How to get rid of an alcohol hangover? Discover the 7 effective steps to cure your morning-after misery. Get relief from headaches, nausea, and more with this expert-backed guide.

Unraveling the Mystery of Hangovers

Hangovers seem to be the body’s way of reminding us about the hazards of overindulgence. Physiologically, it’s a group effort: Diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea, and shaking are the classic symptoms. Sometimes, systolic (the upper number) blood pressure goes up, the heart beats faster than normal, and sweat glands overproduce — evidence that the “fight or flight” response is revved up. Some people become sensitive to light or sound. Others suffer a spinning sensation (vertigo).

The causes are as varied as the symptoms. Alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a substance that’s toxic at high levels. However, concentrations rarely get that high, so that’s not the complete explanation. Drinking interferes with brain activity during sleep, so a hangover may be a form of sleep deprivation. Alcohol can also trigger migraines, so some people may think they’re hung over when it’s really an alcohol-induced migraine they’re suffering.

When Do Hangovers Begin?

Hangovers begin after blood alcohol levels start to fall. In fact, according to some experts, the worst symptoms occur when levels reach zero. The key ingredient seems to be “drinking to intoxication”; how much you drank to get there is less important. In fact, several studies suggest that light and moderate drinkers are more vulnerable to getting a hangover than heavy drinkers. Yet there’s also seemingly contradictory research showing that people with a family history of alcoholism have worse hangovers. Researchers say some people may end up with drinking problems because they drink in an effort to relieve hangover symptoms.

7 Effective Steps to Cure a Hangover

1. Hair of the Dog: A Risky Remedy

Drinking to ease the symptoms of a hangover is sometimes called taking the hair of the dog, or hair of the dog that bit you. The notion is that hangovers are a form of alcohol withdrawal, so a drink or two will ease the withdrawal. There may be something to it, as both alcohol and certain sedatives, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), interact with GABA receptors on brain cells. However, Dr. Swift advises against using alcohol as a hangover remedy, as “The hair of the dog just perpetuates a cycle” and “doesn’t allow you to recover.”

2. Drink Fluids to Rehydrate

Alcohol promotes urination because it inhibits the release of vasopressin, a hormone that decreases the volume of urine made by the kidneys. If your hangover includes diarrhea, sweating, or vomiting, you may be even more dehydrated. Although nausea can make it difficult to get anything down, even just a few sips of water might help your hangover.

3. Restore Blood Sugar Levels with Carbohydrates

Drinking may lower blood sugar levels, so theoretically some of the fatigue and headaches of a hangover may be from a brain working without enough of its main fuel. Moreover, many people forget to eat when they drink, further lowering their blood sugar. Toast and juice is a way to gently nudge levels back to normal.

4. Avoid Darker-Colored Alcoholic Beverages

Experiments have shown that clear liquors, such as vodka and gin, tend to cause hangovers less frequently than dark ones, such as whiskey, red wine, and tequila. The darker liquors contain chemically related compounds (congeners), including methanol, which may be more toxic and contribute to a worse hangover.

5. Take the Right Pain Relievers

Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, other brands), and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help with the headache and overall achy feelings. However, NSAIDs may irritate a stomach already irritated by alcohol. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it may accentuate the toxic effects on the liver if alcohol is still present in the system.

6. Boost Energy with Caffeine

Caffeine may not have any special anti-hangover powers, but as a stimulant, it could help with the grogginess. Coffee is a diuretic, though, so it may exacerbate dehydration.

7. Consider B Vitamins and Supplements

The article mentions that B vitamins and other supplements may be helpful, but does not provide specific details. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements to address a hangover.

Conclusion

Hangovers can be a miserable experience, but with the right strategies, you can find relief. By staying hydrated, replenishing blood sugar, avoiding certain types of alcohol, and using the appropriate pain relievers, you can effectively cure your hangover and get back on your feet. Remember, prevention is key, so drink responsibly and in moderation to avoid these unpleasant aftereffects in the first place.

7 steps to cure your hangover

Drinking fluids may help with the morning-after misery from getting drunk.

Hangovers seem to be the body’s way of reminding us about the hazards of overindulgence. Physiologically, it’s a group effort: Diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea, and shaking are the classic symptoms. Sometimes, systolic (the upper number) blood pressure goes up, the heart beats faster than normal, and sweat glands overproduce — evidence that the “fight or flight” response is revved up. Some people become sensitive to light or sound. Others suffer a spinning sensation (vertigo).

The causes are as varied as the symptoms. Alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a substance that’s toxic at high levels. However, concentrations rarely get that high, so that’s not the complete explanation.

Drinking interferes with brain activity during sleep, so a hangover may be a form of sleep deprivation. Alcohol scrambles the hormones that regulate our biological clocks, which may be why a hangover can feel like jet lag, and vice versa. Alcohol can also trigger migraines, so some people may think they’re hung over when it’s really an alcohol-induced migraine they’re suffering.

Hangovers begin after blood alcohol levels start to fall. In fact, according to some experts, the worst symptoms occur when levels reach zero.

The key ingredient seems to be “drinking to intoxication”; how much you drank to get there is less important. In fact, several studies suggest that light and moderate drinkers are more vulnerable to getting a hangover than heavy drinkers. Yet there’s also seemingly contradictory research showing that people with a family history of alcoholism have worse hangovers. Researchers say some people may end up with drinking problems because they drink in an effort to relieve hangover symptoms.

