Is it a good or a bad idea to drink water while drinking alcohol?

Question

I have always heard not to drink water, but a couple of my friends have heard the opposite. Why or why not?

Answer 1

Drinking water while drinking alcohol provides a number of useful benefits:

1. You will significantly reduce your chances of developing temporary hypertension (high blood pressure), which can lead to a heart attack.

Drinking alcohol decreases overall blood volume. When the body detects a loss of blood volume, it closes off less active capillary beds in order to maintain proper blood flow to the more active areas. These vessel closings cause a rise in tension inside the muscle mass, which we have come to know as “hypertension.” More water allows for proper blood volume and less tension.

2. You will significantly reduce your chances of developing nasty headaches (handover headaches).

The brain is over 75% water, and, when it detects a shortage of available fluids, it implements a water rationing process by producing histamines; histamines are known to cause pain and fatigue.

3. You will help prevent fattening of the liver.

When you drink alcohol it is quickly absorbed directly into the blood stream from the stomach and upper part of the gut (small intestine). The absorbed alcohol then passes through the liver and subsequently into the blood stream where it reaches all organs in the body. Although most tissues are capable of breaking down alcohol, this is mainly carried out by the liver, where alcohol is eventually converted into water and carbon dioxide, which is removed through the lungs. When you drink water during your night out, you help liver functionality and help prevent liver scarring.

Answer 2

A hangover is essentially the severe dehydration of your body from alcohol consumption. It is a good idea to have at least one glass of room temp water after every alcoholic beverage. The reason I say room temp is because ice cold water makes your body work hard to warm up so it can process it. Since your body is already processing the alcohol, if you give it room temp water, it will be easier to process and the hangover won't be as severe. However, if you drink heavy amounts of alcohol without water, then I would forego the water, as you will probably not be able to keep it down.

Answer 3

Definitely a GOOD idea to drink water... alcohol dehydrates you, therefore a hangover. Drink about 1/2 a glass of water after each alcoholic drink that you have, and you won't get a hangover.

Answer 4

You do want to drink water while drinking alcohol. Alcohol will dehydrate you, so you need the water to rehydrate your body. Also if you're trying to pace yourself and not get too drunk, drinking the water will obviously take the place of some of the alcohol that you would normally be drinking at that time. So this causes you to drink your alcohol at a slower pace. Rehydrating your body will also give you less chances of having a hangover since hangovers mainly come because your body is dehydrated.

Answer 5

HELL NO, it doesn't kill it just brings you down on the level perhaps some want to be at. Sometimes if you feel too much elevated well it's perfectly FINE and extremely SAFE to take a downer to bring your heart rate down; whether it be valium, any benzo or alcohol. If you were admitted into the emergency room (ER) feeling you took to much of something, Guess What? First thing they will give you is valium or similar to calm you down and relax the heart rate. NOTHING WRONG IT IT - Just don't overtake Ecstasy and Know your Limit and Body in what is the right amount for you. On the SAFE SIDE, I would have benzos ready in case, if ever needed and don't hesitate to use them if you feel you are TOO UP there with heart rate far exceeding. BE WISE

Answer 6

think it depends how much you drink and waht your goal is.

IF you want to get drunk...then no don't do it.
If the opposite, then yes drink water.

Helps with the hangovers too. I usually drink 2 glasses after i'm done drinking. Wake up pretty good.

Answer 7

Tis a good idea. Alcohol dehydrates the body & you need to rehydrate with water as you are imbibing.
Probably the main reason for hangovers is dehydration (this is why you are so thirsty the morning after).
Good luck with the hangovers if you don't get enough water.

Answer 8

It depends. If you want a really good buzz, then don't drink water. But if you wanna be mellow, then take a sip after you drink the alcohol.

Answer 9

i have heard that drinking water is better but maybe after or before drinking. I think it is good because it keeps you hydrated. I always drink alot of water after i drink.

Answer 10

It's a good idea to drink water. It keeps you hydrated and dilutes the alcohol.