A hangover is a common ailment experienced by millions of people after a night of heavy drinking. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and more.

Despite the widespread occurrence of hangovers, there is still much that is not fully understood about the condition. In this article, we will explore the science behind the hangover, separating fact from fiction.

What Causes a Hangover?

There are numerous factors that can contribute to the development of a hangover. Here are a few of the most common:.

Alcohol Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it increases the production of urine. This can lead to dehydration, which is one of the primary contributors to hangover symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Poor Sleep

Drinking alcohol can disrupt the natural sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and increased feelings of fatigue and grogginess the next day.

Toxic By-Products

When the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces a number of toxic by-products that can contribute to hangover symptoms.

Inflammation

Alcohol consumption can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Glutamine Rebound

Glutamine is an amino acid that plays an important role in the brain’s energy metabolism. Alcohol consumption can decrease the availability of glutamine, which can lead to feelings of lethargy and fatigue.

When alcohol is metabolized, glutamine levels in the brain rebound, leading to increased neuronal activity and potentially contributing to hangover symptoms like headaches.

Fact or Fiction: Myth-Busting Some Common Hangover Beliefs

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding hangovers. Here are a few that we’ll debunk:.

Drinking Beer Before a Hangover Can Help

False. Drinking beer before a hangover is not an effective remedy. In fact, it can worsen symptoms like dehydration and nausea. Drinking plenty of water and getting rest are much more effective ways of alleviating hangover symptoms.

Caffeine Can Cure a Hangover

False. While caffeine is a stimulant that can help alleviate some of the fatigue associated with hangovers, it can also exacerbate symptoms like headaches and dehydration.

Additionally, consuming caffeine can mask the severity of the hangover, leading a person to consume more alcohol and worsen their overall condition.

Hangovers Only Happen to People Who Drink Heavily

False. While heavy drinking can increase the likelihood and severity of a hangover, even moderate drinking can cause symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

Hangover Remedies

While there is no surefire cure for a hangover, there are a few things you can do to alleviate symptoms. Here are a few remedies to try:.

Drink Water

Since dehydration is one of the primary causes of hangover symptoms, drinking plenty of water before and after drinking alcohol can help stave off symptoms.

Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, and try to drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.

Eat a Good Meal

Eating a healthy, balanced meal before consuming alcohol can help slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, potentially mitigating some of the negative effects of alcohol.

Additionally, eating a healthy meal the morning after can help restore energy levels and fight feelings of fatigue.

Take Over-the-Counter Painkillers

Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate symptoms like headaches or muscle aches. However, be careful not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as this can exacerbate symptoms like nausea and dehydration.

Get Rest

Getting plenty of rest is a crucial part of hangover recovery. Try to get a full night’s sleep if possible, and take it easy the following day to allow your body time to recover.

The Bottom Line

Hangovers are an unpleasant but common phenomenon experienced by many people. While much is still unknown about the condition, scientists have identified several factors that can contribute to the development of hangover symptoms.

Practicing good habits like staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating a healthy meal before and after drinking can all help stave off hangover symptoms.