Dr. Robert Swift, a researcher at the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Rhode Island, coauthored one of the few review papers on hangovers in 1998. It’s still one of the most frequently cited sources on the topic. The rundown on hangover remedies that follows is based on that review, an interview with Dr. Swift, and several other sources.

1. Hair of the dog. Drinking to ease the symptoms of a hangover is sometimes called taking the hair of the dog, or hair of the dog that bit you. The notion is that hangovers are a form of alcohol withdrawal, so a drink or two will ease the withdrawal.

There may be something to it, says Dr. Swift. Both alcohol and certain sedatives, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), interact with GABA receptors on brain cells, he explains. And it’s well documented that some people have withdrawal symptoms from short-acting sedatives as they wear off. Perhaps the brain reacts similarly as blood alcohol levels begin to drop.

Even so, Dr. Swift advises against using alcohol as a hangover remedy. “The hair of the dog just perpetuates a cycle,” he says. “It doesn’t allow you to recover.”

2. Drink fluids.  Alcohol promotes urination because it inhibits the release of vasopressin, a hormone that decreases the volume of urine made by the kidneys. If your hangover includes diarrhea, sweating, or vomiting, you may be even more dehydrated. Although nausea can make it difficult to get anything down, even just a few sips of water might help your hangover.

3. Get some carbohydrates into your system. Drinking may lower blood sugar levels, so theoretically some of the fatigue and headaches of a hangover may be from a brain working without enough of its main fuel. Moreover, many people forget to eat when they drink, further lowering their blood sugar. Toast and juice is a way to gently nudge levels back to normal.

4. Avoid darker-colored alcoholic beverages. Experiments have shown that clear liquors, such as vodka and gin, tend to cause hangovers less frequently than dark ones, such as whiskey, red wine, and tequila. The main form of alcohol in alcoholic beverages is ethanol, but the darker liquors contain chemically related compounds (congeners), including methanol. According to Dr. Swift’s review paper, the same enzymes process ethanol and methanol, but methanol metabolites are especially toxic, so they may cause a worse hangover.

5. Take a pain reliever, but not Tylenol. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, other brands), and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help with the headache and the overall achy feelings. NSAIDs, though, may irritate a stomach already irritated by alcohol. Don’t take acetaminophen (Tylenol). If alcohol is lingering in your system, it may accentuate acetaminophen’s toxic effects on the liver.

6. Drink coffee or tea. Caffeine may not have any special anti-hangover powers, but as a stimulant, it could help with the grogginess. Coffee is a diuretic, though, so it may exacerbate dehydration.

7. B vitamins and zinc. A study recently published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine evaluated the diets for 24 hours before and after excessive drinking occurred. It was a small study and results were based on the participants saying what they ate. However, they did find that people whose food and beverage consumption contained greater amounts of zinc and B vitamins had less severe hangovers.

Explore the many factors to consider when deciding how much (if any) alcohol is safe for you. Buy the Special Health Report, Alcohol Use and Abuse to get details of the dangers of alcohol misuse, from drunk driving to chronic, life-threatening health conditions.

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Hangover Headache | Johns Hopkins Medicine

While not a disease we treat at the Johns Hopkins Headache Center, delayed alcohol-induced headaches are extremely common, disabling and costly to society. This material is provided for general education purposes.

How does alcohol affect the brain and the rest of the body?

Alcohol adversely affects the brain, the liver, the kidneys, the heart, blood vessels, the lining of the stomach, and various hormonal and regulatory systems. Even the word “intoxicated” indicates alcohol’s true nature: a toxic substance.

The first symptoms of ethanol intoxication on the brain are quite pleasurable for most people. You feel relaxed and happy, and with another drink or two you become boisterously enthusiastic — the life of the party. With increased alcohol consumption, your vision blurs, your reaction times slow, your perceptions are unreliable, and you become unsteady and uncoordinated. You start to lose your inhibitions, which can lead to another consequence of drinking: poor judgment. Speech begins to slur, and concentrating and “thinking straight” becomes impossible. At higher concentrations in the blood, hiccups, vertigo, confusion, lethargy, memory “blackouts,” vomiting, stupor, coma, slowed breathing and even death can result.

No one is exactly sure how ethanol causes its various effects, but once absorbed from the stomach into the bloodstream it can freely cross out of the blood and into nerve cells of the brain. Once in the brain it causes a chemical release that leads to pleasurable feelings, and it lessens inhibitions by depressing certain frontal lobe functions. Motor pathways become overactive, and blood sugar is processed less efficiently in the brain. As more and more ethanol molecules enter the membranes of the nerve cells, sedating effects develop. The effects of alcohol intoxication are relatively predictable based on measured blood alcohol content.

Some of these effects are caused by ethanol itself, and others are from an even more toxic byproduct of its metabolism called acetaldehyde. This chemical builds up in the blood as the liver breaks down the alcohol into a form that can be eliminated from the body.

The effects on other body systems are also important in the symptoms of alcohol intoxication. The kidneys increase urination substantially, leading to dehydration. Blood vessels in the skin dilate, causing flushing and increased cardiac output. The liver starts working overtime to detoxify the blood of ethanol and acetaldehyde, and cannot keep blood sugar adequately regulated.

