Water and alcohol are two of the most common beverages in the world. Water is both necessary for life, and collectively social and recreational, whereas both provide different functions. But if the alcohol is consumed in excess, then there are chances of dehydration and other health problems. This article discusses the advantages of water over alcohol, how hydration affects alcohol consumption, and how to balance water and alcohol consumption.
WATER IS BETTER THAN ALCOHOL TO DRINK.
Water Is Essential for Life
Water is essential for life, unlike alcohol. Water is essential to every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. It aids digestion, regulates temperature, lubricates joints and detoxifies.
Alcohol Causes Dehydration
Increased urine production and fluid loss: Alcohol acts as a diuretic. Which is why alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, dry mouth, and headaches.
Water Is Necessary for Organ Function, Alcohol Is Not
Water also, of course, supports kidney, liver and brain function. Conversely, overconsumption of alcohol can destroy these organs, causing liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, and cognitive decline.
Water Promotes Skin Health
Water keeps skin hydrated, preventing dry skin, improving elasticity, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Alcohol, though, dries out the skin, causing it to appear dull, dry and aged over the long term.
Water Helps Digestion; Alcohol Harms It
Water assists in digestion, nutrient absorption and metabolism. Alcohol, on the other hand, can irritate the stomach lining and lead to acid reflux, bloating and digestive problems.
Drinking Water Can Help You Control Your Weight
Water drinking before meals may reduce appetite and help weight loss. But alcohol is very high in empty calories and can promote weight gain by slowing metabolism.
Alcohol Hinders Mental Clarity, Water Boosts It
Drinking water promotes focus, memory and cognitive function as well. Alcohol, by contrast, tuns off your judgment, coordination and brain function.
On average, alcohol is drunk in higher quantities than water. Why?
It’s odd that people can drink much more alcohol than water and not feel full — but it’s not as random as it seems:
Alcohol Works Differently in the Brain
Alcohol also releases dopamine, producing a sense of pleasure that results in drinking to continuation. Water does not have this effect, so people cease drinking once they are hydrated.
Alcohol Is a Diuretic
Alcohol makes you pee more, so the body expels fluids faster, and you don’t get that “full” sensation that is associated with water.
Water Absorbs Differently
Water is absorbed into the bloodstream, organs quickly, and it creates a sense of fullness. Alcohol, on the other hand, gets absorbed more slowly, which makes it more palatable to drink a lot and not feel full.
Alcohol Lowers Inhibitions
Alcohol impairs self-control and decision-making, so people are more likely to keep drinking, even if they’ve already consumed enough.
Why Does Drinking More Water when Drinking Alcohol Help?
Drinking enough water can lessen the adverse effects of alcohol if you decide to imbibe. Here’s why drinking water works:
Prevents Dehydration
Maintaining your hydration levels with water in between alcoholic drinks helps to restore fluids lost to alcohol, which helps prevent dehydration, dry mouth, and hangovers.
Reduces Hangover Symptoms
Dehydration is one of the main causes of hangovers. Before, during, and after consuming alcohol, drink plenty of water to avoid headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Slows Down Alcohol Absorption
Water also waters down the alcohol in your stomach, delaying absorption into your bloodstream and making you less drunk.
Protects Organs
Staying hydrated facilitates the liver and kidneys, which metabolize and eliminate alcohol from the system, to work more effectively.
Supports Electrolyte Balance
Alcohol leeches out vital electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that can lead to cramps and tiredness. A glass of water can help restore that balance.
Reduces Alcohol Cravings
Sometimes, people consume more alcohol because they’re legitimately thirsty. Stay hydrated — the more water you drink, the less tempted you may be to drink more alcohol.
Is It Okay to Drink Alcohol Instead of Water?
- The short answer is no — alcohol is not a replacement for water. Here’s why:
- Other Alcoholic Beverages Don’t Rehydrate the Body
- Unlike water, alcohol actively leeches fluids from the body, exacerbating dehydration.
Alcohol Is Missing Vital Nutrients
The minerals and electrolytes in water are essential for many bodily functions, whereas alcohol has no nutrition whatsoever.
Alcohol Damages Organs
Over time, a diet of alcohol rather than water can result in kidney failure, liver damage and other potentially fatal health conditions.
Alcohol Suppresses Immune Function
Water boosts the immune system, while alcohol depresses it, meaning the body is more prone to infection.
How Much Water Should I Drink after Alcohol?
Drinking water after alcohol consumption is needed to rehydrate and cleanse the body. Here’s how much water you should be drinking:
1. Follow the 1:1 Rule
To combat dehydration and curb hangover symptoms, drink one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage.
2. Before Bed Drink 16-24 Ounces Minimum
If you have congregated the night before, chugging down 2-3 glasses of water before hitting the sack force you to flush alcohol from your system and shoo-horn of having headaches in the morning.
3. Rehydrate the Next Morning
The first couple of hours, drink 8-16 ounces (1-2 cups) of water to replenish fluid loss.
4. Include Electrolytes
Try coconut water, electrolyte drinks or a pinch of salt in water to replenish lost minerals.
How Much Water Should I Drink in a Day If I Drink a Quarter of Alcohol per Day?
After all, if someone is drinking a quarter of alcohol (about 250ml) a day, that means they need to hydrate. Here’s how much water they need to drink:
1. Drink According to the General Hydration Rule
However, a standard recommendation for water intake is 8 glasses (64 ounces) each day, and alcohol increases this.
2. Drink More Water to Offset Alcohol
For 250ml (quarter of a bottle) of alcohol consumed, have minimum 500ml-750ml (2-3 cups) of water, as alcohol causes dehydration.
3. Consider Individual Factors
The body has its own minimum water needs, which vary based on factors such as body weight, climate, physical activity level, and alcohol consumption. One rule of thumb: half your body weight in ounces, plus more if drinking alcohol.
4. Stay Hydrated Before, While, and After Drinking Alcohol
- 1-2 glasses of water, before drinking
- For every alcoholic drink: 1 glass of water.
- Drinking: At least 2-3 glasses before bed.
- Water vs. Alcohol: Final Thoughts on the Competition
Wine can be convivial, but water is essential to life and health. Whereas alcohol keeps the body from staying hydrated and disrupts organ function and general well-being, water has the opposite effect. If you do drink, counterbalancing it with plenty of water will mitigate some of its adverse effects and keep your body running smoothly.
Remember: Water is life. Alcohol is a choice. Choose wisely!
Leave a Reply