For those who enjoy drinking alcohol, there may come a morning when a nagging headache and an upset stomach signals that perhaps a few too many was one too many.

Hangovers are a common occurrence and can leave one feeling terrible for hours, if not days after heavy drinking. The symptoms of a hangover include headache, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and muscle aches.

In this article, we delve into the science behind hangovers, separating fact from fiction to better understand what causes them and how to alleviate some of the symptoms.

What Causes a Hangover?

The exact cause of a hangover is not entirely clear. However, a cocktail of factors is believed to be responsible. They include:.

1. Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, so it triggers an increased need to urinate. This can cause dehydration, which is a primary cause of many hangover symptoms, including dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, and dizziness.

Dehydration can also result in headaches and contribute to the severity of nausea that some people experience.

2. Inflammatory Response

Alcohol disrupts the immune system, and when the immune system detects foreign substances in the bloodstream, it triggers an inflammatory response. The body releases cytokines, chemicals that play a critical role in the immune response.

However, too many cytokines in the body can cause an inflammation response, leading to headaches, nausea, and muscle aches, among other symptoms. Studies have shown that higher levels of cytokines tend to correlate with more severe hangover symptoms.

3. Blood Sugar Level

Drinking alcohol can suppress the production of glucose in the liver, causing blood sugar levels to drop. Low blood sugar can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and irritability, which are all common symptoms of a hangover.

4. Quality of Alcohol

The quality of the alcohol consumed can also play a role in the severity of a hangover.

Cheaper, low-quality alcohols have more impurities, including trace amounts of toxic chemicals that can intensify the body’s response, leading to worse hangover symptoms.

5. Congeners

Congeners are the compounds found in alcohol that contribute to the drink’s taste, aroma, and color. They are primarily a byproduct of the fermentation process and are more prevalent in dark drinks such as whiskey, red wine, and dark beers.

Congeners can cause headaches, nausea, and other hangover symptoms.

6. Lack of Sleep

Drinking alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to less restful sleep, which increases the severity of hangover symptoms the next morning.

Separating Fact from Fiction

There are many myths about hangovers, and it can be challenging to distinguish fact from fiction. Here are some common misconceptions:.

Related Article The Hangover: Debunking Common Myths

1. Hair of the Dog

The belief that consuming more alcohol in the morning can alleviate hangover symptoms is a common myth. However, it is not true.

While drinking more alcohol may temporarily relieve some of the symptoms, it does not cure a hangover and can ultimately make it worse.

2. Coffee

Many people believe that drinking coffee can cure a hangover. While caffeine can provide a temporary energy boost, it can worsen dehydration and irritate the stomach, leading to more nausea and vomiting.

3. Greasy Foods

Eating greasy foods before or after drinking alcohol does not help prevent or cure a hangover. In fact, greasy foods can irritate the stomach, leading to more nausea and discomfort.

4. Painkillers

Taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief from hangover symptoms. However, combining painkillers with alcohol can damage the liver and increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

It is best to avoid painkillers if possible.

Alleviating Hangover Symptoms

While there is no cure for a hangover, several strategies can alleviate some of the symptoms:.

1. Hydrate

It is essential to rehydrate the body after drinking alcohol to alleviate some of the symptoms, particularly dehydration. Drinking water, sports drinks, or coconut water can help replenish electrolytes and fluids lost during alcohol consumption.

Avoid coffee, caffeinated drinks, and soda as these can worsen dehydration.

2. Rest and Sleep

Getting plenty of rest and sleep is essential to help the body recover after heavy drinking. Try to take a nap or rest when possible, and avoid strenuous physical activity until feeling better.

3. Eat Nutritious Foods

Eating nutritious foods can help the body recover and alleviate some of the symptoms. Focus on eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods to help restore glucose levels.

4. Use Herbal Remedies

Several herbal remedies can help alleviate hangover symptoms, including ginger, milk thistle, and prickly pear extract. Consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies.

Conclusion

Hangovers are a common occurrence and can leave one feeling terrible for hours or even days after heavy drinking.

The exact cause of hangovers is not entirely clear, but dehydration, an inflammatory response, low blood sugar levels, the quality of alcohol, the presence of congeners, and a lack of sleep can all contribute to the symptoms. There are many myths about hangovers, and it can be challenging to distinguish fact from fiction.

Strategies to alleviate hangover symptoms include hydrating, getting plenty of rest and sleep, eating nutritious foods, and using herbal remedies when appropriate.