Hangover: 7 steps to treat it effectively

Although the consumption of alcohol since antiquity was associated with pleasant moments, such as family dinners, going out with friends, parties and social gatherings, it often leaves behind the unpleasant imprint of the hangover.

But what is a hangover?

It is the set of symptoms that occur after consuming a sufficient amount of alcohol (greater than what your body can handle) and includes the following: [1], [8]

• Motion sickness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Pain in the stomach area
• Intense fatigue and exhaustion
• Photosensitivity
• Sleep Disorders
• Increase in blood pressure (less common)

Why do we get a hangover?

Alcohol has a diuretic effect by nature. For this reason, your frequent visits to the toilet cause you to excrete large amounts of water and consequently electrolytes (such as Potassium and Magnesium). Therefore, dehydration is probably the main cause of the headache you feel during the hangover. [5], [6]

Also, especially when you are fasting, alcohol enhances the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, resulting in intense acidity causing severe pain and gastrointestinal disorders (eg burning in the esophagus).

In addition, alcohol has the property of lowering blood glucose levels and this is often the cause of severe dizziness, fatigue and irritability caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol. [2]

Sleep problems result from a decrease in the production of melatonin (sleep hormone) with the consumption of alcohol. Research in the Journal of Neuropharmacology has found that alcohol reduces the overall REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleep and consequently reduces restful and quality sleep. [3], [4]

How is hangover treated effectively?

• Prevention

The first and best way to deal with a hangover is to prevent it. To be precise, for every glass of alcohol you consume, make sure you drink a glass of water. In addition, before going out or before you start drinking, you should eat well to keep the glucose levels that the alcohol will try to drop high.

• Light lunch

If, of course, No. 1 does not apply, what you have to do before going to bed is to eat something light (eg a cold sandwich) and make sure you drink as much water as possible.

• Proper hydration

If you wake up again with severe hangover symptoms, be sure to consume large amounts of water and an electrolyte formulation to replenish the levels of magnesium, potassium and sodium you excrete the night before. [5], [6], [9]

• Breakfast rich in carbohydrates

A high-carbohydrate breakfast (a slice of whole-grain bread rich in B vitamins) with a little honey (to raise glucose levels) or an egg (which would eliminate the toxins created by alcohol) would be ideal. . [2], [9]

• Mint or chamomile drink

To restore calm to your gastrointestinal tract, consume a decoction of mint or chamomile.

• More hours of sleep

Hangover symptoms often worsen with lack of sleep. Try to get more sleep or sleep later in the day. With an extra two hours of rest, you will find that the severe symptoms will begin to subside. [3]

• Alternative approaches

Finally, for those who prefer more herbal solutions, a formulation with ginger to fight nausea, B-complex vitamins to replenish lost energy levels and a dietary supplement with artichoke or thistle to eliminate excess toxins are ideal. from alcohol overconsumption. [7]

Although a hangover can be easily prevented or treated, the consumer always makes sure to drink responsibly so that he has control over himself and the situation.

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References

1. Differences in the Temporal Typology of Alcohol Hangover
2. Alcohol hangover: mechanisms and mediators
3. The Effects of Alcohol on Quality of Sleep
4. Dose-dependent alcohol effects on electroencephalogram: sedation/anesthesia is qualitatively distinct from sleep
5. MECHANISM OF DEHYDRATION FOLLOWING ALCOHOL INGESTION
6. Hydration status and the diuretic action of a small dose of alcohol
7. Clinical effectiveness of KSS formula, a traditional folk remedy for alcohol hangover symptoms
8. Interventions for treatment and/or prevention of alcohol hangover: Systematic review
9. 7 steps to cure your hangover