Repeated drinking can lead to liver scarring, known as cirrhosis. Certain inflammatory chemicals increase in the blood and affect various natural hormonal pathways. The stomach lining may become irritated, increasing nausea and the chance of bleeding. The extra calories consumed often become converted into fat.

Many of these disturbances of the body’s natural physiology persist the next day, long after the alcohol is gone. Dehydration plays a significant role, as does acetaldehyde. Effects on hormones, blood chemistry, the sleep-wake cycle and inflammatory chemicals are also important in the thoroughly lousy feeling we have come to know as a hangover.

Most people are well aware of the presence of headache, malaise, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea and sensitivity to light, sound and motion the day after binge drinking. What may be less well recognized is that manual dexterity, memory, reaction time, visual-spatial skills and attention are all adversely affected, even when your alcohol level has fallen back down to 0.

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How little is enough to make an impact the next day?

Like so many other answers to science questions, “it depends.” Body weight and gender are very important factors. While five to eight drinks for the average man, and three to five drinks for the average woman, are enough to cause some degree of hangover, specific effects will vary greatly between individuals. Certain ethnic groups (Japanese, for example) have a genetically reduced ability to break down acetaldehyde, the main byproduct of alcohol, as it is first processed in the liver. This results in more reddening of the skin (““Asian flush”) and hangovers at lower amounts of alcohol.

People prone to migraines tend to have more problems with hangovers. People who drink alcohol regularly, or those who are taking certain specific medications that affect liver enzymes, may metabolize alcohol more quickly, having fewer problems with intoxication and hangover as a result. Conversely, there are many medications that interfere with the breakdown of alcohol and acetaldehyde, worsening the consequences of drinking. A thin, Japanese teetotaling woman taking prescription painkillers will clearly have more problems with a few drinks than a 250 pound linebacker who regularly drinks four beers a night.

How fast you drink is also important. Most of us can break down about one drink’s worth of alcohol each hour. What you drink is far less important than how much, but there’s some evidence that darker beverages — whiskey, brandy, red wine, tequila — cause more problems than clear drinks such as gin and vodka. They are thought to contain chemicals called congeners that add to ethanol’s harmful effects.

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How long do the effects last?

Hangovers can last up to 72 hours after drinking, but most are shorter in duration. Again it depends on how much was consumed, how dehydrated you became, nutritional status, ethnicity, gender, the state of your liver, medications, etc.

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Are there any effective treatments?

If you’ve consumed too much alcohol and have to work the next day, what do you do? In short, you suffer, and so does your job performance. Thinking about calling in sick? You’ll be in good company. Estimates of lost revenues due to reduced job productivity and absenteeism from alcohol run as high as $148 billion a year in the U.S. alone. Much of this expense is related to hangovers in light to moderate drinkers.

A quick Google search for “hangover cure OR treatment OR remedy OR prevention” pulls up over 2 million webpages. There are countless commercial products (Cheerz, Chaser) and homemade recipes with wildly unsubstantiated and pseudoscientific claims of benefits. It is important to note that a recent study from the British Medical Journal concluded that there was essentially no substantial scientific evidence that any substance has proven effectiveness in preventing or treating a hangover. That being said, the authors themselves admit that very few well-designed scientific studies have ever been conducted on the subject, so it is more than possible that some of these unproven treatments might work.

There is some evidence that vitamin B6 taken before drinking can be mildly helpful. An anti-inflammatory drug called tolfenamic acid has been shown to be somewhat helpful when taken during alcohol consumption. While this drug is not available in the U.S., other related medications, including ibuprofen, naproxen, and prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be similarly helpful. However, when combined with alcohol they might increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Staying well-hydrated with plenty of water is helpful. Gatorade or other fitness drinks may be better than water alone, but there is no scientific proof. A chemical called N-acetyl-cysteine may be useful in detoxifying the body from acetaldehyde buildup, but this too is an unproven treatment. Light exercise may be helpful, provided you stay well-hydrated.

Here’s some advice on what to do after an evening of “overdoing it”:

• Avoid more alcohol (“hair of the dog”) — this will only increase your misery.
• Avoid further dehydration by drinking liquids (other than alcohol!) — water, chicken soup, Gatorade, whatever works for you.
• Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) at all costs — it can overtax your already hard-working liver, leading to dangerous swelling or even liver failure.
• Avoid unpalatable “recipes” that combine such ingredients as eggs, raw fish, Tabasco and sausage. You wouldn’t eat like that when you are at your best, so what makes you think you’ll stomach it when you’re hungover?

The very best prevention of a hangover? Don’t drink. The best cure? Time.

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Possible cures, causes, and when to seek help

Headaches are a common symptom of a hangover. There are a variety of supposed cures for hangover headaches, but there is not much scientific evidence that shows how effective they may be.

The best way to avoid developing a headache after consuming alcohol is to drink in moderation. However, if a person does develop a headache, there are ways to help manage the pain.

This article looks at whether a person can cure a hangover headache, its causes, and possible remedies.

It also looks at ways to manage the other symptoms of a hangover and when to contact a doctor.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there is no scientific evidence to prove that hangover remedies work. The organization says the only way to cure a hangover is to wait until the toxic byproducts have cleared from the body.

