Can combining acetaminophen and caffeine lead to liver damage. How does caffeine affect the metabolism of acetaminophen. What precautions should be taken when consuming these substances together. Who may be at higher risk for this potentially toxic interaction.

The Unexpected Interaction Between Acetaminophen and Caffeine

A groundbreaking study has uncovered a potentially harmful interaction between two commonly consumed substances: acetaminophen and caffeine. This discovery has significant implications for millions of people who regularly use over-the-counter pain relievers and consume caffeinated beverages.

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is one of the most widely used painkillers in the United States. It’s found in numerous medications, including the popular brand Tylenol. Caffeine, on the other hand, is a stimulant present in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and many other products. While both substances are generally considered safe when used appropriately, their combination may pose unexpected risks.

The Science Behind the Interaction

Researchers at the University of Washington, led by chemist Sid Nelson, Ph.D., conducted a study using E. coli bacteria genetically engineered to express a key human liver enzyme. This enzyme plays a crucial role in detoxifying various prescription and nonprescription drugs.

The study revealed that caffeine significantly increases the production of a toxic byproduct called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) when the enzyme breaks down acetaminophen. In fact, the presence of caffeine was found to triple the amount of NAPQI produced.

Why is NAPQI a Concern?

NAPQI is the same toxin responsible for liver damage and failure in cases of acetaminophen overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol. This finding suggests that the interaction between acetaminophen and caffeine could potentially lead to liver damage, similar to the well-known risks associated with mixing acetaminophen and alcohol.

Understanding the Potential Risks of Combining Acetaminophen and Caffeine

While the study’s findings are concerning, it’s important to note that the research was conducted using “megadoses” of both acetaminophen and caffeine. These doses were much higher than what most individuals would typically consume on a daily basis.

Does this mean you need to completely avoid taking acetaminophen with your morning coffee? Not necessarily. Dr. Nelson emphasizes that people don’t have to stop taking acetaminophen or caffeine products altogether. However, he advises monitoring intake more carefully when consuming them together, especially for those who also drink alcohol.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Certain groups may be more vulnerable to this potentially toxic interaction:

• People taking anti-epileptic medications like carbamazepine and phenobarbital
• Individuals using the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort
• Those who consume large amounts of alcohol
• People who frequently use combination medications containing both acetaminophen and caffeine (often used for migraines, arthritis, and other conditions)

These groups may have elevated levels of the enzyme that produces NAPQI, potentially increasing their risk when consuming acetaminophen and caffeine together.

The Role of Caffeine in Acetaminophen Metabolism

To understand why this interaction occurs, it’s essential to delve into how caffeine affects the metabolism of acetaminophen in the body.

When acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver, a small portion is converted into NAPQI. Under normal circumstances, the body can neutralize this toxic byproduct. However, when large amounts of acetaminophen are consumed, or when certain factors increase NAPQI production, the body’s detoxification mechanisms can become overwhelmed.

Caffeine appears to interfere with this process by enhancing the activity of the enzyme responsible for producing NAPQI. This increased enzyme activity results in higher levels of the toxic metabolite, potentially overwhelming the body’s ability to neutralize it.

The Amplifying Effect of Alcohol

The situation becomes even more complex when alcohol enters the picture. Alcohol consumption can trigger the production of another liver enzyme that also produces NAPQI. This means that individuals who consume alcohol, caffeine, and acetaminophen together may be at an even higher risk of liver damage.

Implications for Common Medications and Supplements

The discovery of this interaction has significant implications for various medications and supplements that people commonly use:

Combination Pain Relievers

Many over-the-counter and prescription pain medications contain both acetaminophen and caffeine. These combinations are often used to treat migraines, menstrual discomfort, and other conditions. In light of this research, individuals using these combination medications may need to be more cautious about their overall caffeine intake from other sources.

Energy Drinks and Supplements

The popularity of energy drinks and caffeine-containing supplements has skyrocketed in recent years. People who regularly consume these products should be aware of the potential risks when also taking acetaminophen-containing medications.

Herbal Supplements

St. John’s Wort, a popular herbal supplement used for depression and other conditions, has been shown to boost levels of the enzyme that produces NAPQI. This means that individuals taking St. John’s Wort may need to be particularly cautious about combining acetaminophen and caffeine.

