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Sipping on a steaming mug of mulled wine amidst the festive glow of the Christmas market, you marvel at the warm, comforting sensation that quickly spreads throughout your body. But as the night wears on, you may find yourself questioning whether this popular holiday drink gets you drunk faster than your typical glass of vino. And if so, why is that?
To shed some light on this common misconception, we delved into the science behind mulled wine's apparent intoxicating power. And according to pharmacist Andréas Stöver from the Medical Institute of Forensic Medicine at LMU Munich, he confirms that, "Mulled wine does have a quicker impact in comparison to other types of alcoholic beverages."
Why does mulled wine bypass the body's usual alcohol-taming mechanisms so casually? Let's dive into the factors at play:
Temperature Matters:
Just as the warmth of a cup of cocoa makes you feel cozy, mulled wine's temperature may be one of the reasons why it gets you drunk faster. The heat causes your blood vessels to expand, allowing alcohol to more easily enter and be absorbed through your mucous membranes. And because your body’s main absorption site for alcohol is your small intestine, mulled wine's warmth makes it more difficult for your stomach to keep up, meaning the alcohol hits your bloodstream more quickly.
Filling Your Stomach:
When your belly is as empty as an untrimmed Christmas tree, alcohol has an easier time making its way to your small intestine. This is because an empty stomach increases the contact surface between your stomach lining and the alcohol, leading to quicker absorption and a stronger effect.
Sweet Tooth:
The sugar in mulled wine can sometimes contribute to a quicker buzz, but not in the way you might think. While the mouth-watering sweetness might lead you to drink faster, scientific research has shown that a higher sugar concentration can actually delay the onward transport of alcohol from your stomach to your small intestine, which could theoretically slow down the intoxicating effects.
Hangover Prevention:
If you’re wondering how to avoid a mulled wine-induced headache come New Year's Day, pharmacist Andréas Stöver recommends drinking water in between each glass, which can minimize the rapid build-up of alcohol in your system and help combat dehydration. Additionally, electrolyte solutions can help restore your water and electrolyte balance, while clear broth and salt sticks can provide a natural hangover remedy.
Altering Your Drinking Habits:
To decrease alcohol consumption, try reminding yourself of potential health risks with each drink, as suggested by one study. Dealing with these consequences can deter you from indulging further, leading to more mindful drinking choices. Alternatively, you could stick to non-alcoholic options like cider, cocoa, or even punch.
Whether you're swaying at the market or singing carols around the piano, mulled wine's fast-acting intoxicating properties continue to be a celebrated characteristic of the holiday season. By understanding the reasons behind its potent impact, you can make more informed choices when celebrating under the twinkling fairy lights.
References and Enrichment Data:
- Stöver, A., & Nusser, M. (2014). Alcohol abuse. In A. Nahas (Ed.), StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. ()
- The National Health Service (NHS). (2018). Alcohol Use. Retrieved from .
- Stöver, A. (2021). Interview. Retrieved from .
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Guilford College. (2020). The Social Psychology of Alcohol Use. Retrieved from .
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Causes of Hangovers. Retrieved from .
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