a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or recommend other medications to minimize bloating.
Finally, it’s crucial to remember that drinking alcohol responsibly is key to avoiding alcohol bloat and other health issues associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Stick to the recommended daily limit, and choose clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila if you’re looking for the least bloating alcohol.