How to Flush Alcohol Out of Your System: Myths & Truths

According to a recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 82% of people over the age of 18 years old have consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime, with 23.3% of those in this age group reporting binge drinking in the past month.[1]

What’s equally concerning is that 10% of Americans 12 years of age or older have Alcohol Use Disorder[2].

Although these numbers are staggering, many individuals struggling with alcohol consumption are seeking treatment. One of the first steps in overcoming an alcohol addiction is the detoxification process.

Here are some common methods and myths about flushing alcohol from your system.

Can Exercise Flush Alcohol Out of Your System?

“Sweating out” alcohol is one of the biggest myths surrounding how to get alcohol out of your system. However, this is not true. The liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol, and it does so at a relatively steady rate, which is on average one drink per hour. Exercise does not speed up this process.

While it may not speed up flushing alcohol out of your system, exercising does have benefits for people who have been drinking. Physical activity can help increase blood flow and oxygenation, which can help with alertness, as well as reducing stress, anxiety, and hangovers.

However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with exercising under the influence of alcohol, due to impaired balance, coordination, and judgment. Waiting until you are sober can reduce risks.

Can Greasy Food Flush Alcohol Out of Your System?

After a night of drinking, many people turn to carb heavy, greasy food to help them “sober up.” Although it may make you feel better temporarily if you’ve been drinking on an empty stomach, eating greasy food doesn’t help flush alcohol out of your system.

Eating before, during, or after consuming alcohol can help to absorb some of the alcohol in your stomach and slow down the absorption of what’s still in your system, but food doesn’t change how quickly the alcohol itself is metabolized.

Can Cranberry Juice Help Eliminate Alcohol From Your Body?

Cranberry juice is recommended as a home remedy for a range of ailments, most commonly urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it does not have any special properties that help to eliminate alcohol from your system.

However, drinking cranberry juice– or other non-alcoholic fluids–while consuming alcohol can help to prevent dehydration. Proper hydration can help negate some of the negative effects of drinking, including hangovers.

Can Drinking Pickle Juice Help Flush Alcohol From Your System?

Drinking pickle juice has a high sodium content and may help alleviate some symptoms of a hangover, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance[3]. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it speeds up the metabolism or elimination of alcohol in the body.

Even though pickle juice might not help eliminate alcohol from your body, there are several other health benefits to drinking pickle juice. This fermented liquid contains probiotics, helps stabilize blood sugar, and may even help with weight loss.

Can Taking a Hot Bath or Sauna Help Get Alcohol Out of Your System?

Taking a hot bath or getting into a sauna can help increase circulation and blood flow and reduce stress and anxiety, but this is not an effective method for flushing the alcohol off of your body.

Exercise caution if using a sauna or getting into any type of water while drinking, as intoxication increases the risk of injury or death.

Does Lemon Juice Help You Metabolize Alcohol Faster?

Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which can help alleviate hangover symptoms and promote healing in the body, but it does not speed up how quickly your body processes alcohol.

Many individuals who are heavy drinkers may be deficient in vitamin C[4], so if you’ve consumed a large quantity of alcohol or you have been regularly consuming alcohol for a long period of time, increasing your vitamin C intake overall can be beneficial.

Can Drinking Electrolyte Drinks Like Gatorade Help Alcohol Flush From Your System Faster?

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can cause you to lose fluids–which includes electrolytes–at a rapid pace.

Replenishing electrolytes through beverages like Gatorade can help those who have consumed alcohol feel better, but electrolyte drinks do not help flush out alcohol.

Can You “Sleep Off” Alcohol?

Alcohol is a toxin and can deplete your body of energy. Although falling asleep after drinking can help your body rest while it processes alcohol, sleeping does not speed up alcohol metabolism.

Remember that alcohol is a depressant, and taking other substances that enhance sleep while you are under the influence of alcohol can have dangerous side effects. This includes natural supplements like melatonin.

So, How Do You Flush Alcohol From Your Body?

Those who have consumed alcohol, especially in larger quantities or those who are working on detoxing and getting sober, often look for ways to quickly get the alcohol out of their system.

But, the truth is that the only way to flush alcohol from your body is through time, as your liver metabolizes it. No specific foods, drinks, or supplements speed up the metabolism or elimination of alcohol in the body. How quickly your body metabolizes alcohol depends on your weight, gender, and overall health, but on average, the liver can only process one standard drink per hour.

When You Shouldn’t Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey

If you are looking for information on how to flush alcohol from your system because you want to begin your recovery journey, it is important that you understand the risks of quitting alcohol cold turkey.

If you are a heavy drinker or have been drinking large quantities of alcohol for a long time, quitting abruptly can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms including seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (commonly called “the DTs”). These side effects can be life threatening and require emergency medical intervention.

If you are addicted to alcohol and are trying to quit drinking, it is crucial that you consult a medical professional prior to quitting to minimize the risks associated with withdrawal.