Beer Intolerance: Why Some People Can't Drink It

Drinking alcohol is a common social activity, but it can sometimes lead to unpleasant side effects like throwing up. There are several reasons why drinking alcohol can make you throw up, and there are also ways to prevent this from happening. Firstly, drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. It's important to pace yourself and drink in moderation to avoid this. Mixing different types of alcohol can also increase the risk of vomiting, as it can be difficult to keep track of how much you've consumed. Drinking on an empty stomach can also lead to vomiting, so it's advisable to eat something before drinking alcohol. Dehydration is another factor that can contribute to vomiting, so staying hydrated by drinking water between alcoholic drinks is important. Additionally, certain types of alcohol, like dark-colored drinks, are more likely to cause vomiting and hangovers. Finally, individual factors such as weight, gender, hormones, and liver function can affect how the body processes alcohol, and thus, how likely someone is to throw up. Understanding these factors and taking preventative measures can help reduce the risk of throwing up while drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages.

Eat before drinking alcohol

Eating a meal before drinking alcohol is a good way to prevent a hangover. Food keeps alcohol in the stomach for longer and slows the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the body, which means you would need more alcohol to feel intoxicated and hungover the next day.

• Water: Aim to drink at least two litres of water during the day and have a pint of water with your dinner before going out. Staying hydrated is key.
• Fruit juice or kombucha: These drinks will keep your vitamin C levels topped up (as vitamin C is one of the nutrients alcohol depletes).
• Healthy fats: Foods with a higher fat content remain in the stomach for longer, so the alcohol will be absorbed into your blood more slowly. Salmon, avocado, and nuts are all great options.
• Probiotics: A probiotic, such as kefir, could give your microbiome a boost of friendly bacteria and help to line your stomach, slowing down the rate of alcohol absorption into your blood.
• Liver-loving ingredients: Turmeric, cinnamon, kale, broccoli, beetroot, avocado, and lemon are all fantastic foods for helping to support the liver.
• Plant-based or dairy products: Eating while drinking will slow down the rate of alcohol absorption. Opt for plant-based choices or dairy foods with live cultures, like yoghurts and cheeses.
• Bland foods: If you are already feeling nauseous, eat small amounts of bland foods such as crackers, toast, plain oatmeal, and grits. These foods require less digestion and are therefore less likely to irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines.

In addition to the above, it is important to note that the only surefire way to avoid the negative effects of alcohol is to stop drinking altogether.

Drink water between alcoholic drinks

Drinking water between alcoholic drinks is a good way to slow down your drinking and prevent dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes you to urinate more, leading to a loss of fluids and mild dehydration. Dehydration can cause symptoms like thirst, fatigue, and headaches.

Drinking water can also help to keep your body fluids balanced. Alcohol reduces the release of an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) called vasopressin, which works with your kidneys to balance your body fluids.

To stay hydrated, it is recommended to drink 8 to 12 ounces of water for every standard alcoholic drink. This can be done by keeping a reusable water bottle on hand or by buying 8-ounce bottles of water and alternating them with alcoholic beverages.

Drinking water between alcoholic drinks may not completely prevent a hangover, but it can help to reduce the risk. It gives your body a chance to metabolize the alcohol and can help to lower dehydration hormones, which may contribute to hangovers.

In addition to drinking water, it is also important to eat a meal before drinking, pace yourself, and avoid mixing different types of alcohol. These strategies can help to prevent drinking too much alcohol, which is the best way to avoid a hangover.

Avoid mixing drinks

There are a few reasons why you might want to avoid mixing drinks. Firstly, it can be difficult to keep track of how much alcohol you've consumed when you're switching between different types of drinks. This can lead to drinking more than intended and increase the likelihood of getting sick or experiencing a hangover.

Secondly, the order in which you mix drinks can also have an impact. Starting with a drink that has a lower alcohol content, such as beer, and then switching to liquor can be dangerous because your body will still process the liquor at the rate of the beer, while you're actually getting much drunker. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. On the other hand, starting with liquor and then switching to a drink with a lower alcohol content can also be risky because the initial impairment in judgment may cause you to consume more than intended.

