Your body gets rid of approximately:
Answers
Three alcoholic drinks an hour.
One alcoholic drink an hour.
Two alcoholic drinks an hour.
None of the above.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is one alcoholic drink an hour.
Explanation:
The rate at which the body processes alcohol is fairly consistent for most people, though it can vary based on factors like age, sex, body weight, and liver health. On average, the human liver processes about one standard drink per hour. A standard drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is typically found in:
- 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content),
- 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content),
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits or liquor (40% alcohol content).
This processing rate is influenced by the liver’s enzymes, primarily alcohol dehydrogenase, which break down alcohol into acetaldehyde and then into acetic acid, which is eventually converted into carbon dioxide and water, leaving the body.
While the liver works at a steady pace of about one drink per hour, it is important to note that several factors can influence this rate:
- Body Weight: People with more body mass may process alcohol more efficiently, as there is more water in the body to dilute the alcohol.
- Sex: Women typically metabolize alcohol more slowly than men due to differences in body composition and hormonal factors.
- Food Intake: Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can lead to faster absorption into the bloodstream. Food slows down this process, allowing the body more time to metabolize the alcohol.
- Health and Age: Older individuals or those with liver disease may have a slower metabolism of alcohol.
Excessive drinking or drinking more than the liver can process in an hour leads to a buildup of alcohol in the bloodstream, impairing motor skills, cognitive functions, and overall judgment. It can also lead to alcohol poisoning, liver damage, and other health complications if the drinking continues unchecked.
Thus, while the body generally gets rid of one drink per hour, it is important to pace drinking, especially in social situations or when using machinery or driving.