The most common of these pathways involves two enzymes—alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). These enzymes help break apart the alcohol molecule, making it possible to eliminate it from the body.
Globally, alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year and is responsible for 5.1% of the global burden of disease, according to the World Health Organization. There is no effective therapeutic agent for the disorder without major side effects.
Eating before, during, and after drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Drinking plenty of water can assist with dehydration and flushing toxins from the body. And drinking fruit juices that contain fructose and vitamins B and C can help the liver flush out alcohol more successfully.