How can you effectively treat a hangover headache. What are the most reliable home remedies for hangover relief. Why does alcohol consumption lead to headaches the next day. Which preventive measures can minimize hangover symptoms.

Understanding the Science Behind Hangover Headaches

Hangover headaches are a common consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. These headaches occur due to various physiological changes in the body induced by alcohol. But what exactly causes this uncomfortable symptom?

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to increased urine production and subsequent dehydration. This dehydration can cause the brain to temporarily shrink, pulling on the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain), resulting in pain. Additionally, alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, alters blood sugar levels, and triggers an inflammatory response in the body – all contributing factors to hangover headaches.

Key Factors Contributing to Hangover Headaches:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Acetaldehyde buildup (a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism)
• Disrupted sleep cycles
• Blood sugar fluctuations
• Vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels)

Understanding these mechanisms can help in devising effective strategies to prevent and treat hangover headaches.

Scientifically-Backed Remedies for Hangover Relief

While many hangover remedies lack scientific validation, some treatments have shown promise in research studies. These evidence-based approaches can help alleviate hangover symptoms, including headaches.

Vitamin B6 Supplementation

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in alcohol metabolism. Can vitamin B6 supplementation help reduce hangover symptoms? Research suggests it might. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals who took vitamin B6 before, during, and after alcohol consumption experienced fewer hangover symptoms compared to those who didn’t.

How does vitamin B6 work? It aids in the breakdown of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. By enhancing this process, vitamin B6 may help reduce the severity of hangover headaches.

NSAIDs: A Double-Edged Sword

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate hangover headaches by reducing inflammation. However, their use comes with caveats. NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining, which may already be sensitive due to alcohol consumption.

Is it safe to take NSAIDs for hangover relief? While they can be effective, it’s crucial to use them cautiously and avoid combining them with alcohol. Never exceed the recommended dosage, and consider taking them with food to minimize stomach irritation.

Electrolyte-Rich Beverages

Dehydration is a primary contributor to hangover symptoms. Electrolyte-rich beverages can help restore hydration and balance essential minerals in the body. Sports drinks, coconut water, and electrolyte-enhanced water are popular choices.

Are these drinks more effective than plain water? A study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that beverages containing electrolytes were more effective for rapid rehydration compared to plain water. However, be mindful of sugar content in some sports drinks, as excessive sugar can exacerbate hangover symptoms.

The Role of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in Hangover Prevention

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid derivative that has gained attention for its potential in hangover prevention. How does NAC work to mitigate hangover symptoms?

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the body. Alcohol consumption depletes glutathione levels, leading to increased oxidative stress and inflammation. By supplementing with NAC, you may help maintain glutathione levels, potentially reducing the severity of hangover symptoms.

Studies have shown promising results for NAC in hangover prevention. A 200-300 mg dose taken before alcohol consumption may help reduce acetaldehyde toxicity and protect the liver. However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and optimal dosing.

Exercise and Hangover Recovery: Finding the Right Balance

The relationship between exercise and hangover recovery is complex. While intense workouts are generally not recommended when hungover, light exercise may offer some benefits. How can physical activity impact hangover symptoms?

Gentle exercise can increase blood flow and promote the release of endorphins, potentially alleviating headache pain. It may also help accelerate the body’s metabolic processes, aiding in the elimination of alcohol and its byproducts.

However, it’s crucial to approach exercise cautiously when hungover. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can make intense physical activity dangerous. Focus on low-impact activities like walking, gentle stretching, or yoga. Always prioritize hydration before, during, and after exercise.

Nutritional Strategies for Hangover Prevention and Relief

Diet plays a significant role in both preventing and alleviating hangover symptoms. What nutritional strategies can help minimize the impact of alcohol consumption?

Eating Before and During Alcohol Consumption

Consuming food before and while drinking can slow alcohol absorption, potentially reducing the severity of hangover symptoms. Opt for meals rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. These macronutrients can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide a protective lining for the stomach.

Post-Drinking Nutrition

After a night of drinking, focus on replenishing nutrients and rehydrating. Consider these options:

• Fruits high in fructose (like bananas or melons) to help metabolize alcohol
• Eggs, which contain cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down acetaldehyde
• Whole grains to stabilize blood sugar levels
• Leafy greens rich in vitamins and minerals

Remember, while these foods can help, they’re not a cure-all. The most effective strategy is always moderation in alcohol consumption.