That means there also is no evidence of a cure specifically for a hangover headache. However, a person can ease the discomfort with some of the following tactics:

Alcohol makes people need to urinate because it suppresses the release of a hormone called vasopressin. This hormone affects the body in many ways, including affecting the kidney’s ability to reabsorb water. If a person’s body is producing less vasopressin, that can result in dehydration, which can cause a headache.

Sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea are also symptoms of a hangover and can lead to further dehydration.

Drinking water slowly can help rehydrate the body and help ease a headache.

According to the National Headache Foundation, a person can also consume oral rehydration solutions to help manage dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions contain the correct amounts of glucose and electrolytes to help a person rehydrate more quickly.

Harvard Health notes that drinking alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, so some of the fatigue and headaches associated with hangovers may be due to the brain functioning without enough fuel.

A person should eat bland carbohydrates, such as toast, to minimize nausea, improve energy levels, and help return blood sugar to normal.

A person could take a pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as they would for any headache. However, these painkillers can increase acid release and potentially irritate the lining of the stomach.

According to Harvard Health, people should avoid taking acetaminophen. If a person takes acetaminophen while alcohol is in their system, it may worsen the toxic effects on the liver.

Alcohol in wine, beer, and liquor is made up of a chemical called ethanol. Ethanol can cause headaches in several ways, including:

• Vasodilation: This is a widening of the blood vessels, which can cause headaches for some people.
• Diuretic: Ethanol is a natural diuretic, which means it increases the amount of water and salt lost by the body. It causes the body to excrete vitamins, salt, and minerals through the kidneys, resulting in chemical imbalances and dehydration, which can cause headaches.
• Congeners: Some alcoholic beverages may contain other chemicals called congeners. Congeners give beverages their specific flavors and tastes. They can cause headaches and may contribute to the release of hormones that cause an inflammatory response in the body.

People with a hangover headache should avoid:

• “Hair of the dog”: This refers to a person drinking more alcohol during a hangover, supposedly in order to make them feel better. Adding more alcohol to a hangover will only increase a person’s hangover symptoms, although it may delay them, according to the NIAAA.
• Alcoholic beverages that are darker in color: Harvard Health notes that clear liquors, such as gin and vodka, tend to cause fewer hangovers than darker ones, such as tequila and red wine. Darker alcoholic beverages may contain congeners called methanol, which are toxic and can worsen a hangover.
• Strange foods: Hangover cure myths such as eating raw eggs, raw fish, and Tabasco sauce may give a person an upset stomach if they have a hangover. If someone usually finds these foods unpalatable, they should avoid them when hungover.
• Dehydration: Consuming liquid or eating soup can help a person rehydrate and improve their headache.

The most effective way to avoid a hangover headache is to avoid drinking, or avoid drinking in excess.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest females limit their number of drinks to one or less a day and males to two or less a day.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), a person can try the following to help prevent a hangover:

• Avoid drinking on an empty stomach: A person may find it helpful to consume a meal that contains carbohydrates or fats, which can help to slow down the body’s absorption of alcohol.
• Drink water and non-fizzy drinks: Drinking water or a non-fizzy drink between each alcoholic beverage may help. Fizzy drinks can speed up alcohol absorption.
• Drink water: A person should try to slowly drink a pint of water before bed.

Excessive alcohol consumption can have serious effects on the body. It can also result in alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal if a person does not receive treatment.

A person can learn more about the effects alcohol has on a person’s health here.

A person should contact a doctor after drinking alcohol if they experience:

• excessive vomiting or vomiting blood
• having seizures
• falling unconscious
• being off balance and unable to walk straight
• changes in skin color to purple or blue
• exhaling fewer than eight times a minute
• chills
• feeling confused

There is no proven cure for a hangover headache, but there are some methods for improving the symptoms of a hangover.

These include hydrating, eating carbohydrates, and taking certain painkillers. A person should avoid acetaminophen as it can worsen the effects of alcohol on the liver. A person should take ibuprofen or aspirin with caution as they could irritate the lining of the stomach.

The ethanol in alcoholic beverages can cause headaches through vasodilation and by acting as a diuretic. Congeners are present in some alcoholic beverages, and can also cause or contribute to headaches.

People should generally avoid hangover cure myths, including “hair of the dog” and eating usually unpalatable food such as raw eggs.

A person should contact a doctor if they or someone around them is experiencing symptoms after alcohol consumption including excessive vomiting, seizures, skin turning purple or blue, or falling unconscious.

Hangover cures – NHS

Splitting headaches, sickness, dizziness, dehydration: anyone who’s ever drunk too much knows the consequences.

Alcohol makes you pee more, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is what causes many of the symptoms of a hangover.

Hangover cures are generally a myth. There are no cures for a hangover, but there are things you can do to avoid one and, if you do have one, ease the discomfort.

