Can eating cooling fruits help sober up?

Jul 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, consuming cooling fruits can help alleviate the effects of alcohol to some extent, but they cannot directly break down alcohol. The ability of cooling fruits to assist in alleviating alcohol's effects is limited, and one should not therefore drink alcohol excessively. Moreover, individuals with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach already have sensitive digestive systems after drinking and should avoid consuming large amounts of cooling fruits to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.

Generally speaking, consuming cooling fruits can help alleviate the effects of alcohol to some extent, but they cannot directly break down alcohol. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Cooling fruits such as watermelon, pear, and grapefruit contain large amounts of water, which can dilute the concentration of alcohol in the blood and promote urine production, thereby accelerating the elimination of alcohol through the urinary system. Additionally, components like fructose found in these fruits can provide energy to the body and help relieve discomfort such as dizziness and fatigue that may occur after drinking due to rapid energy depletion. However, once alcohol enters the body, it is mainly metabolized through the action of two enzymes—alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase—in the liver. Cooling fruits do not contain these two enzymes and therefore cannot directly participate in the breakdown of alcohol, meaning they cannot fundamentally eliminate the effects of alcohol on the body.

The ability of cooling fruits to assist in alleviating the effects of alcohol is limited, and they should not be seen as a reason to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Moreover, individuals with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach already have a more sensitive digestive system after drinking and should avoid consuming large amounts of cooling fruits to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. If severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or confusion occur after drinking, prompt medical attention is necessary.

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