Why do we get a hangover? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Mark K. 27. December 2022
ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT:
Why do we get a hangover? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
IN THIS ARTICLE YOU WILL DISCOVER:
What are the symptoms of a hangover?
What are the causes of a hangover?
How can a hangover be prevented?
How can a hangover be treated?
Having a bad day?
A hangover is a group of unpleasant signs and symptoms that develop after drinking too much alcohol. As if feeling awful weren't bad enough, frequent hangovers are also associated with poor performance and conflict at work.
But what exactly causes a hangover and how can it be treated?
Symptoms of a Hangover
Hangover symptoms typically begin when your blood alcohol content drops significantly and is at or near zero. They're usually in full effect the morning after a night of heavy drinking. Depending on what and how much you drank, you may notice:
1. Fatigue and weakness 2. Excessive thirst and dry mouth 3. Headaches and muscle aches 4. Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain 5. Poor or decreased sleep 6. Increased sensitivity to light and sound 7. Dizziness or a sense of the room spinning 8. Shakiness 9. Decreased ability to concentrate 10. Mood disturbances, such as 11. depression, anxiety and irritability 12. Rapid heartbeat
It's important to note that if more-severe signs and symptoms accompany heavy drinking, it may indicate alcohol poisoning, which is a life-threatening emergency. These symptoms may include:
1. Confusion 2. Vomiting 3. Seizures 4. Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute) 5. Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths) 6. Blue-tinged skin or pale skin 7. Low body temperature (hypothermia) 8. Difficulty remaining conscious 9. Passing out (unconsciousness) and can't be awakened
If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Causes of a Hangover
Hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol. A single alcoholic drink is enough to trigger a hangover for some people, while others may drink heavily and escape a hangover entirely.
Various factors may contribute to a hangover. For example:
-Alcohol causes your body to produce more urine, which can lead to dehydration.
-It triggers an inflammatory response from your immune system, which can cause physical symptoms like memory problems and loss of interest in usual activities.
-Irritates the lining of your stomach, causing abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
-Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to fall, leading to fatigue, weakness, and mood disturbances.
-Drinking causes your blood vessels to expand, which can lead to headaches. Disrupted sleep, leaving you groggy and tired.
Additionally, some alcoholic beverages contain ingredients called congeners, which give many types of alcohol their flavor and color. Congeners are thought to contribute to hangovers and are more common in dark-colored drinks like red wine, bourbon, and brandy.
Prevention and Treatment
As a general rule, the more alcohol you drink, the more likely you are to have a hangover the next day. But there's no magic formula to tell you how much you can safely drink and still avoid a hangover.
If you choose to drink alcohol, doing so responsibly can help you avoid future hangovers. This may include:
1. Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated 2. Avoiding drinks with congeners 3. Eating before and while drinking 4. Not mixing different types of alcohol 5. Taking special anti-hangover drinks like NoMo Hangover
Most hangovers go away on their own, though they can last up to 24 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with headaches and muscle aches. Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods can also help alleviate symptoms. As mentioned earlier, hangovers are a common occurrence after drinking too much alcohol. While they may not be life-threatening, they can still be quite unpleasant and can affect your daily life.
If you're dealing with a hangover, here are a few tips that may help alleviate your symptoms:
Drink plenty of fluids: Dehydration goes hand in hand with hangover symptoms, so it's important to drink plenty of water to replenish the fluids your body has lost. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as these can actually make dehydration worse.
Eat a healthy meal: A well-balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help restore your body's energy levels and settle your stomach. Avoid greasy or fried foods, as these can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate nausea.
Get some rest: Your body needs time to recover after a night of drinking, so try to get some extra sleep if possible. If you're unable to sleep, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help you unwind.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate headaches and muscle aches. However, be sure to read the label and follow the recommended dosage, as taking too much of these medications can be harmful.
Avoid alcohol: It may seem obvious, but avoiding alcohol while you're recovering from a hangover is the best way to prevent further symptoms.
Use anti-hangover drinks: Designed to make your mornings after much more tolerable. Formulated to eliminate symptoms of hangovers, the one we swear by is NoMo anti-hangover drink
SUMMARY
If you're experiencing more severe symptoms, such as confusion, vomiting, or seizures, it's important to seek medical attention immediately, as these may be signs of alcohol poisoning.
It's also important to note that if you're dealing with frequent, severe hangovers, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. If you're concerned that your alcohol use is affecting your personal relationships or your performance at work, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about treatment options. Alcoholism is a serious condition, but there are many resources available to help you overcome it.
In conclusion, hangovers are a common occurrence after drinking too much alcohol. While they may be unpleasant, they usually go away on their own within a day. To help alleviate your symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy meal, get some rest, and avoid alcohol while you're recovering. If you're experiencing severe symptoms or if your alcohol use is affecting your daily life, it's important to seek medical attention.
FAQ:
What are the symptoms of a hangover?
The symptoms of a hangover can include fatigue and weakness, excessive thirst and dry mouth, headaches and muscle aches, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, poor or decreased sleep, increased sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, shakiness, decreased ability to concentrate, mood disturbances, rapid heartbeat, and more.
What are the causes of a hangover?
Hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol, which can lead to dehydration, inflammation, irritation of the stomach lining, low blood sugar, expansion of blood vessels, disrupted sleep, and the presence of congeners in certain alcoholic beverages.
How can a hangover be prevented?
Hangovers can be prevented by drinking alcohol responsibly, such as by drinking water in between alcoholic beverages, avoiding drinks with congeners, eating before and while drinking, and not mixing different types of alcohol.
