A night of heavy drinking can be a lot of fun, but it often comes with a price the morning after: a hangover. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, and many people wonder if drinking water can cure or alleviate these symptoms.
Experts are divided on the issue. Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Hangovers?
Hangovers are caused by the body’s reaction to alcohol. When you drink, the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the liver to be metabolized.
The liver breaks down the alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can cause a headache and other symptoms. Additionally, alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration.
Drinking Water Can Help
Many health professionals recommend drinking water to alleviate hangover symptoms. In fact, dehydration is often a major contributor to the symptoms of a hangover, so drinking water can help rehydrate the body.
Related Article
Is water the cure for a hangover: Expert opinion
Additionally, water can help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation in the body.
Other Remedies to Try
In addition to drinking water, there are several other remedies that can help alleviate hangover symptoms:.
- Eat a nutritious breakfast: Eating a nutritious breakfast can help replenish nutrients that were lost during the night. Foods like eggs, whole-grain toast, and fruit are good options.
- Take pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen can help alleviate headache pain.
- Get rest: Getting plenty of rest can help the body recover from a night of heavy drinking.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience severe or persistent hangover symptoms, it may be time to see a doctor. In some cases, hangovers can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as alcohol poisoning or a liver problem. Some symptoms to watch out for include:.
- Severe headache
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting
- Seizures
The Bottom Line
While drinking water may not be a cure-all for hangover symptoms, it can still be an effective way to alleviate them. Additionally, there are several other remedies you can try, such as eating a nutritious breakfast and getting plenty of rest.
However, if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor.
