While alcohol can be an enjoyable social beverage, it’s important to know how much and what you are drinking. Drinking too many alcoholic beverages can lead to serious health consequences, such as high blood pressure and obesity. It can also cause damage to the liver and kidneys. If you’re having trouble cutting back, it’s important to talk to a doctor about potential alternatives.
While some medicines can be consumed safely with alcohol, others aren’t. Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications can react with alcohol to produce unpleasant side effects. This can include stomach ulcers and liver damage. Additionally, some blood pressure medications interact with alcohol to cause dangerously low blood pressure and dizziness.
It’s best to avoid both drinking and taking any medications that could interact with alcohol. This is particularly true for women, older adults, and those with a history of alcohol abuse. It takes longer for the body to process alcohol, which can result in higher levels of medication in the bloodstream. This can result in severe side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and even liver damage and slowed breathing.
Many common over-the-counter pain relievers can you drink alcohol with cocodamol and sleep aids interact with alcohol. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver damage when combined with alcohol. Other OTC medications, such as antidepressants and allergy medications, can interact with alcohol and cause side effects like drowsiness or upset stomach.
There are also a number of prescription medications that should not be mixed with alcohol. This includes certain types of antibiotics, such as metronidazole and linezolid, as well as antifungal medications, such as sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol while taking beta blockers, which are medications that lower blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate.
Aside from avoiding these medications, there are some other things you can do to protect your health while drinking. For example, you should eat something before drinking to prevent stomach discomfort. Try eating foods that are rich in protein, fibre, and potassium. Some good choices are salmon, eggs, and bananas. You can also try adding turmeric or lemon juice to water to help with the digestion of alcohol.
It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated while you’re drinking. Water is essential because it helps to slow down the absorption of alcohol and maintains electrolyte balance. Avoid spicy food before drinking, as it can irritate the stomach lining and worsen acid reflux symptoms. It’s a good idea to try eating milder dishes or drinking water infused with herbs, such as turmeric, cinnamon, and lemon. If you’re going to drink, choose low-alcohol drinks, such as beer and wine. Avoid creamy drinks and dairy-based cocktails, as these can make your symptoms worse. Drinking water at regular intervals can help prevent dehydration, which is one of the most common causes of hangovers. You can also hydrate with fruit-infused water, herbal teas, or coffee.