Tips to avoid a hangover

To avoid a hangover:

• Do not drink more than you know your body can cope with. If you’re not sure how much that is, be careful.
• Do not drink on an empty stomach. Before you start drinking, have a meal that includes carbohydrates (such as pasta or rice) or fats. The food will help to slow down your body’s absorption of alcohol.
• Do not drink dark coloured drinks if you’ve found you’re sensitive to them. They contain natural chemicals called congeners, which irritate blood vessels and tissue in the brain and can make a hangover worse.
• Drink water or non-fizzy soft drinks in between each alcoholic drink. Fizzy drinks speed up the absorption of alcohol into your body.
• Drink a pint or so of water before you go to sleep. Keep a glass of water by your bed to sip if you wake up during the night.

Hangover treatment

Dealing with a hangover involves rehydrating your body to help you deal with the painful symptoms. The best time to rehydrate is before going to sleep after a drinking session.

Painkillers can help with headaches and muscle cramps.

Sugary foods may help you feel less trembly. In some cases, an antacid may be needed to settle your stomach first.

Bouillon soup (a thin, vegetable-based broth) is a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can top-up depleted resources. It’s also easy for a fragile stomach to digest.

You can replace lost fluids by drinking bland liquids that are gentle on your digestive system, such as water, soda water and isotonic drinks.

Things to avoid

Drinking more alcohol, or “hair of the dog”, does not help. Drinking in the morning is a risky habit, and you may simply be delaying the appearance of symptoms until the extra alcohol wears off.

If you’ve been drinking heavily, doctors advise that you wait at least 48 hours before drinking any more alcohol (even if you don’t have a hangover), to give your body time to recover.

Sometimes, of course, a hangover makes this advice easier to follow.

Advice for regular drinkers

To keep the health risks from alcohol to a low level, if you drink most weeks:

• do not drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
• spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
• if you want to cut down, try to have several alcohol-free days each week

14 units is equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine.

Know your units

A 750ml bottle of red, white or rosé wine (ABV 13.5%) contains 10 units.

Use our guide to find out how many units are in your favourite tipple.

Table showing common drinks and their alcohol content

Type of drink	Number of alcohol units
Single small shot of spirits* (25ml, ABV 40%)	1 unit
Alcopop (275ml, ABV 5. 5%)	1.5 units
Small glass of red, white or rosé wine (125ml, ABV 12%)	1.5 units
Bottle of lager, beer or cider (330ml, ABV 5%)	1.7 units
Can of lager, beer or cider (440ml, ABV 5.5%)	2 units
Pint of lower-strength lager, beer or cider (568ml, ABV 3.6%)	2 units
Standard glass of red, white or rosé wine (175ml, ABV 12%)	2.1 units
Pint of higher-strength lager, beer or cider (568ml, ABV 5.2%)	3 units
Large glass of red, white or rosé wine (250ml, ABV 12%)	3 units

*Gin, rum, sambuca, tequila, vodka, whisky. A single large (35ml) measures of spirits is 1.4 units.

You can keep track of your drinking using the One You Drink Free Days app.

Page last reviewed: 6 January 2020
Next review due: 6 January 2023

12 Ways To Get Over A Hangover Faster

The misery that is a hangover has no cure (aside from not drinking in the first place), but there are many at least marginally effective treatments. As far as we’re concerned, combining forces—advice from several different experts—makes the most sense. So here, we come at the problem of the hangover from several different angles to help you feel better, faster.

Functional medicine physician Robin Berzin, M.D., (who helms the holistic medicine practice Parsley Health, with locations in LA, SF, and NYC) shares the reasons we think hangovers occur in the first place, plus her tips for alleviating them; nutritionist Keri Glassman, M.S., R.D. gives us a morning-after eating plan; and osteopath Vicky Vlachonis created a DIY guide to acupressure points that can mitigate splitting headaches, nausea, and the like. Plus, we’re sharing some favorite preferred rehydration methods. See you at the (liquid IV) bar.

What Causes a Hangover

Scientists and doctors have tried to figure out what exactly causes a hangover—which is more complex than one might suspect. Alcohol’s impact on us appears at least in part to be inflammatory in nature and tied to the chemical effect it has on the brain. (*Fellow science nerds, see the footnote at the bottom of this piece.) Dr. Berzin explains three factors often behind the next-day side effects of a few too many martinis:

1. Dehydration: “Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production,” says Berzin. “And if you’re drinking alcohol, that means you aren’t drinking water.”

2. Poor sleep: “Alcohol may initially help you fall asleep, but research shows it causes disruption and inability to reach deep sleep later in the night. We know that sleep is our bodies’ natural reboot. So if we are unable to sleep soundly and our bodies are busy trying to get rid of the alcohol and its byproducts, it can’t do its normal clean-up routine. This may be one reason we feel and look like garbage the next morning.”

3. Toxic build-up: “Your body had to metabolize all that booze. Alcohol is broken down in the liver by alcohol dehydrogenase to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is further broken down by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and glutathione. When drinking large quantities of alcohol, the liver can’t keep up. So the toxic acetaldehyde builds in the blood while the liver tries to make additional glutathione. Elevated levels of acetaldehyde, over time, may lead to oxidative stress, liver damage, and possibly cancer. Genetic variations within the detoxification process can determine how quickly and efficiently you are able to metabolize alcohol which can further cause issues for those who are slow metabolizers.”

