Alcohol metabolism: Water and lemon juice do not speed up elimination

Drinking water, lemon juice, or fruit juices can help alleviate thirst and discomfort after consuming alcohol, but these beverages do not accelerate the body's ability to eliminate alcohol.

According to Dr. Huỳnh Tấn Vũ from the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, alcohol is primarily metabolized by the liver at a relatively stable rate. While fluids help with hydration and reducing symptoms like dry mouth, they do not speed up the liver's metabolic process. Medical research has not found that simple methods, such as consuming caffeine, lemon juice, or vitamin C, significantly increase the rate of ethanol removal from the body.

Factors affecting alcohol elimination include the amount consumed, duration of drinking, frequency of use, and individual physical condition. Individuals with lower body weight, underlying medical conditions, or those drinking on an empty stomach may be more affected by alcohol. It is cautioned that feeling sober does not mean alcohol has been fully eliminated, as traces can remain in the blood or breath for extended periods.