Understanding the Causes and How to Cure Hangover Nausea?
Mark K. 27. December 2022
ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT:
Causes and Remedies for Hangover Nausea
IN THIS ARTICLE YOU WILL DISCOVER:
What are the main causes of hangover nausea?
What are some ways to alleviate hangover nausea?
What can be done to prevent hangover nausea?
How can the severity of hangover symptoms be reduced?
Hangovers are a common experience for many people, with studies showing that over 75% of men and women have had at least one in their lives. Hangover symptoms can range from a throbbing headache to extreme fatigue, but one of the most common complaints is nausea after drinking alcohol. So what causes hangover nausea and how can it be cured and prevented?
Causes of Hangover Nausea
There are several factors that can contribute to hangover nausea:
1. Acute Gastritis
Alcohol is a direct irritant to the gastric mucosa, or the lining of the stomach. Consuming too much alcohol can lead to acute gastritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach due to damage to the mucosal lining. This damage is caused by the neutralization of bicarbonate ions, which make up the stomach's mucous epithelial lining, by alcohol. Acute gastritis can cause stomach pain and nausea, but the symptoms typically fade over time.
2. Toxin Build-Up and the Brain
When you drink alcohol, it is absorbed into your bloodstream through your stomach and small intestine. Your body then breaks down the alcohol into other substances, with the liver converting it into acetaldehyde, which is up to 30 times more toxic than alcohol itself. However, the liver can only process a limited amount of alcohol (about one standard drink per hour) and toxins can build up in the bloodstream. A build-up of acetaldehyde can cause symptoms like nausea and headaches.
3. The Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ)
The CTZ is a specific area in the brain that is responsible for detecting poison in the bloodstream. When alcohol triggers the CTZ, it can cause nausea and vomiting in an effort to help the body eliminate toxins. This is why hangover nausea is often accompanied by vomiting.
How to Cure Hangover Nausea
There are several ways to try and alleviate hangover nausea:
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can make hangover symptoms worse. Try to drink water or other hydrating beverages before bed and throughout the next day to help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to alcohol consumption.
2. Eat Something
Having food in your stomach can help to absorb some of the alcohol and reduce the irritation to your gastric mucosa. Consider eating a small, bland meal before bed or when you wake up in the morning. Avoid spicy or fatty foods, as these can make symptoms worse.
3. Take an Over-the-Counter Medicine
There are a few over-the-counter medications that can help to alleviate hangover nausea, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate headache and body aches. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions.
4. Try Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea. Try drinking ginger tea or taking ginger supplements to help alleviate hangover nausea.
5. Get Some Rest
Hangovers can be exhausting, so make sure to get plenty of rest and allow your body time to recover.
Preventing Hangover Nausea
While it's not always possible to completely avoid hangover symptoms, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the severity of your symptoms:
1. Drink in Moderation
The best way to prevent hangover symptoms is to drink in moderation. This means limiting yourself to one standard drink.
2. Drink Water Between Drinks
In addition to drinking in moderation, try to alternate alcoholic beverages with water to help stay hydrated and reduce the severity of hangover symptoms.
3. Eat Before or While Drinking
Having food in your stomach can help to absorb some of the alcohol and reduce the irritation to your gastric mucosa. Try to eat a meal or snack before or while drinking to reduce the chances of experiencing hangover nausea.
4. Avoid Dark-Colored Alcoholic Beverages
Drinks like red wine, bourbon, and dark beers contain higher levels of congeners, which are toxic byproducts of alcohol fermentation. These congeners can contribute to hangover symptoms, so try to choose clear or light-colored alcoholic beverages instead.
5. Avoid Mixing Different Types of Alcohol
Mixing different types of alcohol can increase the severity of hangover symptoms. Stick to one type of alcohol or choose drinks that are made with just one type of alcohol to reduce the chances of experiencing hangover nausea.
6. Try NoMo Hangover
NoMo Hangover is a special anti-hangover blend, making your morning after a night out 10 times better.
In conclusion, hangover nausea is a common symptom of drinking alcohol, and can be caused by a variety of factors including acute gastritis, toxin build-up, and the activation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone. To alleviate hangover nausea, try staying hydrated, eating something, taking over-the-counter medication, trying ginger, and getting rest. To prevent hangover nausea, drink in moderation, drink water between drinks, eat before or while drinking, avoid dark-colored alcoholic beverages, and avoid mixing different types of alcohol.
FAQ:
What are the main causes of hangover nausea?
The main causes of hangover nausea are acute gastritis, toxin build-up in the body, and the activation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain.
What are some ways to alleviate hangover nausea?
Some ways to alleviate hangover nausea include staying hydrated, eating something, taking over-the-counter medication, trying ginger, and getting rest.
What can be done to prevent hangover nausea?
To prevent hangover nausea, it is best to drink in moderation, drink water inbetween, eat before or while drinking, avoid dark-colored alcoholic beverages, and avoid mixing different types of alcohol.