Party Do’s & Dont’s

Of course, the surefire way to avoid a hangover altogether is…not drinking too much. (Berzin reminds us that organizations like The American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and US Department of Health and Human Services recommend that men drink no more than two drinks a day, and that women have no more than one: “That one drink is defined as having about 14 grams of pure alcohol—1.5 oz of distilled spirits, 5 oz of wine, or 12 oz of beer,” she says.)

Besides limiting your drink count, here’s what else Berzin suggests pre-drinking and at the bar:

1. Hydrate: “Seems overly simple, but this is the best way to avoid a hangover. Alternating your alcoholic beverages with a glass of water not only keeps you hydrated, but also slows down your overall consumption.”

2. Eat: “Having a full meal—with good quality protein and healthy fats—before you start drinking helps slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.”

3. Pick your poison: “Stick with organic vodka or tequila mixed with soda water and lime. Clear spirits have fewer toxins than darker liquors; and make sure to avoid sugary mixers.”

Foods & Vitamins For Hangovers

Nutritionist Keri Glassman, M.S., R.D. of Nutritious Life (which offers loads of good food and wellness content, along with a course for health practitioners and professionals) has the kind of grounded-in-reality philosophy that’s easy to get behind. Meaning, you can count on Glassman for low-sugar smoothie hacks, simple veggie-focused dinner ideas, gluten-free takes on cookie dough, and a spicy margarita recipe—plus advice about what to eat when you’re…so f%*king hungover:

1. Eggs: “Your liver works in overdrive to neutralize the toxin acetaldehyde using an amino acid called l-cysteine,” says Glassman. “Give your liver a hand by having eggs for breakfast, which are a source of l-cysteine.”

2. Coconut water: “Alcohol, a diuretic, inhibits the pituitary gland from secreting vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone), which then causes the kidneys to reabsorb less water, and instead excrete it out of the body. This loss of water can also cause an electrolyte imbalance. Dehydration, plus loss of electrolytes, can cause headache, shakiness, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle spasms. Combat dehydration with tons—I mean tons—of fluids. Coconut water supplies potassium, so it both rehydrates you and helps to replenish your electrolyte balance.”

3. Make your own sport drink: “Go homemade—mix water, fresh-squeezed juice, and a pinch of sea salt (honey optional!).”

4. Bananas: “These are high in the electrolyte potassium, and also a good idea if you’re suffering from an upset stomach. (Alcohol can have an inflammatory effect on your stomach lining and digestive system, which is a common cause of nausea and upset stomach.)”

5. Ginger: “Slice fresh ginger root and add it to your water. Ginger can be effective for nausea and vomiting.”

6. Vitamin B: “B’s may be your BFF. One study showed that supplementing with B6 before, during, and after drinking could help reduce hangover symptoms.” (See below for a vitamin B-spiked electrolyte drink from Liquid I.V.)

Wondering if there’s any nutritional merit to the greasy spoon or hair-of-the-dog tradition? Alas, neither make Glassman’s list. If you wake up thinking of the drive-thru, Berzin says that what you’re really craving is salt and hydration: “Processed food can actually make you feel worse.” And while no one here is judging a Bloody Mary brunch, technically speaking, Berzin says that drinking to get over a hangover adds to the alcohol metabolism load she describes above: “You are delaying the inevitable hangover and doing more damage to your body. ” On that note, Berzin also suggests avoiding painkillers: “Especially acetaminophen, which is also metabolized by the liver, and ibuprofen, which can damage an already fragile intestinal lining.” (As Berzin notes, the combination of alcohol and acetaminophen—the active ingredient in Tylenol—can be devastating to the liver; and accidentally taking too much acetaminophen can be deadly. To read/hear more, see ProPublica‘s in-depth reporting from 2013, done in conjunction with This American Life.)

Self-Healing Accupressure for Hangovers

Osteopath, pain expert, and author of The Body Doesn’t Lie, Vicky Vlachonis has a deep toolbox for curbing pain in many forms. When it comes to hangovers, Vlachonis says the toxic byproducts of drinking can “cause your body to take a beating.” She hones in on four acupressure points that she’s found to provide relief:

1. For your headache: Vlachonis explains that there is a pressure point on your hand, in the fleshy area between the pointer finger and thumb, known as LI 4 in acupuncture. “It’s the gate to the large intestine, and applying pressure to it can help with headaches, as well as with constipation, which sometimes accompanies a hangover.” To begin, rest your left hand on a table, making an L-shape with your pointer finger and thumb. With your opposite thumb, apply pressure and massage between the web of your thumb and pointer finger, in small circular motions. The trigger point, says Vlachonis, is up where you feel your pointer finger bone. Vlachonis recommends applying pressure for 10-20 seconds at a time, on each hand.

2. To stem nausea and overheating: Vlachonis calls this next acupressure move “opening the tap.” The idea, as Vlachonis explains, is to “move energy away from the mind and help open the stomach meridian, supporting oxygen and blood flow.” So, bend your right knee to ninety degrees, and with your right index finger, feel the outside bone by your knee (the fibula). Tracing below your kneecap, move your finger about an inch inward, and you’ll feel a dip (at the proximal tibiofibular joint). Press into this dip with your right index and middle fingers. Vlachonis says that you can sometimes feel your pulse at this spot. Again, she suggests applying pressure for 10-20 seconds at a time, and doing a few times on both knees.

