Health. Why does excessive alcohol cause vomiting?

Drinking too much alcohol puts a strain on the body.

When the excess is too great, the body reacts by triggering nausea and vomiting. This is a protective reflex: to expel the offensive substance before the effects become too harmful.

A defense reaction of the body

When you consume large amounts of alcohol, the liver and stomach are quickly put under pressure. Ethanol, the active molecule in alcohol, quickly diffuses into the blood and disrupts many biological mechanisms.

To defend itself, the body triggers nausea and then vomiting, a way of limiting intoxication by expelling what has not yet been absorbed.

Ultimately, it is not a punishment but an attempt by the body to get rid of a harmful substance.

Inducing Vomit on Purpose: A Bad Idea?

Some people believe that by making themselves vomit after drinking too much, they will be able to eliminate the alcohol more quickly. In reality, ethanol is absorbed very quickly by the digestive mucous membranes and quickly reaches the bloodstream. By the time vomiting begins, most of the alcohol has already passed this stage.

So, even though vomiting feels like a way to evacuate, it does not eliminate the harmful effects of alcohol already present in the blood.

Forcing yourself to vomit therefore has only a limited effect and carries risks: irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, damage to the gums, progressive deterioration of tooth enamel, etc.

In conclusion, it is better to let the body manage rather than worsen the damage.

How to rehydrate properly after a “hangover”?

After an excess, it is necessary to rehydrate the body, but with caution.

Dehydration is one of the main effects of excessive alcohol consumption. It results from both the diuretic effect of ethanol and the additional losses associated with vomiting.

A common reflex is to drink a large amount of water in one go. However, this strategy is counterproductive: it promotes new nausea and increases mineral loss.

Instead, experts recommend drinking slowly, in small, spaced sips, and choosing drinks rich in electrolytes, such as diluted fruit juices, salty broths, or rehydration solutions.

The dangers of alcohol on health

Alcohol tolerance varies greatly from person to person. Some people seem unaffected after a few drinks, while others feel the effects very quickly. This doesn't mean that the former are protected: alcohol remains harmful, even in the absence of immediate symptoms.

The risks associated with excessive consumption are numerous: chronic liver diseases (steatosis, cirrhosis), heart disease, cognitive disorders, digestive cancers, etc. “Keeping your alcohol in check” does not mean that it is less dangerous.