Practical Advice for Consumers

Given the potential risks associated with combining acetaminophen and caffeine, what steps can consumers take to protect their health?

1. Be aware of your caffeine intake: Keep track of how much caffeine you’re consuming from all sources, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and medications.
2. Read medication labels carefully: Check the ingredients of over-the-counter and prescription medications for both acetaminophen and caffeine.
3. Consult your healthcare provider: If you regularly take acetaminophen and consume caffeine, discuss any potential risks with your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Consider alternatives: For pain relief, explore other options that don’t contain acetaminophen when you know you’ll be consuming caffeine.
5. Limit alcohol consumption: Given the known risks of combining alcohol and acetaminophen, it’s especially important to minimize alcohol intake when using these medications.

Future Research Directions

While this study provides valuable insights into the potential risks of combining acetaminophen and caffeine, it also raises many questions that require further investigation.

Determining the Toxic Threshold

One crucial area for future research is determining the exact threshold at which the combination of acetaminophen and caffeine becomes dangerous. The current study used very high doses of both substances, but real-world scenarios typically involve lower amounts. Establishing safe consumption limits would provide valuable guidance for consumers and healthcare providers.

Human Studies

The initial research was conducted using bacteria and laboratory animals. While these models provide important preliminary data, human studies are necessary to confirm the findings and assess their relevance to real-world situations. The research team is considering human studies in the future to further explore this interaction.

Mechanism of Interaction

Understanding the precise mechanism by which caffeine enhances the production of NAPQI could lead to the development of strategies to mitigate this risk. Researchers are currently studying the biochemical pathways involved in this interaction.

The Broader Context: Medication Safety and Public Health

The discovery of this potential interaction between acetaminophen and caffeine highlights the importance of ongoing research into medication safety. As our understanding of drug interactions evolves, it’s crucial to continually reassess the risks and benefits of common medications and substances.

The Role of Public Health Education

Ensuring that the public is well-informed about potential risks associated with common medications and substances is a critical aspect of public health. This research underscores the need for clear, accessible information about drug interactions and safe medication use.

Regulatory Implications

As more evidence accumulates regarding the potential risks of combining acetaminophen and caffeine, regulatory agencies may need to consider updating guidelines or labeling requirements for medications containing these substances.

Conclusion: Balancing Benefits and Risks

The discovery of a potential interaction between acetaminophen and caffeine serves as a reminder that even commonly used substances can have unexpected effects when combined. While this research doesn’t necessarily mean that people need to completely avoid taking acetaminophen with caffeine, it does highlight the importance of being mindful of our consumption habits.

As with any health-related decision, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Acetaminophen remains an effective pain reliever for many people, and caffeine offers its own set of benefits when consumed in moderation. By staying informed and making conscious choices about medication and caffeine intake, individuals can continue to enjoy the benefits of these substances while minimizing potential risks.

Ultimately, this research serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of drug interactions and emphasizes the ongoing need for scientific inquiry into the substances we consume daily. As our knowledge grows, we can make more informed decisions about our health and well-being.

Caffeine and acetaminophen don’t mix well

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Sep 27 2007

Consuming large amounts of caffeine while taking acetaminophen, one of the most widely used painkillers in the United States, could potentially cause liver damage, according to a preliminary laboratory study reported in the Oct. 15 print issue of ACS’ Chemical Research in Toxicology, a monthly journal.

The toxic interaction could occur not only from drinking caffeinated beverages while taking the painkiller but also from using large amounts of medications that intentionally combine caffeine and acetaminophen for the treatment of migraine headaches, menstrual discomfort and other conditions, the researchers say.

Health experts have warned for years that consuming excess alcohol while taking acetaminophen can trigger toxic interactions and cause liver damage and even death. However, this is the first time scientists have reported a potentially harmful interaction while taking the painkiller with caffeine, the researchers say.

While the studies are preliminary findings conducted in bacteria and laboratory animals, they suggest that consumers may want to limit caffeine intake — including energy drinks and strong coffee — while taking acetaminophen.