3. Calming mind and body: The “gallbladder point,” explains Vlachonis, is between the fourth and fifth toes, a few fingers up from the fifth toe, at the tendon when you flex the pinky toe. “The gallbladder point is connected to decision-making. Sometimes, after a night of drinking, some self-doubt, negative self-talk, and/or paranoia can set in with a hangover—did I say the wrong thing last night?” To help ease the mind chatter, Vlachonis says to put pressure, and focus, on this spot (same time guidelines as above). “This point is also connected to your shoulder,” Vlachonis continues, “so applying pressure here can help with discomfort around the shoulder and neck as well.”

For more acupressure salves, see Vlachonis’s book, which has a step-by-step program for pain relief, including hangovers and headaches.

Vlachonis is a big fan of the comforting power of baths in general—over drinking your emotions: “Often when people are going through a difficult or stressful time, they turn to alcohol to numb the pain. I always remind my patients that this will only lead to double the pain, more anger, frustration, and sadness the next day. If you’re drinking to numb emotions, opt out for an anti-inflammatory bath, or a chat with a loved one instead. If you’re drinking to celebrate, enjoy in moderation.”

* Interesting research in this space comes from Jing Liang, M.D., Ph.D., an Adjunct Professor in USC’s Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and UCLA neuroscientist, Richard Olsen, Ph.D., who have studied receptors in the brain that the neurotransmitter GABA sticks to that are also sensitive to ethanol—i.e. alcohol. Liang identified a purified extract from the Chinese herb Hovenia, which goes by the chemical name dihydromyricetin, or DHM, that she explains acts on this same receptor, and which was shown to block the effects of ethanol in rats. Varied forms are being packaged into hangover-marketed supplements and some humans say it helps. Liang is now parlaying this work into Alzheimer’s research—exploring DMH as a possible AD medication.

The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of goop, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

Hangovers – Diagnosis and treatment

Treatment

Time is the only sure cure for a hangover. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to help yourself feel better:

• Fill your water bottle. Sip water or fruit juice to prevent dehydration. Resist any temptation to treat your hangover with more alcohol. It’ll only make you feel worse.
• Have a snack. Bland foods, such as toast and crackers, may boost your blood sugar and settle your stomach. Bouillon soup can help replace lost salt and potassium.
• Take a pain reliever. A standard dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever may ease your headache. But aspirin can irritate your stomach. And if you regularly drink alcohol to excess, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can cause severe liver damage even in doses previously thought to be safe.
• Go back to bed. If you sleep long enough, your hangover may be gone when you awaken.

Alternative medicine

Proposed alternative remedies for hangovers abound, but studies haven’t found any natural remedies that consistently improve hangover symptoms.

Talk with your doctor before trying any alternative medicine. Keep in mind that natural doesn’t always mean safe. Your doctor can help you understand possible risks and benefits before you try a treatment.

Dec. 16, 2017

Show references

1. Beyond hangovers: Understanding alcohol’s impact on your health. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Hangovers/beyondHangovers.htm. Accessed Oct. 31, 2017.
2. Hangover cures. NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Hangovers.aspx. Accessed Oct. 31, 2017.
3. Alcohol use and health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm. Accessed Oct. 31, 2017.
4. Alcohol overdose: The dangers of drinking too much. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alcoholoverdosefactsheet/overdosefact.htm. Accessed Oct. 31, 2017.
5. van Schrojenstein Lantman M, et al. The impact of alcohol hangover symptoms on cognitive and physical functioning, and mood. Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental. 2017;32:e2623.
6. Jayawardena R, et al. Interventions for treatment and/or prevention of alcohol hangover: Systematic review. Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental. 2017;32:e2600.
7. Tipple CT, et al. A review of the physiological factors associated with alcohol hangover. Current Drug Abuse Reviews. 2016;9:93.
8. Wang F, et al. Natural products for the prevention and treatment of hangover and alcohol use disorder. Molecules. 2016;21:64.
9. Rodda LN, et al. Alcohol congener analysis and the source of alcohol: A review. Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology. 2013;9:194.
10. Rohsenow DJ, et al. The role of beverage congeners in hangover and other residual effects of alcohol intoxication: A review. Current Drug Abuse Reviews. 2010;3:76.
11. Mackus M, et al. Urine methanol concentration and alcohol hangover severity. Alcohol. 2017;59:37.
12. Verster JC, et al. The Alcohol Hangover Research Group consensus statement on best practice in alcohol hangover research. Current Drug Abuse Reviews. 2010;3:116.
13. Drinking too much too fast can kill you. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. https://www.ncadd.org/images/stories/PDF/DrinkingTooMuchTooFastCanKillYou-NCADD.pdf. Accessed Nov. 5, 2017.
14. A word about alcohol poisoning. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-poisoning. Accessed Nov. 5, 2017.
15. Acetaminophen: Avoiding liver damage. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm168830.htm. Accessed Nov. 9, 2017.
16. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 9, 2017.
17. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines. Accessed Nov. 15, 2017.
18. How to help patients who drink too much: A clinical approach. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Practitioner/CliniciansGuide2005/clinicians_guide5_help_p.htm. Accessed Nov. 15, 2017.

