Why Does Tequila Make Me Sick? (2024 Updated)

Written By Lydia Martin
January 30, 2022

Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Tequila is famous for having health benefits in the world of alcoholic drinks. According to studies, tequila contains non-digestible agavins that do not increase blood sugar levels. Despite that, excessive intake can still lead to uncomfortable signs of getting drunk.

But, why does tequila make me sick? Our team of experts thoroughly researched and discovered why.

Table of Contents

Does Tequila Make You Sick?

Yes, drinking tequila will make you feel sick because it is a liquor that contains a high alcohol percentage.

According to research, the liver is where an alcoholic drink gets metabolized. It is also the organ responsible for breaking down alcohol components into acetaldehyde.

Taking huge tequila shots or any other spirits such as whiskey, red wine, and even beer increases the acetaldehyde levels.

In the case of heavy drinking, the liver can hardly process all the excess alcohol. It results in throwing up all the toxins from the tequila drink we had.

Read: Alcohol That Makes You Last Longer In Bed

Tequilaʼs Congeners

Yeast converts most amino acids (compounds found in sugar) into ethanol during fermentation, but not everything. It also results in congeners, like isobutylene alcohol, acids, esters, and acetaldehyde.

The isobutylene alcohol has a sweet aroma, while acetaldehyde has a strong fruity smell that flavors alcoholic beverages.

But the role of congeners does not end with tastes and flavors; it also contributes to hangovers like beer. Heavily distilled spirits have a high level of congeners, resulting in a worse hangover than undistilled drinks.

Tequila, except for Blanco, contains a high concentration of congeners and can cause many symptoms of getting drunk.

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Effects of Congeners

Shakiness

Shakiness happens a few hours after you drink alcohol. It may vary from one person to another. A drunk individual mostly feels the shakes or tremors in their hands or fingers. But some people may experience it in their eyes, arms, or even in their voice.

The usual cause of shaking is the bodyʼs withdrawal from alcohol. The motor control is left unbalanced, resulting in clumsier moves or tremors. But will tequila trigger an allergic reaction?

Nausea

One of the signs of getting drunk is nausea that sometimes leads to vomiting. Along with tequila intake is the increase of stomach acid that slows down the digestion of its contents.

Excessive acids are toxins the body needs to discharge. It leaves us feeling nauseous and wanting to throw up when weʼre drunk. Nausea is also associated with other medical concerns like alcohol poisoning.

Also Read: What Does Tequila Taste Like?

Dehydration

Drinking alcohol restrains the production of a hormone that regulates the release of fluid in the body, causing an increase in urine production.

The function of the kidney to balance the electrolytes gets limited.

It’s one reason why people with medical conditions like high blood pressure should limit their alcohol consumption.

Dehydration happens when the bodyʼs system lacks enough fluid to operate properly. It causes dry mouth and headache the next morning after getting drunk.

But will tequila burn fat?

Things You Need To Do To Avoid Getting Sick

Have a small meal first. It impedes the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream while drinking tequila.
Drink water between tequila shots. Although drinking water does not prevent feeling sick, it still hydrates the body to function properly after booze.
Pace your next tequila shot. Avoid drinking in huge servings because it will get anyone drunk in a small amount of time. Just take small sips of tequila after a few minutes.
Get enough sleep the night before and after drinking. Studies prove that lack of sleep can get a person drunk quickly.

Why Tequila Hurts My Stomach

Like many alcoholic drinks, tequila will pass through the stomach and small intestine before getting absorbed into the bloodstream. During this process, the alcohol in tequila increases acidity and decreases the muscle movements of the stomach.

Although only a small amount of alcohol is absorbed, the stomach lining still gets inflamed and results in gastritis [1]. Too much alcoholic drink will result in more acids or toxins that the body wants to get rid of. These toxins are one of the causes of stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Also Read: Can You Mix Tequila & Rum?

FAQs

Will tequila give you a hangover?

Yes, drinking tequila will give you a hangover, almost like beer. Blanco is a 100-agave tequila with low concentrations of congeners, like vodka, and causes minimal symptoms of hangovers. But is there a tequila that won’t give you a hangover?