Chemist Sid Nelson, Ph.D., and colleagues, of the University of Washington in Seattle, tested the effects of acetaminophen and caffeine on E. coli bacteria genetically engineered to express a key human enzyme in the liver that detoxifies many prescription and nonprescription drugs. The researchers found that caffeine triples the amount of a toxic byproduct, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), that the enzyme produces while breaking down acetaminophen. This same toxin is responsible for liver damage and failure in toxic alcohol-acetaminophen interactions, they say.

In previous studies, the same researchers showed that high doses of caffeine can increase the severity of liver damage in rats with acetaminophen-induced liver damage, thus supporting the current finding.

“People should be informed about this potentially harmful interaction,” Nelson says. “The bottom line is that you don’t have to stop taking acetaminophen or stop taking caffeine products, but you do need to monitor your intake more carefully when taking them together, especially if you drink alcohol.”

Nelson points out that the bacteria used in the study were exposed to ‘megadoses’ of both acetaminophen and caffeine, much higher than most individuals would normally consume on a daily basis. Most people would similarly need to consume unusually high levels of these compounds together to have a dangerous effect, but the toxic threshold has not yet been determined, he says.

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Certain groups may be more vulnerable to the potentially toxic interaction than others, Nelson says. This includes people who take certain anti-epileptic medications, including carbamazepine and phenobarbital, and those who take St. John’s Wort, a popular herbal supplement. These products have been shown to boost levels of the enzyme that produces the toxic liver metabolite NAPQI, an effect that will likely be heightened when taking both acetaminophen and caffeine together, he says.

Likewise, people who drink a lot of alcohol may be at increased risk for the toxic interaction, Nelson says. That’s because alcohol can trigger the production of yet another liver enzyme that produces the liver toxin NAPQI. The risks are also higher for those who take large amounts of medications that combine both acetaminophen and caffeine, which are often used together as a remedy for migraine headaches, arthritis and other conditions.

The researchers are currently studying the mechanism by which this toxic interaction occurs and are considering human studies in the future, they say. The National Institutes of Health funded the initial animal and bacterial studies.

http://www.acs.org/

Posted in: Drug Trial News

Tags: Acetaminophen, Alcohol, Anti-Epileptic Drug, Arthritis, Bacteria, Caffeine, Coffee, Drugs, E. coli, Enzyme, Laboratory, Liver, Metabolite, Migraine, OCT, Painkiller, Research, Toxicology, Toxin

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Mixing large doses of both acetaminophen painkiller and caffeine may increase risk of liver damage

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• 2007

• September

• Mixing large doses of both acetaminophen painkiller and caffeine may increase risk of liver damage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 26, 2007

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 2007 — Consuming large amounts of caffeine while taking acetaminophen, one of the most widely used painkillers in the United States, could potentially cause liver damage, according to a preliminary laboratory study reported in the Oct. 15 print issue of ACS’ Chemical Research in Toxicology, a monthly journal. The toxic interaction could occur not only from drinking caffeinated beverages while taking the painkiller but also from using large amounts of medications that intentionally combine caffeine and acetaminophen for the treatment of migraine headaches, menstrual discomfort and other conditions, the researchers say.

Health experts have warned for years that consuming excess alcohol while taking acetaminophen can trigger toxic interactions and cause liver damage and even death. However, this is the first time scientists have reported a potentially harmful interaction while taking the painkiller with caffeine, the researchers say.

While the studies are preliminary findings conducted in bacteria and laboratory animals, they suggest that consumers may want to limit caffeine intake — including energy drinks and strong coffee — while taking acetaminophen.

Chemist Sid Nelson, Ph.D., and colleagues, of the University of Washington in Seattle, tested the effects of acetaminophen and caffeine on E. coli bacteria genetically engineered to express a key human enzyme in the liver that detoxifies many prescription and nonprescription drugs. The researchers found that caffeine triples the amount of a toxic byproduct, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), that the enzyme produces while breaking down acetaminophen. This same toxin is responsible for liver damage and failure in toxic alcohol-acetaminophen interactions, they say.

In previous studies, the same researchers showed that high doses of caffeine can increase the severity of liver damage in rats with acetaminophen-induced liver damage, thus supporting the current finding.

