Can drinking glucose help alleviate the effects of excessive alcohol consumption?
Disease description:
Is it okay to drink glucose solution to relieve hangover after consuming too much alcohol? I had lunch with clients and drank so much that my stomach hurts and I even vomited. Now I want to drink some glucose solution to help.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Whether drinking glucose can relieve the effects of excessive alcohol consumption varies from person to person.
After entering the body, alcohol is mainly metabolized in the liver, a process that requires significant energy. Consuming glucose can supply this needed energy, particularly high-concentration glucose solutions, which may promote the liver's breakdown and accelerate the metabolism of alcohol.
Drinking glucose also helps replenish bodily fluids and increases urine output, aiding in the rapid elimination of alcohol from the body. However, this does not mean that glucose can directly "neutralize" alcohol.
For individuals already experiencing symptoms of intoxication, simply supplementing with glucose cannot immediately alleviate symptoms of alcohol poisoning such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Moreover, excessive glucose intake may lead to abnormal increases in blood sugar levels, which is harmful for individuals with diabetes or those who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar.
If someone becomes intoxicated, more appropriate measures include ceasing alcohol consumption, resting quietly, moderately replenishing fluids to prevent dehydration, monitoring for any severe toxic reactions, and seeking medical attention when necessary.
