The suffering that constitutes a hangover is radically curable by only one method – the rejection of alcohol in large doses. In addition, there are many methods of “treating” a hangover, with varying degrees of effectiveness.
According to experts, in the fight against a hangover, it is most advisable to combine several different tips that will be most effective for a specific problem. We discuss the problem of dealing with a hangover from different angles to help you feel better as soon as possible.
Of course, the surest way to avoid a hangover is not to drink too much. Organizations such as the WHO, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the US Department of Health recommend that men drink no more than 2 drinks per day and women no more than 1.
A serving is 14 g of pure alcohol:
- 40 g of strong alcohol;
- glass of wine;
- 0,33 liters of beer.
What is a hangover
Scientists and doctors have tried to figure out what exactly causes a hangover, but it’s more complicated than one might think. The effects of alcohol on the body are, at least in part, inflammatory in nature and are related to the chemical effects it has on the brain.
Experts explain three factors that often cause next-day side effects from too much alcohol:
Dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic. This means that it increases the production of urine. And if you drink alcohol, then you don’t drink water.
Bad dream. Alcohol may help you fall asleep at first, but studies show that metabolic products cause sleep disturbance and an inability to fall asleep at night. We know that sleep is our body’s natural reset. So if we can’t sleep well and our body is busy getting rid of alcohol and its by-products, it won’t be able to perform its normal reset routine. This may be one of the reasons why the next morning we feel bad and do not look good.
Accumulation of toxins. Alcohol is broken down in the liver by alcohol dehydrogenase to acetaldehyde (acetone). Acetaldehyde is further cleaved by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and glutathione.
When drinking a large amount of alcohol, the liver does not have time to neutralize all the toxins. Thus, toxic acetaldehyde builds up in the blood while the liver tries to make extra glutathione.
Elevated levels of acetaldehyde can lead to oxidative stress, liver damage, and possibly cancer over time. Genetic variations in the detox process can determine how quickly and efficiently you are able to metabolize alcohol, which can later cause problems for those who metabolize alcohol slowly.
Hangover cure step by step
In addition to limiting the number of drinks, experts offer several more options for dealing with a hangover before drinking and at the bar, and after it.
Choose light alcohol
Drink organic vodka or drinks that are light in color and of high quality. Light spirits contain fewer toxins than dark ones.
Don’t stir drinks
Avoid mixtures with sugar, cocktails and lowering the degree.
Drink more water
It seems too easy, but it’s the best way to avoid a hangover. Alternating alcoholic beverages with a glass of water not only helps you stay hydrated, but also slows down your overall drinking.
Drinking alcohol prevents the body from producing a chemical called vasopressin. This means that the kidneys send water directly to the bladder and not to the tissues of the body. This is another reason why you need to go to the toilet so many times while you are having fun and drinking alcohol. Frequent urination also leads to dehydration, as the body can excrete four times as much water, which is probably why you will have a severe headache and dry mouth in the morning.
The best solution is to put a large bottle (or two) of water in front of the bed. So you won’t forget to drink it when you get ready for bed. Make sure you continue to drink plenty of water when you wake up the next morning. In any case, we should drink 8 glasses a day, and with a hangover – 2 times more.
Eat heartily
Eating a wholesome meal with good quality protein and healthy fats before drinking helps slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
If possible and willing, eating a large bowl of white or high fat food in the morning to cure a hangover is an option that can work for many people. Fat in foods contains a lot of calories, so you get an energy boost, while eggs and meat are rich in the amino acid cysteine, which is considered to be a good detoxifier.
However, if you’re feeling nauseous, experts recommend that a bland breakfast help restore blood sugar levels without causing more stomach problems. Crackers, toast, or thin vegetable broth are some of the options.
Alcohol can also lower your potassium levels, so eating a banana or two will help you feel better.
Foods that help get rid of a hangover
Eggs. Your liver is working to its limits to neutralize the acetaldehyde toxin with an amino acid called L-cysteine. Help your liver by eating eggs for breakfast, which are a source of L-cysteine.
Coconut water. Alcohol, a diuretic, prevents the pituitary gland from producing vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which then causes the kidneys to reabsorb less water and excrete it instead. This loss of water can also cause electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration, as well as loss of electrolytes, can cause headaches, tremors, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle spasms. Fight dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. Coconut water supplies the body with potassium, so it keeps you hydrated and helps replenish electrolytes at the same time.
Make your own anti-hangover drink: mix water, freshly squeezed juice, a pinch of sea salt and honey (optional).
Bananas. They are famous for their high content of electrolyte potassium, which is also a good idea if you suffer from indigestion. Alcohol can have an inflammatory effect on the stomach lining and digestive system, which is a common cause of nausea and indigestion.
Ginger. Chop fresh ginger root and add it to the water. Ginger can be effective for nausea and vomiting.
Can of sweet lemon soda. A can of sweet lemon-based soda (Sprite or Seven-Up) might be just what you need. A Chinese study of 57 different drinks found that lemon and lime helped to eliminate alcohol from the body faster, speeding up the normalization of well-being.
Sprite was one of the drinks that accelerated this process the most, causing the alcohol to break down more quickly, which shortened the duration of the hangover. The experts explain: It’s high in water for rehydration and high in sugar for instant rejuvenation, but the simple sugars mean the tone won’t last long and you need to eat afterward.
Plus, lemon and lime juice is alkaline and helps to balance the acid in the intestines, suppressing the feeling of nausea.
Painkillers and other drugs
Paracetamol. It can help relieve discomfort. This is another obvious choice – especially when you wake up feeling like your head is in a vise. Experts recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers. They can help with headaches and muscle spasms, but avoid taking aspirin as it can further irritate your stomach and make you feel more nauseous. Instead, opt for a paracetamol or ibuprofen based product.
Soluble tablets with vitamins. A great way to make up for the loss of nutrients due to alcohol. They contain vitamin C, B vitamins, as well as calcium and magnesium.
Popular questions and answers
Answered questions about hangovers neurologist of the highest category Evgeny Mosin.