Hydration: The Cornerstone of Hangover Prevention

Proper hydration is crucial in preventing and alleviating hangover symptoms. How can you ensure adequate hydration when consuming alcohol?

The “drink water with every alcoholic beverage” rule is a good starting point. Aim for one glass of water (or about 16 ounces) for every 12-ounce beer or 4-6 ounce cocktail. This practice helps counteract alcohol’s diuretic effects and maintains hydration levels.

Optimal Hydration Choices

While plain water is excellent, certain beverages may offer additional benefits:

1. Coconut water: Rich in electrolytes and potassium
2. Electrolyte-enhanced water: Helps restore mineral balance
3. Herbal teas: Can provide hydration and potential anti-inflammatory benefits
4. Sports drinks (in moderation): Offer quick hydration and electrolyte replenishment

Remember, hydration should continue well into the next day to support recovery and alleviate hangover symptoms.

The Importance of Sleep in Hangover Recovery

Quality sleep plays a crucial role in hangover recovery, yet alcohol often disrupts normal sleep patterns. How does alcohol affect sleep, and what can be done to improve sleep quality after drinking?

Alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, but it significantly reduces sleep quality. It disrupts the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle, leading to less restful sleep. This poor-quality sleep contributes to fatigue, irritability, and exacerbated hangover symptoms the next day.

Strategies for Better Post-Drinking Sleep

• Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleeping environment
• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed
• Consider using a white noise machine or app to promote deeper sleep
• Stay hydrated, but avoid excessive fluid intake right before bed to prevent nighttime bathroom trips
• If possible, allow for extra sleep time to compensate for reduced sleep quality

Prioritizing sleep after alcohol consumption can significantly impact how you feel the next day and aid in faster recovery from hangover symptoms.

Long-Term Strategies for Reducing Hangover Frequency and Severity

While immediate remedies are helpful, developing long-term strategies to minimize hangover occurrences is crucial for overall health and well-being. What lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of hangovers?

Moderation and Mindful Drinking

The most effective way to prevent hangovers is to practice moderation in alcohol consumption. This doesn’t necessarily mean abstaining completely, but rather being mindful of your intake. Consider these strategies:

• Set a drink limit before social events and stick to it
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages
• Choose lower-alcohol content drinks
• Sip drinks slowly to reduce overall consumption

Building Alcohol Tolerance Responsibly

Can you build a tolerance to alcohol to reduce hangover frequency? While the body can develop a certain level of tolerance, it’s important to approach this concept cautiously. Increased tolerance often leads to higher consumption, which can have negative health impacts.

Instead of focusing on building tolerance, aim to understand your personal limits and respect them. Pay attention to how different types and amounts of alcohol affect you, and use this knowledge to make informed decisions about your consumption.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Hangover Susceptibility

Several lifestyle factors can influence how susceptible you are to hangovers:

1. Overall health: A healthy body is better equipped to process alcohol efficiently
2. Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports liver function
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve overall metabolism and alcohol processing
4. Stress levels: High stress can exacerbate hangover symptoms
5. Sleep habits: Consistent, quality sleep supports the body’s recovery processes

By addressing these factors, you can potentially reduce the severity of hangovers when they do occur.

Understanding Alcohol’s Impact on Different Body Types

The way alcohol affects individuals can vary significantly based on various physiological factors. Understanding these differences can help in developing personalized strategies for hangover prevention and management.

Body Composition and Alcohol Metabolism

Body composition plays a crucial role in how alcohol is processed and its effects on the body. How does body type influence alcohol metabolism?

• Muscle mass: Higher muscle mass can lead to faster alcohol metabolism
• Body fat percentage: Alcohol is not soluble in fat, leading to higher blood alcohol concentrations in individuals with higher body fat percentages
• Body water content: Higher water content in the body can dilute alcohol more effectively

Understanding your body composition can help you gauge how alcohol might affect you and adjust your consumption accordingly.

Gender Differences in Alcohol Processing

Gender also plays a role in how the body processes alcohol. Women generally have a higher body fat percentage and lower body water content compared to men of similar size. This can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations from the same amount of alcohol consumed.

