Liquor After Beer: Is It Safe?

Drinking alcohol is a common social activity, and it's not unusual to mix different types of drinks throughout the night. Many people have heard the saying, beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you're in the clear, which suggests that drinking beer before liquor will result in a worse hangover. However, this is just a myth, and there is little scientific evidence to support it. The order in which you consume alcoholic beverages has minimal impact on the severity of a hangover. Instead, it's the total amount of alcohol consumed that matters most.

The amount of alcohol consumed matters more than the type of alcohol

The idea that drinking beer before liquor can make you "never been sicker" is a long-standing myth. The saying goes, "beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you're in the clear." Many people believe that drinking alcoholic beverages in a particular order will reduce the risk and severity of a hangover. However, this myth has been debunked by modern research, which has shown that the order of consumption does not influence a person's hangover.

The amount of alcohol consumed is a much more significant factor in determining the severity of a hangover than the type of alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol, regardless of the type, can lead to a hangover. Hangover symptoms can include headaches, dehydration, nausea, fatigue, weakness, excessive thirst, dry mouth, muscle aches, vomiting, light sensitivity, shaking, and mood disturbances. Therefore, to reduce the risk and severity of a hangover, it is important to monitor the total amount of alcohol consumed, rather than the type of alcohol.

While the order of consumption may not directly affect the severity of a hangover, there are some indirect effects to consider. For example, starting the night with liquor can lead to a quicker decrease in inhibition, which may result in drinking more overall. Additionally, liquor often has higher sugar content, which can also affect how you feel the next day. However, these factors are still related to the total amount of alcohol consumed and are not directly influenced by the order of consumption.

Other factors that can contribute to hangover symptoms include acetaldehyde, a toxic alcohol byproduct, disrupted sleep patterns, withdrawal from alcohol or other substances, and combining alcohol with other substances. Therefore, it is important to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and avoid mixing alcohol with other substances to reduce the risk and severity of a hangover.

Carbonated drinks irritate the stomach lining, increasing alcohol absorption

The order in which you consume alcoholic drinks does not affect the severity of a hangover. The idea that drinking beer before liquor is worse for you is a myth. The severity of a hangover is influenced by factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, whether you ate before drinking, how frequently you drink, genetics, congeners, and whether you smoke.

However, carbonated drinks like beer and sparkling wine can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the rate of alcohol absorption. This is because carbonation speeds up the movement of liquids from the stomach to the small intestine, where alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, ethanol may reach the small intestine faster when alcohol is mixed with carbonated drinks.

Some studies have shown that carbonation in drinks like champagne can increase the rate of alcohol absorption by up to 40-50%. However, these studies are limited, and the effects of carbonation on alcohol absorption may vary depending on individual biology.

While carbonated mixers may cause you to feel drunk faster, they do not make you more drunk overall. The amount of alcohol consumed is the primary factor in determining the level of intoxication and the severity of a hangover.

Alcohol is a diuretic, causing dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine output and can lead to dehydration. This is because alcohol inhibits the release of the hormone vasopressin, also known as the anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). Typically, the brain signals the release of ADH when there is an increase in particles over fluids (osmolality) in the blood. ADH signals the kidneys to hold on to water. By suppressing ADH, alcohol can cause the kidneys to release more water, leading to increased urination.

The diuretic effect of alcohol is influenced by the alcohol concentration and the amount consumed. According to a study in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism, urine output increased when alcohol content increased from 2% to 4% compared to an alcohol-free drink. Another study published in the journal Nutrients found that moderate amounts of higher-alcohol beverages, such as wine and distilled liquors, had a small diuretic effect, while lower-alcohol beverages, like beer, had a lesser impact.

It's important to note that dehydration caused by alcohol consumption can contribute to hangover symptoms such as headaches and nausea. Therefore, it is recommended to drink in moderation and stay hydrated by alternating alcoholic beverages with water.

Drinking on an empty stomach increases alcohol absorption

The popular saying, "Beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you're in the clear," is a myth. The order in which you consume alcoholic drinks does not influence the severity of a hangover. Instead, the total amount of alcohol consumed is the primary factor that determines the intensity of a hangover.

However, drinking on an empty stomach can increase alcohol absorption and intensify the side effects of drinking. When you drink on an empty stomach, alcohol passes quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, where most of it is absorbed into the bloodstream. This can impair your ability to think and coordinate your body movements.

Additionally, drinking on an empty stomach can increase your risk of a hangover. While eating before drinking may not significantly impact the short-term outcomes of alcohol consumption, it can slow down the effects of alcohol on your body.

To minimize the negative consequences of drinking, it is advisable to eat before consuming alcohol. This will slow down the absorption of alcohol and reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Staying hydrated, drinking in moderation, and getting enough sleep are also essential for preventing hangovers and ensuring safe alcohol consumption.

Genetics influence how the body metabolises alcohol

The order in which you drink beer and liquor does not influence the severity of a hangover. Instead, the total amount of alcohol consumed is a more significant factor in determining the severity of a hangover.

However, genetics can influence how the body metabolises alcohol, and consequently, the effects of alcohol on the body and the likelihood of developing alcoholism. Genetic differences can lead to variations in the enzymes that metabolise alcohol in the liver. These enzymes are encoded by different genes, and variations in these genes can result in enzymes with different characteristics and kinetic properties.

For example, the genes ADH1B and ADH1C have several variants, with the ADH1B*2 allele occurring more frequently in Asian populations. This allele encodes an enzyme with a higher turnover rate, resulting in more rapid conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde. This increased rate of alcohol metabolism may offer some protection against alcoholism.

Similarly, the ALDH2*2 allele, which is common in people of East Asian descent, results in the production of an inactive ALDH enzyme. This leads to a build-up of acetaldehyde in the body, causing side effects such as a bright red flush, nausea, and an increased heartbeat. This genetic variation also provides protection against alcoholism, with people possessing this allele being six times less likely to develop the condition.

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