Alcohol is a toxin that most of us have tried in our lives. And whilst some of us enjoy a tipple more than others, alcohol can have an impact on your health when consumed in large quantities. Alcohol is a stimulant, and, therefore, often elevates blood pressure and heart rate, as well as dehydrating the body.
Our bodies have the necessary tools to break down alcohol through the liver, but sometimes our livers become sluggish if we consume too much alcohol. In this article, we explore the factors that can impact how we metabolise alcohol and discuss how to flush alcohol out of our system.
How is Alcohol Metabolised in The Body?
Everything consumed is broken down in the liver. For the scientific part, absorbed alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde by enzymes called alcohol dehydrogenases.
When alcohol is consumed, a portion is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to the onset of its effects. The liver metabolises the majority of this alcohol at a rate of about one standard drink per hour, while the unmetabolised alcohol continues to circulate in the bloodstream, contributing to the feeling of intoxication.
Factors Affecting Alcohol Metabolism
Alcohol metabolism can be affected for numerous reasons. Your metabolism, for example, may be inhibited by things such as age, sex and environmental factors. Here are some of the biggest factors that can impact alcohol metabolism:
- Overall health and nutrition: In order to break down alcohol, your liver enzymes should ideally be healthy. People with liver conditions or any other issues with digestion could have a slower metabolism. Poor nutrition can also create problems. Therefore, a balanced diet will contribute to better liver health.
- Age: Older adults may struggle to break down alcohol as quickly due to a slower metabolism. With age, our metabolism slows down, and particularly in women of menopause age (usually between the ages of 45 and 60), alcohol may not metabolise as easily.
- Drugs: Certain drugs can interact harmfully with alcohol, posing risks to one’s health.
- Environment: The surrounding environment plays a role in alcohol consumption and its effects on the body. High-stress environments or traumatic experiences may lead some individuals to consume alcohol more frequently or in larger amounts.
How to Flush Alcohol Out of Your System
In order to safely and effectively flush alcohol out of your system, you must be willing to create a new and healthy lifestyle. Alcohol can last in the system for around 12 hours, but this can be longer depending on certain factors. Ensuring that you flush your system out well is important. So, how to flush alcohol out of your system:
Step one: Hydration
You should ensure that you drink plenty of water to hydrate yourself and help your body eliminate alcohol as quickly as possible. Water helps dilute the alcohol and flush the toxins out of your bloodstream. Don’t drink too much too soon. Usually, one glass of water for every glass of alcohol as you go. If you hydrate after alcohol, then drink slowly and consistently over a 12-hour period.
Step two: Get Physical
Exercising is great for increasing and optimising your metabolism. It speeds up the process of alcohol removal and, therefore, helps you feel better more quickly. A speed walk, gentle jog or swimming can be great to stimulate the system.
Step three: Eat well
We all know the importance of a healthy diet. A balanced diet helps the liver do its job more effectively. Nutrient-rich foods will help your liver break down toxins faster and flush alcohol out of your system. You should try to eliminate fatty foods and fried foods that can contaminate the liver and, therefore, slow your metabolism down. Wholesome foods such as vegetables and grains are good.
Health Benefits of Flushing Alcohol
There are numerous health benefits to flushing alcohol out of your system and creating a more neutral environment in the body. Too much alcohol can create serious consequences. Therefore, you should know the best reasons to flush and moderate your intake:
- Better health: Flushing alcohol can create a less toxic environment in the body. Lower blood pressure and improved levels of cholesterol are some of the biggest.
- Weight loss: You will find that your weight may begin to improve when you cut out alcohol. Generally speaking, too much alcohol will create weight issues.
- Better skin: Your skin may become improved from conditions that create redness, irritation and acne. You will notice an improvement in its brightness and less fatigued skin.
- Better sleep: Alcohol can interrupt a good night’s sleep for many reasons. Sometimes alcohol keeps you awake as it is a stimulant, but those who drink because it aids in the initial process of falling asleep, may notice interrupted sleep, or sleep apnea.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle takes a good routine first and foremost, and a desire to change. Alcohol dependence can be a difficult thing to navigate and may need professional advice. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be achieved in numerous ways. Firstly, journaling and writing down your goals can help. Take it step by step, including new healthy habits each week. Some of the most important tips are:
- Eat a varied diet with carbohydrate-rich foods and fruits and vegetables
- Try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep daily – try relaxation tips if you suffer from insomnia symptoms
- Ensure that you have an exercise routine, such as walking to work, swimming, or the gym
- Keep an alcohol diary to ensure that you are not drinking too many units per week
- Keep a good circle of friends around you. Ensure that you spend time only with people who inspire and motivate you and are happy to help you on your quest for happiness
Find Help For Alcohol Addiction Today
If you feel that your alcohol habits are ruling your life, then it is important to get some information on the ways in which to detox safely and create a healthier lifestyle.
Here at Asana Lodge, we have extensive experience in helping people recover from alcohol addiction, and our multidisciplinary team can assist in getting back to the best version of you, both physically and mentally. Reach out to us today on 01908 489 421 for more information on how we can support you.
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