Additionally, women typically have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme crucial for breaking down alcohol in the body. This can result in slower alcohol metabolism and potentially more severe hangover symptoms.

Genetic Factors Influencing Alcohol Sensitivity

Genetic variations can significantly impact how individuals respond to alcohol. Some people may have genetic predispositions that affect:

• Alcohol metabolism rates
• Acetaldehyde processing
• Susceptibility to hangover symptoms

For example, some individuals of East Asian descent have a variant of the ALDH2 gene that leads to slower processing of acetaldehyde, often resulting in more severe hangover symptoms.

Understanding these individual differences can help in developing personalized strategies for alcohol consumption and hangover prevention. It’s important to recognize your own body’s response to alcohol and adjust your habits accordingly.

Treatments, Home Remedies, Causes, and Symptoms

Hangover headaches are no fun. It’s well known that drinking too much alcohol can cause a variety of symptoms the next day. A headache is just one of them.

It’s easy to find tons of purported hangover headache “cures” that you can make at home and even buy in stores. But most of them have no reliable scientific research that proves they work.

The best way to avoid a hangover headache is to limit how much alcohol you drink in one sitting. Still, we’ve also got some tips that can help you reduce your chances of having a headache, and a few to ease your pain in case you’ve already got one.

First, let’s talk about some of the remedies that do have some scientific evidence to back them up.

1. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient that’s found in all sorts of common foods, such as poultry, potatoes, and fruit. Alcohol reduces your levels of B vitamins, making it harder for your body to metabolize and eliminate alcohol.

Loading up on extra B6 with a hearty meal or taking a dietary supplement can help your body get rid of alcohol faster. This may help you avoid a hangover headache, whether you take B6 before or after you drink.

2. NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help decrease inflammation in your body associated with drinking. NSAIDS block the production of enzymes that lead to headaches and migraines. Taking a small dose of NSAIDs may help ward off a hangover headache.

Just take it easy on the doses. Combined with alcohol, NSAIDs can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Never take acetaminophen (Tylenol) when you drink or when you’re hungover. Acetaminophen makes it harder for your body to process alcohol and can damage your liver.

Your liver is already working overtime to get excess alcohol out of your body. Too much Tylenol — over 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period — while hungover can lead to dangerous liver swelling or liver failure.

3.

Fitness drinks

Hydration is a must when you drink. Alcohol can dehydrate you and drain your body of electrolytes.

Drinking a beverage that’s packed with additional electrolytes can help you restore your electrolyte balance and remain hydrated.

A 2014 study from the Center for Weight and Health at UC Berkeley found that fitness drinks like Gatorade were better for quick hydration after intense exercise. So they may get you hydrated faster than regular water after a night of drinking.

Just don’t overdo it. Some drinks can contain up to 36 grams of sugar for a 20-ounce serving. Excess sugar can make your hangover symptoms worse.

4. N-acetyl-cysteine

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a natural amino acid that helps your body fight against the toxic effects of acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a chemical compound associated with many hangover symptoms, including headaches. As acetaldehyde levels rise, your glutathione levels decrease. Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that prevents cell damage in your liver.

Take a 200- to 300-milligram (mg) NAC supplement at least half an hour before you start drinking. This could reduce the impact of acetaldehyde on your liver and make your hangover symptoms much less severe.

5. Light exercise

In general, exercising the day after you drink isn’t recommended.

But light exercise can help your body speed along its metabolic processes, ridding your body of alcohol and related toxins more quickly. Just make sure you stay hydrated since your body is already battling the effects of dehydration while you’re hung over.

Already nursing that hangover headache? Here are eight tips to minimize your pain.

1. Make sure to eat

Eat before, during, and after consuming alcohol. Here are a few reasons why this helps:

• Eating helps keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Low blood sugar can make a hangover headache worse.
• Keeping your blood sugar levels up can also limit how much acid builds up in your blood. This may prevent headaches as well as other symptoms, like nausea and exhaustion.
• Drinking causes a loss of vitamins that can lead to hangover symptoms, such as headache. Eating can keep your vitamin levels up, and potentially prevent some of those hangover symptoms.

2. Drink water

Try this: Have a glass or bottle of water with every drink.

Or, try drinking water both before and after you have alcohol. Have 1 cup or a 16-ounce bottle of water for every 12-ounce beer or 4- to 6-ounce cocktail you drink.

