The body's alcohol elimination process varies among individuals. This rate depends on factors such as the amount consumed, the alcohol concentration, the duration of drinking, and individual metabolism.

Many people who drink the night before still have alcohol in their blood and breath the next morning, while others do not. Individuals who are underweight, hungry, have underlying health conditions, rarely drink, or are first-time drinkers tend to get intoxicated more easily and eliminate alcohol slower.

Many people who drink the night before still have alcohol content in their blood and breath the next morning. Photo: Nguyen Huyen

To reduce blood and breath alcohol content, some simple measures can be applied.

After drinking, consume plenty of plain water to replenish lost fluids and support the liver and kidneys in toxin elimination. This simple method provides comfort and reduces post-drinking fatigue.

Juices like orange, lemon, and grapefruit help detoxify, supplement vitamin C, and aid liver detoxification. If juice is unavailable, squeeze a fresh lemon into water or eat lemon slices directly to stimulate digestion and reduce alcohol odor.

Centella asiatica (rau ma) offers cooling and diuretic benefits, effectively aiding alcohol detoxification. To prepare, use about 100 grams of fresh, clean `rau ma`, crush it to extract the juice. Add the juice of two lemons and a pinch of salt, stir well, and consume 150-300 ml per serving.

Traditional medicine suggests dried tangerine peel (`tran bi`) strengthens the spleen, resolves phlegm, and aids digestion. For preparation, roast 30 grams of dried tangerine peel until fragrant. Add two pitted sour plums, then simmer over low heat with about 360 ml of water for 30 minutes. Strain, discard the solids, and drink warm. Adding a few slices of ginger can enhance its effectiveness.

To minimize harm, avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Consume plenty of green vegetables alongside alcohol and drink slowly, interspersed with conversation, to limit alcohol absorption. Slow drinking reduces stomach lining irritation and allows the liver to metabolize and eliminate alcohol more efficiently.

Alcohol, regardless of quantity, burdens the liver. Knowing how to drink and detoxify properly helps the body recover faster, preventing prolonged fatigue and lingering alcohol breath the next morning.

Doctor Huynh Tan Vu

University Medical Center HCMC - Campus 3