Drinking alcohol is not only associated with enjoyment but also with an unpleasant aftermath known as hangover. A hangover is a group of symptoms that occur after excessive alcohol consumption, commonly experienced by 12% of alcohol drinkers.

The symptoms of hangover vary from person to person, but the most common ones include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and sensitivity to sound and light.

Causes of Hangover

Hangovers are caused by the toxic by-products created during the breakdown of alcohol by the liver. The amount of alcohol consumed, the duration of drinking, and the type of alcoholic beverage consumed all affect the severity of the resultant hangover.

Other factors that contribute to hangovers include:.

Dehydration caused by the diuretic effect of alcohol leading to electrolytes imbalances and a decrease in the volume of body fluids.
Irritation of the stomach lining leading to nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
Increased levels of sugar in the bloodstream leading to hypoglycemia contributing to fatigue, shakiness, and difficulty concentrating.
Widening of blood vessels causing headaches due to the increased blood flow to the brain’s surface.
Decrease in the quality and duration of sleep due to the effect of alcohol on the nervous system.

How to Prevent Hangover

Although there is no fool-proof way to prevent hangovers, some measures may minimize the resultant symptoms:.

Always drink in moderation. The best way to prevent hangovers is to avoid getting drunk. It is advisable to set some limits beforehand on the amount of alcohol to take and stick to them.
Eat before drinking – Foods like carbs help to absorb alcohol reducing the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. A full stomach before drinking reduces the speed at which alcohol is absorbed in the body.
Stay hydrated – Drinking alcohol leads to dehydration. Drinking water before, during, and after consuming alcohol helps to prevent dehydration and restores the balance of electrolytes.
Consider drink type – Different types of alcohol contain different amounts of congeners which can cause severe hangovers. Clear liquors like vodka and gin have low congeners, making them a better choice if you are prone to hangovers.
Take supplements – Supplements like B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc help to reduce the symptoms of hangover.

How to Treat Hangover

If you find yourself with a hangover, some remedies can help you manage the symptoms:.

Drink lots of water and electrolytes to rehydrate. Drinks like coconut water, sports drink, and oral rehydration solution are good choices.
Take painkillers – Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can help alleviate headache and body aches.
Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals – Foods like bananas, eggs, and leafy vegetables contain electrolytes that help to restore balance.
Get some rest – Drinking alcohol affects the quality of sleep leading to exhaustion and fatigue. Take some time to rest and sleep.

When to Seek Medical Help

Hangover symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours after drinking. However, seek medical attention if the symptoms persist or worsen. Severe symptoms like irregular heartbeat, seizures, and shortness of breath require immediate medical help.

These symptoms may indicate alcohol poisoning, which is a life-threatening condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hangovers are a common aftermath of excessive alcohol consumption. The severity of hangovers depends on the amount and type of alcohol consumed, the duration of drinking, and an individual’s susceptibility.

The most effective way of avoiding hangovers is to drink in moderation, hydrate properly, eat before drinking, and consider taking supplements. If you find yourself with a hangover, some remedies like taking painkillers, rehydration, rest, and eating nutritious foods can help.