The following drinks can all help you stay hydrated and minimize hangover headaches:

• good ol’ plain water
• Gatorade or Powerade
• coconut water
• alkaline water enhanced with additional electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium

Why? because alcohol’s a diuretic — it causes your body to increase how much urine it produces. This makes you lose fluids and electrolytes at a faster rate, so you’ll get dehydrated much more quickly. And if you end up vomiting from having too much alcohol, you’ll lose even more fluids.

Preventing dehydration means your hangover symptoms will be much less severe, if you have any at all. And hydration has plenty of other benefits, too.

3. Choose light-colored drinks

The darker the drink, the worse your hangover may be. This is because distilled, dark-colored drinks like whiskey, bourbon, and brandy contain large amounts of congeners.

Congeners result from the distillation or fermentation process used to produce these darker liquors. Some common congeners include:

• tannins
• acetone
• acetaldehyde

Congeners are much more likely to result in hangover symptoms, including headaches. Opt for light-colored drinks like vodka to minimize your hangover blues the day after.

4. Know your limits

This one’s straightforward: Don’t feel pressured to drink more than you’re comfortable with, or at all, if you’re not feeling it. Your limits aren’t the same as everyone else’s, and you may not always feel like drinking when the people around you are.

The second part of this is to listen to your body and use your past experiences as a reference. Maybe one drink is fine, but two or more starts to make you dizzy, lightheaded, and leads to a splitting headache the next day. Do what you feel most comfortable with.

5. Limit yourself

Your body metabolizes a typical serving of alcohol (about 16 fluid ounces) in the course of an hour or so. So, limit yourself to one drink per hour.

Spreading your alcohol consumption out over this time allows your body to flush out alcohol efficiently so that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) stays low and is essentially cleared out of your body before the next day. This may help you avoid hangover symptoms altogether.

6. Skip “hair of the dog”

“Hair of the dog” refers to having some of the same alcohol the next morning that you had the night before.

Research proving that it works is limited. Plus, drinking more alcohol when your body is already dealing with hangover symptoms can either make them worse or only be a temporary fix before your symptoms return.

7. Skip the hangover recipes

Don’t listen to all the weird, outlandish recipes that are purported to help “cure” a hangover. Ingredients like raw eggs, spices, and the numerous preservatives used in processed or fast foods can make symptoms like nausea and vomiting worse.

Stick with basic, protein-packed, vitamin-rich foods like:

• bananas
• eggs
• nuts
• spinach

8. Remember, everyone is different

Not everyone feels the same effects of their drinking the morning after. In fact, your genes alone account for nearly half of the variables that contribute to how your body reacts to alcohol.

The other half of the variables that contribute to your hangover include:

• whether you’re male or female
• how much you weigh
• what medications you’re taking
• how much you’ve eaten
• enzyme deficiencies that make you flush or get sick when you consume alcohol
• how quickly you drink (one drink an hour vs. several drinks in a single hour)

Alcohol contains a chemical called ethanol. As you drink alcohol, your stomach absorbs about 20 percent of this ethanol while your small intestine absorbs the rest. From the small intestine, ethanol travels into the bloodstream and throughout your body, including your brain.

Ethanol’s diuretic effects can also quickly dehydrate you, and a headache is just one of many symptoms of dehydration.

In your bloodstream, ethanol can cause headaches through vasodilation. This means that it makes your blood vessels expand. Vasodilation can stimulate certain brain nerves and result in pain. Alcohol also affects chemicals and hormones in your brain, such as histamine and serotonin, which contribute to the development of a headache.

Having too much alcohol at one time can lead to alcohol poisoning. If untreated, alcohol poisoning can have long-term consequences or may even result in death.

Get emergency medical help if you or anyone you’re drinking with notices any of the following symptoms:

• feeling confused
• skin changing color to dark blue or purple
• throwing up
• breathing slowing down (inhaling and exhaling fewer than eight times a minute)
• pausing between breaths (10 or more seconds)
• chills
• seizures
• falling unconscious and being unable to wake up

If you find that you’re not able to control how much you drink or stop yourself from drinking even if it’s causing you physical or emotional pain, you may need to seek treatment for alcoholism.

