Drinking alcohol is an important part of social and daily life. Many times, it is necessary to drink alcohol. However, there are many people who are not good at drinking and easily get drunk. Why is that?
Poor detoxification ability of the liver
After drinking alcohol, 90% of the alcohol is slowly broken down by the liver enzyme P450. The strength of this detoxification process varies from person to person. Some people have a strong detoxification ability in the liver with a higher content of the enzyme P450, so they don't get easily drunk. On the other hand, some people easily get drunk because they have less enzyme P450 in the liver, resulting in weaker detoxification ability.
Low concentration of alcohol dehydrogenase
There are two ways for the body to metabolize alcohol. One is direct metabolism in the liver, and the other is through the breakdown of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. If the concentration of alcohol dehydrogenase is low, alcohol will be metabolized mainly by the liver's P450 enzymes, which increases the burden on the liver and makes it easier to get drunk.
Low concentration of aldehyde dehydrogenase
Some people have a higher concentration of alcohol dehydrogenase, which can quickly convert alcohol into acetaldehyde, reducing the alcohol concentration in the blood and having a certain sobering effect. These people may appear flushed but still clear-headed as the concentration of acetaldehyde increases over time. However, if these people have a low concentration of aldehyde dehydrogenase, a large amount of acetaldehyde in the body will also need to be metabolized by the liver's P450 enzymes, making it easier to get drunk.
Mixed drinks are easy to get drunk
Mixed drinks refer to the combination of several types of alcohol or the mixture of alcohol and other beverages. Many people, including some professional brewers, are not sure why mixed drinks are easy to get drunk. Drinking games like "depth charge" and "three-cup meeting" in China are notorious for causing people to get easily drunk. People with a low alcohol tolerance should avoid trying these games, as they often result in getting drunk after just one drink.
Differences in the nature of alcohol
When drinking alcohol, it is important to pay attention to the nature of the alcohol. If it is distilled alcohol, it is necessary to be cautious and not drink too much at once. This type of alcohol has a strong initial impact and can easily lead to drunkenness. On the other hand, if it is yellow wine, it is important not to drink too much. This type of alcohol has a delayed effect and one may not feel drunk until after finishing the drink.
Methods to prevent drunkenness
1. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. It is recommended to eat something before drinking, preferably starchy or greasy food, as it can slow down the speed of intoxication.
2. Drink a glass of yogurt or milk before drinking alcohol. This can create a thin protective layer on the stomach lining, reducing the absorption and penetration of alcohol to some extent and having a certain sobering effect.
3. Take hangover pills before drinking. This method prevents getting drunk, but it can be harmful to the body if done frequently, so it is not recommended.
Methods to increase alcohol tolerance
Alcohol tolerance is mainly determined by genetics, but it can also be improved through continuous exercise. Here are some methods to increase alcohol tolerance:
Start by trying low-concentration alcohol and gradually increase the amount, drinking one to two glasses every day. Once you can handle around half a pound of low-alcohol content, switch to slightly higher proof alcohol. By slowly increasing the concentration, you can improve your resistance to alcohol and eventually be able to handle high-proof spirits.
