Alcohol and risky combos: What to avoid for better health

Almost everyone knows about the adverse effects of alcohol on health. However, combinations of alcohol with certain foods are hazardous for our bodies. Here is a list of things that should not be combined with alcohol.

One of the more popular drinks is vodka, an energy drink. Before choosing this combination, it's worth considering its effects. The consequences can be dire. Energy drinks and coffee contain caffeine, which, when combined with alcohol, can pose a health hazard. This mixture stimulates nerve endings and the vestibular system, leading to excessive stimulation and potential heart problems. Consuming caffeine and alcohol together creates a false sense that alcohol is less effective, often resulting in overdosing and associated issues. Moreover, this combination significantly burdens the liver and pancreas.

Unfortunately, the combination of vodka and energy drinks remains very popular in many bars and pubs. It's worth giving up if we want to care for our digestive system.

Doctors constantly remind us that combining certain medications with alcohol can have serious health consequences. Moreover, complications in some cases — especially with a significant overdose — can lead to death. This is especially true for prescription medications such as antibiotics, opioids, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, sleeping pills, sedatives, antidiabetics, and antifungal medications. Over-the-counter medications can also interact unfavorably with alcohol, so it's good to thoroughly study the leaflet before taking them.

Also read: The worst drink. Destroys immunity, then the liver, intestines, and heart

During social gatherings, alcohol often accompanies salty snacks such as chips, nuts, pretzels, or crackers. However, it turns out that this combination is not always appropriate. Eating these snacks while drinking alcohol can intensify hangover symptoms the next day. Excess salt dehydrates the body, leading to stronger thirst, which we often try to quench with alcohol, further dehydrating ourselves.

There is also a belief that it's best to eat a hearty, fatty meal before drinking alcohol. Although drinking on an empty stomach is not recommended, it can be equally unhealthy to combine alcohol with heavy and fatty meals. Such combinations heavily burden the liver, which metabolizes fats and alcohol simultaneously. As a result, it is not able to efficiently digest alcohol. This also translates to a longer-lasting hangover. A better choice while consuming alcohol would be light meals.

Also read: Lowers blood sugar in a few minutes. But it saves not just the pancreas