The first step towards confronting alcoholism is acknowledging that you have an alcohol problem, as well as the toll it may be taking on your life. Once you’ve reached this important milestone, talk to your doctor, a therapist, or a counselor who can help recommend treatment for alcohol dependence. Remember, you’re not alone.

The key to avoiding a hangover headache is moderation. Take it slow when you drink alcohol. Try sipping instead of gulping or pounding shots.

But it you’re already dealing with a hangover, try one or more of these tips to see what works for you. Start with eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water before, during, and after drinking.

Taking preventative measures is the best way to stop a hangover headache before it ever starts.

Treatments, Home Remedies, Causes, and Symptoms

Hangover headaches are no fun. It’s well known that drinking too much alcohol can cause a variety of symptoms the next day. A headache is just one of them.

It’s easy to find tons of purported hangover headache “cures” that you can make at home and even buy in stores. But most of them have no reliable scientific research that proves they work.

The best way to avoid a hangover headache is to limit how much alcohol you drink in one sitting. Still, we’ve also got some tips that can help you reduce your chances of having a headache, and a few to ease your pain in case you’ve already got one.

First, let’s talk about some of the remedies that do have some scientific evidence to back them up.

1. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient that’s found in all sorts of common foods, such as poultry, potatoes, and fruit. Alcohol reduces your levels of B vitamins, making it harder for your body to metabolize and eliminate alcohol.

Loading up on extra B6 with a hearty meal or taking a dietary supplement can help your body get rid of alcohol faster. This may help you avoid a hangover headache, whether you take B6 before or after you drink.

2. NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help decrease inflammation in your body associated with drinking. NSAIDS block the production of enzymes that lead to headaches and migraines. Taking a small dose of NSAIDs may help ward off a hangover headache.

Just take it easy on the doses. Combined with alcohol, NSAIDs can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Never take acetaminophen (Tylenol) when you drink or when you’re hungover. Acetaminophen makes it harder for your body to process alcohol and can damage your liver.

Your liver is already working overtime to get excess alcohol out of your body. Too much Tylenol — over 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period — while hungover can lead to dangerous liver swelling or liver failure.

3. Fitness drinks

Hydration is a must when you drink. Alcohol can dehydrate you and drain your body of electrolytes.

Drinking a beverage that’s packed with additional electrolytes can help you restore your electrolyte balance and remain hydrated.

A 2014 study from the Center for Weight and Health at UC Berkeley found that fitness drinks like Gatorade were better for quick hydration after intense exercise. So they may get you hydrated faster than regular water after a night of drinking.

Just don’t overdo it. Some drinks can contain up to 36 grams of sugar for a 20-ounce serving. Excess sugar can make your hangover symptoms worse.

4. N-acetyl-cysteine

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a natural amino acid that helps your body fight against the toxic effects of acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a chemical compound associated with many hangover symptoms, including headaches. As acetaldehyde levels rise, your glutathione levels decrease. Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that prevents cell damage in your liver.

Take a 200- to 300-milligram (mg) NAC supplement at least half an hour before you start drinking. This could reduce the impact of acetaldehyde on your liver and make your hangover symptoms much less severe.

5. Light exercise

In general, exercising the day after you drink isn’t recommended.

But light exercise can help your body speed along its metabolic processes, ridding your body of alcohol and related toxins more quickly. Just make sure you stay hydrated since your body is already battling the effects of dehydration while you’re hung over.

Already nursing that hangover headache? Here are eight tips to minimize your pain.

1. Make sure to eat

Eat before, during, and after consuming alcohol. Here are a few reasons why this helps:

• Eating helps keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Low blood sugar can make a hangover headache worse.
• Keeping your blood sugar levels up can also limit how much acid builds up in your blood. This may prevent headaches as well as other symptoms, like nausea and exhaustion.
• Drinking causes a loss of vitamins that can lead to hangover symptoms, such as headache. Eating can keep your vitamin levels up, and potentially prevent some of those hangover symptoms.

2. Drink water

Try this: Have a glass or bottle of water with every drink.

Or, try drinking water both before and after you have alcohol. Have 1 cup or a 16-ounce bottle of water for every 12-ounce beer or 4- to 6-ounce cocktail you drink.

