Why should one not eat lychee immediately after drinking baijiu (Chinese白酒)?

Generally, the reason why one should not eat lychees immediately after drinking white spirit (baijiu) may involve irritation of the gastric mucosa, increased burden on the liver, alcohol metabolism disorders, indigestion, and disturbances in sugar metabolism. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek appropriate treatment under the guidance of a doctor. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Irritation of the Gastric Mucosa

The alcohol in white spirit can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to increased secretion of gastric acid, which may cause symptoms such as stomach discomfort and pain. Lychees contain a certain amount of organic acids; consuming them at this time can further irritate the gastric mucosa, increasing gastric acid secretion and potentially causing symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and intensified stomach pain. It is recommended to drink an appropriate amount of warm water or milk to dilute gastric acid and protect the gastric mucosa.

2. Increased Burden on the Liver

The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol. After drinking white spirit, the liver must break down the alcohol for elimination from the body. Certain substances in lychees might also require hepatic metabolism. Consuming lychees at this time will further burden the liver, and long-term exposure could potentially trigger liver diseases. Drinking and eating lychees should be stopped, and attention should be paid to rest and avoiding excessive fatigue.

3. Alcohol Metabolism Disorders

Alcohol itself requires metabolism by enzyme systems in the liver, and certain components in lychees might interfere with this process, increasing the burden on the liver. Components in lychees may compete with key enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism for binding sites, affecting the normal metabolism of alcohol and prolonging its retention time in the body, thereby increasing the burden on the liver. Avoid eating lychees immediately after drinking, maintain a healthy lifestyle, drink alcohol in moderation, and undergo regular liver function examinations.

4. Indigestion

Alcohol can irritate the gastric mucosa, and the dietary fiber and other components in lychees may increase the burden on gastrointestinal motility, making indigestion more likely when combined. Indigestion can lead to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. It is recommended to take digestive medications as prescribed by a physician, such as Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, domperidone tablets, and omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, while maintaining good eating habits and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

5. Disturbances in Sugar Metabolism

Alcohol can affect insulin secretion and sensitivity, and fructose metabolism also relies on insulin. Under the combined effects, abnormal fluctuations in blood glucose levels may occur. Disturbances in sugar metabolism can lead to elevated or reduced blood sugar levels, causing symptoms such as thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. High-sugar fruits should be avoided after drinking, and if necessary, hypoglycemic drugs such as metformin tablets, gliquidone tablets, and gliclazide modified-release tablets can be used under medical guidance.

It is recommended not to eat lychees immediately after drinking white spirit; it is better to wait for a period before consumption. At the same time, attention should be paid to drinking alcohol and consuming lychees in moderation to maintain good health.