The 6 Best Ways to Prevent and Cure a Hangover
Alcohol can cause an irritated stomach lining and increased stomach acid how long does a hangover last release. The well-known antacid Alka-Seltzer (as well as generic and store-brand antacids) contains sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). The brand also has an antacid product specifically marketed for hangover relief.
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- For most people, the effects of over-drinking last for a significantly shorter amount of time – normally just 24 hours.
- A study in 2016 found that the color of the alcoholic beverage could contribute to the severity of the hangover.
- “The fact people seem to vary enormously in terms of severity of hangover symptoms is often due to genetic variability.
- Alcohol functions as a diuretic, which means it increases urine output and therefore makes your body lose more water.
- In one study, researchers found that about 75% of people who drank excessively the night before reported hangover symptoms.
Have a sports drink to replace the sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes you’ve lost from vomiting or diarrhea. If you’ve ever had a few too many drinks on a night out, you know what the next morning can bring. The nausea, headache, parched mouth, and fatigue are telltale signs you’ve got a serious hangover. Caffeine may not have any special anti-hangover powers, but as a stimulant, it could help with the grogginess. In fact, according to some experts, the worst symptoms occur when levels reach zero. Binge drinking is even more harmful than regular alcohol intake since higher levels of alcohol are in the body at one time, leading to more toxicity.
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Binge drinking, common on college campuses, can lead not only to hangovers but to a serious, life-threatening condition known as alcohol poisoning. If you ever see anyone experience a loss of consciousness or turn blue after drinking, call 911 immediately. Hangovers are very common in people who consume too much alcohol. In one study, researchers found that about 75% of people who drank excessively the night before reported hangover symptoms. The researchers concluded that 25% to 30% of people who drink may be resistant to hangovers. Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, which may worsen certain hangover symptoms.
Eat bland foods like toast and crackers.
The theory is that consuming more alcohol increases blood alcohol levels and as a result delays hangover symptoms. But it won’t make your symptoms any better and, more alcoholism treatment likely, it will make them worse. A cold water shower, lasting about 1-3 minutes, may provide relief from some of your hangover symptoms. Studies suggest cold water immersion increases levels of adrenaline which makes you more alert and speeds up alcohol metabolism; cold water also raises levels of the ‘feel good’ brain chemical dopamine.
Feeling unwell?
Though research is limited, some studies suggest that certain supplements could ease a hangover. Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve symptoms of a hangover, as well as steps you can take to prevent or limit it. Inside the body, alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde, which is toxic in excessive amounts. (1) It damages the DNA, hampers normal cellular function, and also inhibits the body’s ability to reverse this damage. Studies show that if you smoke cigarettes while you drink, you may get a worse hangover. Researchers don’t know why, but they think it may have to do with how nicotine works on your nervous system.
- Different alcoholic beverages contain varying amounts (1).
- Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly on a regular basis, can lead to alcoholism, liver disease and a wide range of other severe health conditions.
- Before you go to bed, have another large glass of water – drinking water at this point will help efficiently flush out toxins.
Avoid ‘the hair of the dog’
A mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates will decrease the time it takes your body to eliminate alcohol. Eating before drinking slows how quickly your body absorbs alcohol. All alcohol can cause hangovers, but dark drinks (such as port or dark spirits) tend to be the worst offenders. This is because they contain congeners – chemicals which contribute to their taste, colour and aroma, but which break down in the body to form toxic compounds. Darker drinks, especially spirits like brandy or whisky, have higher levels of these congeners, so instead opt for clear spirits like vodka or gin. For an upset stomach and to help restore electrolyte balances, sipping on bone broth can help to relieve hangover symptoms.
No matter what food you choose to eat, though, Sassos stresses the importance of listening to your body and making decisions based on what makes you the most comfortable. If you’re feeling nauseous, for instance, she recommends trying out some more plain starches, along with warm water and ginger tea to soothe your GI tract. “Everything in moderation until you determine if it makes you feel better,” agrees Dr. Brick. “Remember, you body went through a lot last night and making it work more the next day may not be helpful.”