The following drinks can all help you stay hydrated and minimize hangover headaches:

• good ol’ plain water
• Gatorade or Powerade
• coconut water
• alkaline water enhanced with additional electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium

Why? because alcohol’s a diuretic — it causes your body to increase how much urine it produces. This makes you lose fluids and electrolytes at a faster rate, so you’ll get dehydrated much more quickly. And if you end up vomiting from having too much alcohol, you’ll lose even more fluids.

Preventing dehydration means your hangover symptoms will be much less severe, if you have any at all. And hydration has plenty of other benefits, too.

3.

Choose light-colored drinks

The darker the drink, the worse your hangover may be. This is because distilled, dark-colored drinks like whiskey, bourbon, and brandy contain large amounts of congeners.

Congeners result from the distillation or fermentation process used to produce these darker liquors. Some common congeners include:

• tannins
• acetone
• acetaldehyde

Congeners are much more likely to result in hangover symptoms, including headaches. Opt for light-colored drinks like vodka to minimize your hangover blues the day after.

4. Know your limits

This one’s straightforward: Don’t feel pressured to drink more than you’re comfortable with, or at all, if you’re not feeling it. Your limits aren’t the same as everyone else’s, and you may not always feel like drinking when the people around you are.

The second part of this is to listen to your body and use your past experiences as a reference. Maybe one drink is fine, but two or more starts to make you dizzy, lightheaded, and leads to a splitting headache the next day. Do what you feel most comfortable with.

5. Limit yourself

Your body metabolizes a typical serving of alcohol (about 16 fluid ounces) in the course of an hour or so. So, limit yourself to one drink per hour.

Spreading your alcohol consumption out over this time allows your body to flush out alcohol efficiently so that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) stays low and is essentially cleared out of your body before the next day. This may help you avoid hangover symptoms altogether.

6. Skip “hair of the dog”

“Hair of the dog” refers to having some of the same alcohol the next morning that you had the night before.

Research proving that it works is limited. Plus, drinking more alcohol when your body is already dealing with hangover symptoms can either make them worse or only be a temporary fix before your symptoms return.

7. Skip the hangover recipes

Don’t listen to all the weird, outlandish recipes that are purported to help “cure” a hangover. Ingredients like raw eggs, spices, and the numerous preservatives used in processed or fast foods can make symptoms like nausea and vomiting worse.

Stick with basic, protein-packed, vitamin-rich foods like:

• bananas
• eggs
• nuts
• spinach

8. Remember, everyone is different

Not everyone feels the same effects of their drinking the morning after. In fact, your genes alone account for nearly half of the variables that contribute to how your body reacts to alcohol.

The other half of the variables that contribute to your hangover include:

• whether you’re male or female
• how much you weigh
• what medications you’re taking
• how much you’ve eaten
• enzyme deficiencies that make you flush or get sick when you consume alcohol
• how quickly you drink (one drink an hour vs. several drinks in a single hour)

Alcohol contains a chemical called ethanol. As you drink alcohol, your stomach absorbs about 20 percent of this ethanol while your small intestine absorbs the rest. From the small intestine, ethanol travels into the bloodstream and throughout your body, including your brain.

Ethanol’s diuretic effects can also quickly dehydrate you, and a headache is just one of many symptoms of dehydration.

In your bloodstream, ethanol can cause headaches through vasodilation. This means that it makes your blood vessels expand. Vasodilation can stimulate certain brain nerves and result in pain. Alcohol also affects chemicals and hormones in your brain, such as histamine and serotonin, which contribute to the development of a headache.

Having too much alcohol at one time can lead to alcohol poisoning. If untreated, alcohol poisoning can have long-term consequences or may even result in death.

Get emergency medical help if you or anyone you’re drinking with notices any of the following symptoms:

• feeling confused
• skin changing color to dark blue or purple
• throwing up
• breathing slowing down (inhaling and exhaling fewer than eight times a minute)
• pausing between breaths (10 or more seconds)
• chills
• seizures
• falling unconscious and being unable to wake up

If you find that you’re not able to control how much you drink or stop yourself from drinking even if it’s causing you physical or emotional pain, you may need to seek treatment for alcoholism.

The first step towards confronting alcoholism is acknowledging that you have an alcohol problem, as well as the toll it may be taking on your life. Once you’ve reached this important milestone, talk to your doctor, a therapist, or a counselor who can help recommend treatment for alcohol dependence. Remember, you’re not alone.

