by Whether you’re celebrating a happy occasion, entertaining guests, or spending those quiet nights in the comfort of your own home, alcohol and food are a perfect match. Hic, hic… only when consumed in moderation. Did you know that the more alcohol you consume, the more likely you are to feel hungry? This is because alcohol increases hunger in such a way that the person may end up craving salty foods such as pizza, fried foods and spicy foods. But here’s a reminder: This is the worst food combination.
Foods to avoid with alcohol
When it comes to particular food and alcohol pairings, there are numerous traditional combinations that are consumed and loved by many. Who can miss the wine and cheese? But some foods don’t go so well with alcohol. It will help you understand that the body prefers to digest ingested alcohol first than the other macronutrients consumed. So while you should consume alcohol in moderation, it’s also crucial to keep an eye on the food categories you eat when you drink. The wrong combination of foods can cause health problems.
Health Shots contacted Divya Gopal, an expert nutritionist and dietitian at Maternity Hospitals, Banashankari, Bengaluru and Kanakapura Road Clinic. She listed certain foods that one should avoid while drinking alcohol.
Foods to avoid while drinking alcohol
Here are 7 foods that one should not combine with alcohol:
1. Beer and bread
Says Gopal: “Beer and bread can be a harmful combination because they dehydrate the body. Since beer and bread contain more yeast, the liver cannot process the alcohol consumed. Due to the overwhelming amount of yeast in the body, the stomach cannot handle the digestion process.” In addition to this, the body tries to get rid of toxins that can lead to digestive problems or bloating.
2. Chocolate bars
While there may be additional health benefits to eating chocolate, combining it with alcohol can trigger gastrointestinal issues that damage your intestinal lining, especially if you’re prone to digestive issues. Chocolate contains caffeine and cocoa, which can exacerbate stomach problems and cause constant hunger.
3. pizza
While that may sound heartbreaking, it is true. Pizza and alcohol don’t go well together. With alcohol, the mass is not digested properly and can cause pain and discomfort in the stomach. Additionally, pizza can increase the risk of heart disease and weight gain.
Also read: Too much alcohol can lead to anxiety! Here is how to get rid of it
4. Beans or lentils
Alcohol makes it difficult to digest foods that are good sources of iron, such as beans or lentils. Alcohol and beans have a negative effect on the intestines and can affect the digestive system.
5. Salty foods
What better combination than alcohol and chips or pakode? If you think that, you are putting yourself at risk. The high sodium content in salty foods can cause stomach problems. In fact, higher levels of salt can lead to dehydration, which in turn increases alcohol consumption.
6. Dairy products
Dairy products such as cheese, milk, ice cream, desserts, butter, and yogurt should be avoided both before and after alcohol consumption. They will only worsen your health. Alcohol and dairy taken together in the stomach can lead to infections, stomach pain, and even constipation.
7. Spicy foods
Like salty foods, spicy foods can also mess up your system. Eating spicy foods with alcohol can upset your stomach and cause digestive problems. Says Gopal: “Spicy foods slow down the emptying process of the stomach and cause acid reflux. This situation becomes even more intense after eating citrus fruits.”
