Day 2: A complete hangover is the result of drinking too much. Image: Shutterstock
October 13, 2024 13:29October 13, 2024 14:16
Anyone who's had a few too many drinks at night knows the consequences the next morning: headache, dry mouth, and generally a more or less terrible condition. A classic hangover. Moralists might consider this a just punishment for unseemly debauchery, but for hangover victims who aren't masochists, it's obviously a practical question: What's the quickest way to get over a hangover?
The answer “don't drink at all or only drink in digestible amounts” may be correct, but it doesn't work After the holiday Not at all. For those who do fall into the alcohol trap, Dr. Sandy Wong of the University of Rochester explains which treatments really help in the fight against “Moddy”—and which ones are fairy tales.
If you want to solve a problem, you should know its cause. So what causes hangovers after we drink too much? Wang explained that this involves multiple factors:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means you lose more fluid than you take in.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolytes are important minerals that support many body functions. Drinking too much alcohol can disrupt this electrolyte balance.
- Alcohol content: Darker drinks like bourbon and tequila contain more of these substances—chemicals produced during the fermentation process that can worsen a hangover.
- Toxic degradation products: When the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces an intermediate called acetaldehyde (also known as acetaldehyde, the aldehyde of ethanol). This breakdown product is more harmful than alcohol and can cause symptoms such as nausea and headaches.
When these four apocalyptic drinking knights have done their job and you wake up hungover, it's time for the antidote. What works and what doesn’t?
coffee: fairy tale
Some hangover sufferers really enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Unfortunately, this is a myth. “Coffee is a stimulant that gives you a quick boost of energy, but it can also cause further dehydration and worsen your symptoms,” Wang explains. «Caffeine is a powerful stimulant of the nervous system. Caffeine can also increase anxiety. It can also cause irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. “
Coffee doesn't help with hangovers.Image: Shutterstock
Caffeine before bed: fairy tale
Some people believe that drinking caffeine before bed after a night of drinking can prevent a hangover. But that's not true either. “Caffeine can disrupt your sleep, making your hangover worse the next day,” Wang writes. “Additionally, both alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration, which makes the situation worse.”
paracetamol: fairy tale
“Paracetamol mixed with alcohol can be harmful to the liver,” Wang warns. If you're taking medication, it's more likely to be NSAIDs (NSAIDs; a group of pain-relieving, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory medications) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. However, you should not overdose as they can cause stomach problems. You may also consider taking antacids (medicines that bind stomach acid) to reduce nausea.
Electrolyte preparation: fact
Electrolyte supplements such as Liquid IV can promote fluid intake. “Like a vitamin infusion, it can help combat dehydration, which is a major cause of hangovers,” Wang said. “It's not a panacea, but it can help you feel better faster.”
Counter beer: fairy tale
“Even if drinking more alcohol can make you feel better temporarily, it won't solve the problem of a hangover,” Wang stresses. “Drinking more alcohol will only increase dehydration and toxins, which will make you feel worse later.”
Continuing to drink may bring subjective relief—but only temporarily. In order to do this, you need to delay the hangover.
Drink light drinks: fact
If you already have a hangover, this is not a cure, but a preventive measure: if you've been drinking a lot, it's best to use a lighter drink like vodka, gin, lager or white wine. Wang said this often reduces the severity of a hangover. “In contrast, dark drinks with large amounts of ingredients, such as bourbon, Scotch, tequila, brandy, dark beer and red wine, are more likely to cause more severe symptoms.”
Red wine may be delicious, but the risk of a hangover is significantly higher than white wine.Image: Shutter
How to drink to avoid a hangover?
“The best remedy is prevention,” Wang stressed. “If you want to feel better the next morning, stick to one drink every hour, drink plenty of water, don't drink on an empty stomach, choose clear alcohol, and get enough sleep. Remember: Don't drink while driving.”
In short: There is (unfortunately) no magic cure for hangovers. The best prevention is to limit alcohol consumption and take good care of yourself. This way, you'll reduce your chances of waking up with a headache the next morning. (Human Resources Department)
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