Going out for drinks with friends is a common way to unwind, but it comes with responsibilities. This is especially the case when it comes to drinking and driving. One piece of advice often passed around is to eat before drinking alcohol.
But does having a meal before a night out actually help reduce the risk of a DUI? Understanding how food interacts with alcohol in the body can shed light on whether this practice is more than just good advice.
How alcohol is absorbed in the body
When you drink alcohol, it doesn’t immediately make its way into your bloodstream. The process begins in the stomach, where some alcohol is absorbed, and continues in the small intestine. When there’s no food in your stomach, alcohol passes through more quickly.
Eating before drinking slows the emptying of the stomach, which delays the alcohol from reaching the small intestine. This slower absorption rate leads to a more gradual increase in BAC. This can potentially help ensure a lower peak level. While food won’t stop alcohol from entering your system, it does impact how quickly and how strongly it affects you.
What kinds of food make a difference
Not all meals are created equal when it comes to alcohol absorption. Foods high in fat, protein and complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and therefore do a better job at slowing alcohol absorption. A balanced meal, such as vegetables and rice, can create a buffer in your stomach.
Snacking throughout the night can also help extend this protective effect, especially if you continue to drink. However, greasy fast food eaten after you’ve already consumed several drinks won’t reverse the absorption that’s already taken place.
Suppose you didn’t eat before a night out and are now facing DUI trouble; you don’t have to throw in the towel and hope for better luck next time. You can enlist legal support to advocate for your rights and minimize potential penalties.