Finally, mixing alcohol with energy drinks can be particularly dangerous. The stimulating effects of the caffeine in energy drinks can reduce the subjective experience of intoxication, leading people to drink more than they normally would. This can result in a higher risk of injury from car accidents and fights.

Drink slowly and know your limit

Drinking slowly and knowing your limit can help you avoid throwing up when drinking beer. Here are some tips to help you drink slowly and mindfully:

Drink Slowly:

• Pace yourself: Drinking slowly and pacing yourself is key to avoiding throwing up. Avoid chugging or drinking large amounts of beer in a short period. Instead, sip your beer slowly and savour it. Give your body time to adjust to the alcohol and slow down the absorption rate.
• Space out your drinks: Try to limit your consumption to one drink per hour. Have a glass of water or a non-alcoholic drink between alcoholic beverages. This will help you stay hydrated, slow down your alcohol intake, and reduce the risk of throwing up.
• Eat before drinking: Having food in your stomach while drinking can slow down alcohol absorption. Eat a proper meal before drinking, preferably something with protein, fat, and carbohydrates. This will help slow the absorption of alcohol and give your body more time to process it.
• Choose lower-alcohol drinks: Opt for lower-alcohol beers or drinks. Beers with lower alcohol content will have a lower alcohol percentage, which means you can drink at a slower pace without feeling the pressure to keep up with your drinking buddies.
• Stick to one type of drink: Drinking the same type of beer throughout the night can help you pace yourself. Mixing different types of alcohol can make it harder to keep track of your consumption and may increase the risk of throwing up.
• Be mindful of your body's signals: Listen to your body and be aware of your limit. If you start feeling nauseous or dizzy, stop drinking. Continuing to drink when you're already feeling unwell will only make things worse.

Know Your Limit:

• Understand your alcohol limit: Different people have different alcohol limits. Factors such as weight, gender, hormones, and individual enzymes affect how your body processes alcohol. Know your limit and stick to it.
• Track your drinks: Keep a drinking diary or use an app to track how many drinks you've had. This will help you stay mindful of your consumption and avoid exceeding your limit.
• Set drinking rules: Create a list of personal rules for drinking, such as only drinking on weekends, limiting yourself to one drink per day, or only drinking wine spritzers. Post these rules somewhere visible to remind yourself and help you stay accountable.
• Plan ahead: Before you start drinking, decide on a specific number of drinks you're comfortable with and stick to it. Having a plan will help you avoid drinking more than you can handle.
• Avoid peer pressure: Don't let others pressure you to drink more than you want to. It's important to know your limit and stick to it, even if your friends are encouraging you to have another drink.

Avoid strong odours

Strong odours can trigger your gag reflex, so it's best to avoid them if you're feeling nauseous after drinking beer. Here are some tips to help you avoid strong odours:

• Get some fresh air: Stepping outside can help distract you from nausea and calm your central nervous system. It will also give you some space if you do end up vomiting.
• Avoid certain foods: Stay away from fatty, greasy, sugary, spicy, or strong-smelling foods (like garlic and onions), as these can upset your stomach and make nausea worse. Opt for bland foods like crackers, toast, or oatmeal instead.
• Drink water: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. Drinking water will help flush out the alcohol and rehydrate your body, reducing the risk of nausea.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash regularly. This will help eliminate any alcohol or food odours that may be lingering in your mouth.
• Use natural remedies: Certain natural remedies can help combat nausea and freshen your breath. For example, lemon, parsley, mint, and cloves have deodorizing and antimicrobial effects.
• Exercise caution: While exercise can help your body metabolise alcohol faster and reduce odours, it's important to exercise caution. Vigorous exercise after drinking can lead to dehydration, so make sure to stay hydrated and listen to your body.
• Change your clothing: Alcohol can cause you to sweat more, and the odour can linger on your clothes. Changing your clothes can help reduce the presence of strong odours.
• Seek professional help: If you find yourself frequently struggling with nausea and strong odours after drinking beer, it may be a sign of a larger issue. Consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or addiction specialist for guidance and support.

Frequently asked questions