The key to avoiding a hangover headache is moderation. Take it slow when you drink alcohol. Try sipping instead of gulping or pounding shots.

But it you’re already dealing with a hangover, try one or more of these tips to see what works for you. Start with eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water before, during, and after drinking.

Taking preventative measures is the best way to stop a hangover headache before it ever starts.

Hangover pills

Last night was a success, and today the body says “thank you” with headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness? Undoubtedly, this is a classic hangover – retribution for excessive alcohol consumption. Almost every adult has encountered this unpleasant morning phenomenon, so many ways have been invented to alleviate the hangover syndrome. Some of them are really effective, while others can aggravate an already disgusting state of health.
To eliminate the symptoms of a hangover, it is necessary to approach it comprehensively and remember that there is no miracle cure that can instantly put you on your feet. The body will remove the breakdown products of alcohol for at least another 12 hours, during which palpitations, dry mouth, loss of appetite and other “charms” of a hangover may appear.

Main hangover symptoms and methods of dealing with them

Thirst
The first thing that a person who wakes up after “yesterday” feels is a severe dry mouth. This is quite natural, because alcohol is an excellent diuretic that provokes the separation of primary urine. You can solve this problem by drinking plenty of water. Good fruit juices, mineral water, decoctions

from rose hips ,

mint leaves and

chamomile flowers , weakly brewed sweet tea with the addition of lemon. They not only normalize the water balance of the body, but also help restore the level of vitamins, salts and glucose, significantly reduced by alcohol.

Headache

The second and probably the most unpleasant manifestation of excessive alcohol consumption is a headache. Sometimes it is so strong that it practically deprives the ability to think and move. Medications will help to eliminate it – various painkillers tablets. The classic is Aspirin or Acetylsalicylic acid . But if, along with a headache, you feel heartburn and nausea, then you should give preference to paracetamol containing products : they are more easily absorbed by the body and do not irritate the gastric mucosa, but they should be used with caution, because. an overdose of paracetamol destroys the liver.

Nausea
The main impact of alcohol is taken by the organs of the digestive system. It is they who break down, process and prepare the breakdown products of alcohol for elimination, so nausea, heartburn and even vomiting are absolutely normal hangover phenomena. Help the body to cope with this task faster0016 sorbents . One of the most famous sorbents is activated carbon. It is necessary to take it at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight, crushing the required amount and mixing with a glass of warm water.

Weakness
Alcohol adversely affects the entire human body, causing weakness, dizziness and drowsiness. The solution to this problem can be a contrast shower, which will invigorate, and also remove the decay products of alcohol excreted from the skin with sweat. Fresh air also helps to speed up detoxification: a walk in the park or at least a window open wide will be good helpers in the fight against a hangover. Also, do not deny yourself a long sleep, especially if after “yesterday” you are not expected at work. The human body in a dream is the easiest and fastest way to cope with the symptoms of a hangover.

If all the measures taken do not give a positive result, and your condition only worsens, then it is time to turn to professionals for help. Poor-quality alcohol, severe intoxication, or a specific reaction of the body to alcohol can cause serious problems that can only be eliminated with high-quality drug treatment.

The material is for informational purposes only. Medicinal products, biologically active supplements and other products are indicated as an example of their possible use and / or application, which in no way constitutes a recommendation for their use. Before using drugs, dietary supplements and medical equipment and other products, be sure to consult a specialist.

why it hurts and what to do at home

Hangover headache is a throbbing, excruciating and extremely painful sensation.

Hangover is a consequence of drinking alcohol the day before. But everyone’s reactions are different. Some can drink heavily and at least they have something. And for others, a few glasses are enough to feel bad in the morning. And, as a rule, the most unpleasant (it is also the most frequent) symptom of alcoholic libations is a headache.

Alcohol can also be a migraine trigger – about 3 out of 10 migraine sufferers notice that their headaches appear after drinking. And another 5 out of 10 people claim that alcohol is a provocateur of cluster headache for them, that is, with a series of attacks.

Hangover headaches

Alcoholic drinks contain ethanol (ethyl alcohol). And, as you know, it leads to dehydration of the body, and it also acts as a diuretic. According to studies, 250 ml of an alcoholic drink removes 800 ml of water from the body. In the morning, all the organs and tissues of our body are desperately trying to replenish their fluid reserves and take it away … from the brain, which is 70% water. As a result, the brain decreases in size, the membranes that connect it to the skull are stretched, which leads to headaches.