“People should be informed about this potentially harmful interaction,” Nelson says. “The bottom line is that you don’t have to stop taking acetaminophen or stop taking caffeine products, but you do need to monitor your intake more carefully when taking them together, especially if you drink alcohol. ”

Nelson points out that the bacteria used in the study were exposed to ‘megadoses’ of both acetaminophen and caffeine, much higher than most individuals would normally consume on a daily basis. Most people would similarly need to consume unusually high levels of these compounds together to have a dangerous effect, but the toxic threshold has not yet been determined, he says.

Certain groups may be more vulnerable to the potentially toxic interaction than others, Nelson says. This includes people who take certain anti-epileptic medications, including carbamazepine and phenobarbital, and those who take St. John’s Wort, a popular herbal supplement. These products have been shown to boost levels of the enzyme that produces the toxic liver metabolite NAPQI, an effect that will likely be heightened when taking both acetaminophen and caffeine together, he says.

Likewise, people who drink a lot of alcohol may be at increased risk for the toxic interaction, Nelson says. That’s because alcohol can trigger the production of yet another liver enzyme that produces the liver toxin NAPQI. The risks are also higher for those who take large amounts of medications that combine both acetaminophen and caffeine, which are often used together as a remedy for migraine headaches, arthritis and other conditions.

The researchers are currently studying the mechanism by which this toxic interaction occurs and are considering human studies in the future, they say. The National Institutes of Health funded the initial animal and bacterial studies.

— Mark T. Sampson

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202-872-4400

The most scandalous cases when firms recalled their products

• Stories

In the pursuit of revenue, corporations lose millions of dollars, and customers lose their lives.

April 23, 20202

Just this year, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission asked customers to stop buying Panasonic laptops because their batteries caught fire; IKEA lamps, because their metal frames shock people; lights for bicycles that ignited while under the driver’s seat . ..

Companies often try to protect their customers. But not always.

Tylenol 1982

In the summer of 1982, there were seven cases of poisoning in Chicago with Tylenol, then the most popular pain reliever in the United States at the time. The first victim was a 12-year-old girl. After drinking the pill, she dropped dead after a few seconds. It turned out that the tablet contained 65 mg of cyanide (lethal dose – 5 mg!). Similar incidents occurred over the next two days in different parts of the city.

As you might guess, panic seized the city: people threw away their supplies of Tylenol, and sales in stores fell to zero. The management of Johnson & Johnson took unprecedented measures: they recalled the entire drug from pharmacies and stores, and this, so you understand, is about $ 100 million. As it turned out, the manufacturers were not to blame for anything: an anonymous poisoner was operating in Chicago, who poured poison into medicine packages, and then returned them to store shelves.

Johnson & Johnson developed a new way of packaging Tylenol: now under the cap of the vial, the neck was hermetically sealed with foil. Today it is the standard for pharmaceuticals. Tylenol has managed to regain its place in the drug market.

Firestone and Ford Explorer tires, 2000

In 2000, a scandal erupted in the United States when it became public knowledge that Ford Explorer SUVs rolled over on the roads much more often than other cars. In this case, we are talking only about cars equipped with original Firestone tires. The situation was aggravated by the fact that, as it turned out, both companies – Ford and Firestone – were aware of what was happening since 1996 years old, but made every effort not to correct technical errors, but to hush up the matter.

The number of victims in the USA alone exceeded one thousand people. When the secret became clear, every more or less self-respecting newspaper in the United States hastened to write a devastating, revealing article, their total number exceeded 5 thousand. Ford’s sales decreased by 80%, the company lost about $3 billion. Firestone has withdrawn about 3 million tires from sale.

Both companies, instead of paying compensation to the victims and their families, hastened to blame each other and got bogged down in lawsuits and litigations, some of which have not been completed to this day.

Chinese milk formulas and milk, 2008

In June 2008, a “melamine scandal” broke out in the world: a high content of melamine was found in the dairy products of a number of Chinese manufacturers – a substance that is essentially non-toxic (at least not more than than table salt), but at ultra-high concentration leading to kidney stones. It is commonly used in mineral fertilizers and plastics. Manufacturers added it so that when measured, the protein level in milk seemed higher (the milk itself was diluted with water). Two companies — Mengniu Dairy Group and Yili Industrial Group — added melamine to their milk (regular and powdered), infant formula, chocolate bars, instant coffee and cookies. Among other things, milk was supplied to schools and kindergartens. By the time the decision was made to recall the products, six children had died.