Does tequila make you vomit?

Yes, tequila does make a person vomit if taken in huge amounts. So, stop throwing up drink after drink by just having what your body can only take. Take a break from time to time. Also, does tequila make you horny?

Why do I feel sick after drinking tequila?

Feeling sick after consuming tequila can result from various factors. Tequila, like other alcoholic beverages, can irritate the stomach lining and cause nausea. This may be intensified by impurities present in lower-quality tequilas or excessive consumption. Dehydration is another significant contributor, as alcohol has a diuretic effect, leading to nausea and potential headaches. To mitigate feeling sick, it’s advisable to moderate consumption, choose high-quality tequilas, stay hydrated, and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

Why do I react badly to tequila?

Reacting negatively to tequila can stem from individual differences in alcohol tolerance and sensitivity to specific compounds found in tequila. The quality of the tequila consumed, dehydration, and the rate of consumption can all influence adverse reactions. It’s crucial to be mindful of individual limits, drink responsibly, and choose tequilas without impurities.

Why does tequila mess with your stomach?

Tequila’s impact on the stomach can be attributed to its acidic nature and the presence of alcohol. The combination of acidity and alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort and potential nausea. Drinking tequila in moderation, preferably with food, and staying hydrated can help minimize stomach-related issues.

Why does tequila make you feel bad?

Feeling bad after drinking tequila may result from various factors, including impurities in the tequila, individual sensitivity, dehydration, or excessive consumption. Drinking responsibly, choosing high-quality tequilas, and staying hydrated can help prevent or mitigate adverse effects.

How do you drink tequila without getting sick?

To enjoy tequila without experiencing sickness, moderation is key. Sipping high-quality tequila slowly, staying hydrated, and consuming it with food can help prevent nausea. Avoiding sugary mixers and opting for 100% agave tequilas may also reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Why are tequila hangovers worse?

Tequila hangovers can feel more intense due to impurities found in lower-quality tequilas, dehydration caused by alcohol’s diuretic effect, and the presence of congeners—byproducts of fermentation. Choosing higher-quality tequilas, staying hydrated, and practicing moderation can alleviate the severity of tequila hangovers.

How do you know if you’re allergic to tequila?

Allergic reactions to tequila are rare but can manifest as symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur after consuming tequila, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate course of action.

Is tequila a depressant?

Yes, tequila, like all alcoholic beverages, is a depressant. It slows down the central nervous system, resulting in a feeling of relaxation and sedation. However, excessive consumption can have negative effects on mood and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of drinking in moderation.

Is tequila stronger than whiskey?

The strength of tequila and whiskey is typically measured by their alcohol by volume (ABV) content, which is generally around 40%. Therefore, they are similar in strength, and the perceived potency depends on individual tolerance and the specific brands consumed.

Is 2 shots of tequila a lot?

Consuming two shots of tequila can be moderate for some individuals but may lead to intoxication in others, depending on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and overall health. Understanding personal limits and drinking responsibly is essential to prevent overconsumption.

Is tequila bad for your liver?

Excessive and chronic alcohol consumption, including tequila, can contribute to liver damage over time. It’s crucial to moderate alcohol intake, stay within recommended limits, and be mindful of overall liver health to mitigate potential risks.

Is tequila gut-friendly?

Tequila, particularly high-quality 100% agave varieties, may be considered gut-friendly in moderation. Agave contains compounds that could have prebiotic effects, potentially promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. However, excessive alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on gut health, underscoring the importance of moderation when enjoying tequila.

Why Does Tequila Make Me Sick

Tequila is an alcoholic drink made from sugars found in the agave plant. Although it is a drink with different varieties, the aged and heavily distilled tequila makes people experience their worst hangovers. The 100 agave tequila or Blanco is light-colored, like vodka, and wonʼt cause too many signs of feeling nauseous even after a night of drinking.

Hangovers vary from abdominal pain, headache, dry mouth, or even shakiness as the brain adapts to alcohol withdrawal. Heavy drinkers may not have these signs unless they stop drinking completely. Having enough sleep and staying hydrated helps minimize the effect of hangovers.