Beer before liquor? How mixing alcoholic drinks affects your body

Drinking a variety of alcoholic beverages can lead to consuming too much alcohol. It all comes down to how quickly our body processes alcohol through the liver. Mixing different types of alcohol (e.g., beer and liquor) can make it harder to track how much we've consumed, increasing the likelihood of drinking too much and possibly feeling sick.

When we drink liquor before beer, we may feel its effects sooner because liquor has a higher concentration of alcohol. On the other hand, drinking beer before liquor can impair our judgment, causing us to drink more than we intended, especially in social settings. Ultimately, it's not the order of drinks that matters most, but how much we drink over a short period. Monitoring your intake, pacing yourself, and drinking responsibly are essential for your safety, no matter what you're drinking.


Does your drinking order affect hangovers?

According to MedicalNewsToday, the order in which you consume different types of alcohol, such as beer and liquor, doesn't significantly impact hangover severity. Instead, the amount of alcohol consumed, the type of drink, dehydration, sleep disruption, and other factors play a bigger role in determining hangover symptoms. Certain compounds in alcoholic beverages may affect the severity of hangover symptoms. For example, dark spirits contain more congeners, which can worsen hangovers, while certain preservatives in wine, like sulfites, may trigger headaches in some individuals.


Side effects of consuming alcoholBelow are the side effects of consuming alcohol according to Healthline:

• Relaxation or drowsiness
• Euphoria or giddiness
• Mood changes
• Lowered inhibitions
• Impulsive behavior
• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Altered perception
• Loss of coordination
• Impaired focus or decision-making
• Loss of consciousness or memory gaps

Long-term consequences of alcohol misuse
According to MedicalNewsToday, long-term alcohol misuse is associated with the following health problems:

• Liver disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Brain and nerve damage
• Mental health problems such as anxiety or depression
• Cardiomyopathy, or damage to the heart muscle
• Other cardiovascular problems
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Immune system dysfunction
• Osteoporosis
• Vitamin deficiencies

Tips for managing alcohol consumption:
According to MedicalNewsToday, the following tips can help manage alcohol consumption

• Monitor intake: Be aware of the total alcohol consumed, regardless of the type. Decide on a drink limit before starting and stick to it. Aim for one drink per hour.
• Stay hydrated: Drink water alongside alcohol to minimise dehydration. Drink water before, during, and after alcohol consumption.
• Avoid rounds: Participating in rounds can make it harder to control your drinking pace and stick to moderation.
• Choose your drinks wisely: Focus on the overall alcohol content rather than the type of drink, and opt for lower-alcohol options to potentially minimize hangover risks.
• Get enough sleep: Alcohol can mess with your sleep, so prioritizing rest after drinking can help minimize grogginess and fatigue the next day.

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