As a result, the Chinese authorities decided to seize all spoiled products (most of them were exported to the countries of the Pacific region). Even chicken eggs had to be seized, as melamine was added to chicken feed. 19 people – entrepreneurs and civil servants – were punished (up to life imprisonment). Two entrepreneurs, Jang Yuzhong and Geng Jinping, were shot dead in 2009.

Text author:Semyon Shraik

Hangover – Alkoinfo.ee

Advise

One of the causes of a hangover, that is, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, is the substance acetaldehyde, which is formed in the body as a result of the conversion of ethanol.

A hangover signals that the body is fighting poison – it is, in fact, a mild form of alcohol poisoning.

Hangover symptoms appear when the blood alcohol level begins to drop to the body’s natural level, close to zero.

Why does a hangover occur?

• Drinking alcohol increases urine output and causes fluid loss. Drinking alcohol is often associated with sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea, which in turn remove water and electrolytes from the body. Fluid loss leads to thirst, weakness and dizziness.
• Alcohol irritates the stomach and intestines. The resulting inflammatory process can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Alcohol also depletes the body of vitamins and minerals and lowers blood sugar, which in turn causes fatigue, weakness and mood swings.
• Acetaldehyde, formed as an intermediate in the breakdown of alcohol, can speed up the pulse and cause palpitations, as well as sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
• Alcohol, of course, can induce deep sleep, although in fact, with excessive use, the first phases of sleep that should precede deep sleep fall out. In addition, the phase of REM sleep is reduced. In the phase of REM sleep, among other things, there is a consolidation of what has been learned, the ordering of thoughts and memories, and when it is present, a person feels fresh and rested after waking up. Therefore, a person with a hangover feels tired, not getting enough sleep.
• Although no clear explanation for hangover headaches has been found, it is associated with brain chemistry and hormone imbalances, as well as vasodilation.

How to prevent a hangover?

The less you drink, the less chance of a hangover. The best way to completely avoid a hangover is to not drink at all. Other methods do not give any guarantee that there will be no torment the next day.

Never cross the low-risk limits when drinking. The Alcocalculator will help you keep track of your drinks. See also tips on how to stay within the limits of moderation when drinking alcohol at home or outside.

Be sure to eat your fill before drinking. Then alcohol will be absorbed more slowly, and you will get less drunk.

In order to feel better the next day, it is important to drink enough water in addition to alcohol. When you drink water, you drink less alcohol, and water helps reduce fluid loss. Drink a few large glasses of water before going to bed.

Drinks containing more impurities, usually dark in color – such as red wine, brandy and port – cause more severe hangovers.

Do not mix drinks of different types. This irritates the stomach and guarantees future torment.

How to relieve a hangover?

• Drinking plenty of fluids, preferably non-carbonated drinks, is required to compensate for lost fluids. Fresh juice will help replace lost vitamins.
• If you really need it, you can take painkillers, and in case of digestive problems, drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach. There is an over-the-counter powder in pharmacies that is taken dissolved in water to restore electrolytes and fluids in the body.
• Eat something: for example, with the loss of potassium that accompanies fluid loss, bananas and kiwis help fight.
• Don’t get drunk – it will only delay problems. Take a break from alcohol. Wanting to drink in the morning to relieve a hangover means you’re having withdrawal symptoms, which could indicate excessive drinking or an alcohol use disorder (abuse or addiction).
• Take a multivitamin to replace the body’s essentials lost through alcohol.

Ten myths about hangovers

1. Hangovers are caused by dehydration

Dehydration is one of the causes of a hangover, but not the only one. In fact, with each unit of alcohol from the body, in addition to the amount drunk, an additional 100 ml of liquid is excreted. For example, if you drink five servings of beer, the body will lose another liter of fluid.