In addition, together with water, alcohol removes potassium salts from our body, which are necessary for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. When potassium levels become too low, headaches can also occur.

However, not only ethanol is to blame for a sick head. There are other triggers as well.

Studies in the US and Europe have shown that red and white wine are more likely to cause headaches than vodka. It has also been noted that beer or sparkling wine is more likely to trigger migraines. And it’s not just ethanol – other chemicals can be the cause:

• tyramine;
• histamine;
• phenethylamine;
• sulfites;
• flavonoid phenols.

For example, people who suffer from migraines get headaches after eating meat and aged cheeses, which contain histamines and tyramines. Similarly, there are tyramines in wine. And histamines are in beer, Braga and champagne. Obviously, a glass of wine or a can of beer will not cause dehydration, and yet it can trigger a migraine.

Flavonoid phenols and tannins are found in dark colored drinks such as whiskey, brandy, cognac. Some research suggests that dark drinks are more likely to cause severe hangover headaches than light drinks. These data lead some doctors to believe that it is these chemicals, and not ethanol, that cause migraines and other types of headaches.

And finally, another trigger is nicotine. Many people start smoking more when they drink. The combined effect of nicotine and alcohol causes a strong release of dopamine, the happy hormone. Yes, at first this hormone elevates mood, but its overabundance can also provoke a headache. Studies have shown that people who puffed on a couple of cigarettes while drinking were twice as likely to experience hangover headaches as those who drank without smoking.

The International Headache Society notes that pains provoked by alcohol are of two types:

• immediate (cocktail) – occurs immediately after drinking alcohol (within 30 minutes – 3 hours) and can last up to 2 – 3 days;
• delayed (hangover) – begins the morning after the party and passes in a few hours (maximum in a day) along with a hangover.

What to do if you have a headache from a hangover

There are several ways to get rid of a hangover headache. Here are the most common recommendations from doctors.

Drink plenty of water

It is essential to restore the necessary amount of fluid in the body. It is better if it is mineral water with potassium, calcium, sodium ions – it will also help restore the balance of electrolytes.

Eat

In the evening, during a feast, try to eat more fatty foods – they absorb alcohol well, it does not get into the blood so quickly.

Eat some carbohydrate-rich food in the morning to raise your blood sugar levels. Ideally, porridge. Or a muffin or a cookie.

Brew coffee or tea

Drinks with caffeine will help “turn on” the nervous system oppressed by alcohol. But remember, these drinks have a diuretic effect and also lead to dehydration. So drink water after them.

Take a pain reliever

Aspirin or Nurofen can help you get rid of your headache. But not Paracetamol! Which, by the way, is part of the popular Citramon. The fact is that Paracetamol is very toxic to the liver, which already suffered the day before. In addition, there is evidence that it inhibits the production of enzymes in the liver that break down alcohol. That is, the headache will go away, but other hangover symptoms will last longer.

As for Aspirin, yes, it has a negative effect on the stomach. But if you drink it with plenty of water, nothing bad will happen. Its side effects are not as strong as those of Paracetamol.

Take vitamin B

The level of this vitamin decreases with alcohol. And its lack can also provoke a headache attack. But it is better to take vitamins before a feast, and not in the morning.

Get some sleep

Napping during the day can greatly relieve hangover headaches.

Popular questions and answers

We asked psychotherapist, narcologist Ilya Kisler to answer popular questions about hangover headache.

Should I hangover if my head hurts from a hangover?

In fact, the habit of a hangover is a clear sign of alcohol addiction, and if you feel the need for a hangover, then you need to run to a narcologist, not to a store. Here it is! A normal reaction to alcohol intoxication is nausea and vomiting. If there is a desire to drink – this is a bad sign.

To get rid of intoxication will help abundant alkaline drink (mineral water), weak sweet tea, more light carbohydrates, you can take Enterodez adsorbent (it is sold in pharmacies) and activated charcoal (10-12 tablets at once). But I strongly advise you not to hangover!

When to call a doctor if you have a hangover headache?

It is necessary to call a doctor if the person’s condition worsens, there are complaints of shortness of breath, severe trembling all over the body, consciousness becomes confused.