Ever wondered why a hearty meal seems to make you less drunk? And if you don’t eat, you seem to feel the effects more?
This topic was recently discussed in recent episode of the BBC’s Quite Interesting (QI). Host Sandi Toksvig posed the question about how “eating food helps you get less drunk”. Comedian Maisie Adam tentatively suggested it “lines you stomach,” but it turns out that’s not really the case.
In a clip posted to QI’s TikTok page, Sandi clarified that while the amount of food consumed does impact drunkenness levels, it doesn’t work by simply “lining your stomach” or “soaking up the alcohol“.
Sandi went on to articulate that alcohol can seep into your bloodstream through the stomach or small intestine—the latter absorbing alcohol more rapidly due to its larger surface area.
She further elaborated, saying: “Here’s the thing. When you drink alcohol it can enter your bloodstream one of two days, either through your stomach or through your small intestine. The intestine obviously has a much larger surface area so it absorbs alcohol much more quickly.
“And which of these is going to end up doing the job depends on what you have eaten. So if you are full, the sphincter between your stomach and your small intestine is closed and more of the work will be done by your stomach. So a fatty meal can reduce your peak alcohol concentration by 50%.”
When asked by fellow comedian and QI regular Jo Brand about the best food to eat before drinking, Sandi clarified that while food doesn’t technically “doesn’t actually line your stomach”, it does keep it occupied, preventing alcohol from reaching the intestines too quickly.
She further explained that diet mixers can actually lead to quicker intoxication compared to their sugary counterparts. According to Sandi: “With a normal, sugary mix, there’s lots of calories to burn, it keeps your stomach working and it keeps the alcohol away from the intestines for longer. The effect can put you over the limit on the breathalyser. That’s the difference.”
Remember, moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption. The NHS advises no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over at least three days.