However, will two liters of water save you from a hangover? Obviously not. Coincident symptoms of dehydration and hangovers are thirst, weakness, and headache. Have you ever had such a hangover that you could not eat and spent the whole day on your knees in front of the toilet? Daylight is deadly harsh, and it is almost impossible to express at least one thought coherently? These symptoms are not related to dehydration, but to the toxic effects of alcohol.

2. Coffee or a cold shower helps with a hangover.

You had a little too much last night. In the morning, you put coffee on and jump into a cold shower to cheer yourself up. Both of these can give you the slightest boost, but they won’t cure a hangover. In fact, coffee can increase it, as it also removes fluid from the body. So replace your coffee with water – and especially if you’ve been throwing up, causing you to lose even more fluid.

3. Hangover helps

It is believed that the morning hangover relieves the hangover. But this is not true. Hangovers begin to form as the blood alcohol level drops, and symptoms peak when the blood alcohol level approaches zero. Getting drunk is just delaying the hangover. At some point, you willy-nilly have to sober up, and the hangover will still come. Instead of alcohol, drink water or a sports drink instead to restore fluid levels, electrolytes, and vitamins.

Morning hangovers are often a signal that you are at serious risk of having problems with excessive drinking. It is also one of the symptoms of alcohol addiction.

4. Eating at the end of a party eases hangovers

If only it were so! It would be great if after a rampant drinking you could eat a couple of large hamburgers and a bowl of french fries – and wake up the next morning in perfect order. Actually it is not.

Food can certainly help prevent hangovers, but you should eat before drinking. The best choice would be fatty foods that are slowly digested. If you drink alcohol on a full stomach, it will be absorbed into the blood more slowly, and the hangover the next day will be a little easier.

5. A hangover occurs only if you drink a lot. At the same time, in order to earn a hangover, it is not necessary to get drunk every time, for some, just one serving is enough for this. The occurrence of a hangover, among other things, is affected by your weight and gender. In addition, hangovers are more likely to occur in people, for example, those who suffer from migraines or take medications that affect liver enzymes.

6. Beer and wine are better than strong alcohol

Some people literally swear that beer and wine don’t cause such a bad hangover as hard liquor. In fact, you will get drunk and hangover from any alcoholic drink, since they all contain ethanol. And it doesn’t matter in what order you drink them.

In addition, it is useful to remember that:

• red wine contains tannins that cause headaches in some people;
• mixing different drinks irritates the stomach and may increase hangovers;
• Highly contaminated drinks, usually dark in color – such as red wine, brandy and port – cause more severe hangovers;
• If you start the evening with strong alcohol, you often quickly lose your moderation and end up drinking more than you intended.

7. Workout Helps

While exercising the next morning may relieve conscience, no research has so far confirmed that it helps alleviate the physical effects of drinking alcohol. You can only burn calories from alcohol. In addition, after drinking alcohol, your body is ruled by a lack of fluids and nutrients. When you exercise, you again lose fluid and essential substances, so the end result can be further deterioration of well-being, and in severe cases, even a health-threatening condition. With a lack of fluid, the thermoregulation of the body is disturbed, so that when playing sports in hot weather, you can easily overheat.

During a hangover, both reaction speed, eye-hand coordination, and balance are impaired, which will affect your athletic performance, which requires fast and accurate action.

8. Bedtime painkillers

When taken with alcohol, acetaminophen (known as the cold medicine Tylenol/Tylenol) can destroy the liver. Other pain relievers, such as aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach and cause bleeding when combined with alcohol.

Also, taking a painkiller in the evening won’t do you any good: it will only give you pain relief for a few hours, but you don’t feel any pain while you sleep. Take a pain reliever in the morning if necessary.

9. Women and men get hangovers the same way

In fact, women get hangovers more easily. Even if a woman is exactly the same weight as a man, she needs less alcohol to get drunk. The male body contains more water, which dilutes alcohol and helps to reduce its effects. The male body also produces more of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol.

10. Hangover is not a big problem

Hangover shows that the body is poisoned by excess alcohol. Heavy drinking affects the nervous system and brain chemistry, leading to headaches, drowsiness, and nausea. Your intestines are irritated and inflamed. Yes, in fact, you will recover quickly and may not be affected by suffering after a good party. But overdoing it with alcohol is always a risk. Too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, you may pass out, and breathing may be difficult. You may even die.