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How to Get Rid of a Hangover Fast at Home

No matter how good our intentions are going into a celebratory get-together or social gathering, there may come a time where we overdo it. How to cure a hangover? These homemade remedies might help.We’re having a blast, we just keep going, and we end up “over served” along the way. And we pay for it: We wake up the next morning with a splitting head, dry mouth, and a queasy stomach.

We’re inflamed, sleep deprived, and dehydrated. And not only is alcohol a diuretic, it’s also metabolized into toxic byproducts that leave us feeling rotten. Drinking too much can cause our blood sugar levels to bottom out and also disrupts our body’s electrolyte balance. And even if we get a full night’s sleep, alcohol interferes with the quality of deep sleep.

The result: We wake up feeling tired, achy, lazy and cranky — also known as hung-over.

The only proven way to avoid a hangover is to avoid over-drinking in the first place, making sure to pace yourself, eat before you start drinking, and stay hydrated. There are, however, effective day-after strategies that can help lessen the agony, if you do overdo it:

Apple cider vinegar

Start your morning with 1 or 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar, diluted with 6 to 8 ounces of warm water. The vinegar has a natural diuretic effect that can help combat morning-after fluid retention, and it can help to stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be shaky after a night of drinking.

Green tea

A bit of caffeine may help improve headache symptoms; try mixing green tea (instead of water) with apple cider vinegar to get the benefits of both. You can also use flavored green tea – think berry blend or ginger mint green tea – which can help with the flavor of the apple cider vinegar, at least a tiny bit.

Beet juice + green juice

I know. Beet juice is quite possibly the very last thing on your list when you’re trying to recover from over-drinking. But here’s the science behind it: Beet juice helps to increase and improve blood flow and oxygenation throughout our muscle and tissues, which can help us feel better all-around.

And green juice (think juiced spinach and kale) is rich in compounds that help support our body’s natural detoxification processes. And both beet juice and green juice are alkalizing, helping to neutralize our body’s acidity after a night of drinking.

If you’re new to juicing, don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a giant hassle – there are a few relatively easy ways to get beet and greens juice. Juice bars like The Green Fork offer all-in-one blends of beet juice, greens and other vegetables, herbs and spices that can help with recovery and rejuvenation (the Green Fork calls theirs Balance).

Stores like Whole Foods Market sell little bottles of beet juice shots or beetroot powder to mix with water or a smoothie. And brands like Suja and Daily Greens sell grab-and-go bottles of green juices that you can mix with (or have in addition to) the beet juice.

Add electrolyte-rich fluids. Hydration is a must. But sugary sports drinks are not. Replace fluids and electrolytes simultaneously with low-sugar water bottle add-ins like nuun tablets, rich in electrolytes sodium, potassium and magnesium. Sparkling mineral water, coconut water and unsweetened chocolate or vanilla almond milk are also good sources of electrolyte-rich fluids with zero added sugar.

B Vitamins

Alcohol depletes B vitamins, so consider adding a B Complex supplement – or add a drink packet like Emergen-C to your water bottle – to help replenish lost nutrients. Note that most varieties of Emergen-C are not rich in electrolytes (they’re mostly B vitamins with some vitamin C) so you’ll want to be sure to get electrolytes separately from food or drink.

Eggs

This is a good source of the amino acid cysteine, which helps to break down some of the toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism thought to contribute to hangovers. Eggs are also a great source of protein and fats that can help to stabilize blood sugar levels – a much better start to our day than sugary cereal or pancakes with syrup.

Protein smoothie

Get fluids, electrolytes, and protein all in one in a smoothie made with unsweetened almond milk, fresh or frozen fruit (frozen works especially well in smoothies), and a source of protein – think a scoop of protein powder, carton of low-sugar Greek yogurt, or half a cup of cottage cheese (don’t worry, it’ll blend smoothly – you won’t have a clumpy protein shake).

Get moving

Exercise is probably the last thing you feel like doing – well, maybe second-to-last after drinking beet juice – but I promise, it will help. Even a brisk walk will help to increase circulation, bringing more blood and oxygen to the brain and muscles, helping to offset hangover symptoms like headaches and achy muscles. And sweating it out is one of the best natural ways to detoxify our bodies.

The bottom line: The only sure-fire way to prevent a hangover is to avoid drinking too much. But if and when we do overdo it, incorporating one or some of these natural hangover remedies can at least help to make the day-after not quite so dreadful.

Registered dietitian Molly Kimball offers brand-name products as a consumer guide; she does not solicit product samples nor is paid to recommend items. For more on this topic, check out Molly’s original article in Nola.com

90,000 Why does headache after alcohol

Even a small portion of alcohol can cause headaches in 80% of people. Why and how to escape from this headache, our neurologist Daria Zakharovna Korobkova told.

📎 What is this headache

This is pain that develops within 3 hours after drinking alcohol and disappears within 72 hours after you stop drinking alcohol. She has at least one of the characteristics:

– double-sided;

– pulsating;

– aggravated by physical activity;

– or it can be oppressive and localized in the frontal region.

A headache that develops immediately after a person drinks alcohol is less common than a hangover headache (which begins when the blood alcohol level drops).

The intensity of the pain depends on the quantity and quality of the drink, as well as on the individual characteristics of the person.

And alcohol often triggers an attack of migraine or cluster headache if a person suffers from these diseases. In this case, attacks can only be caused by certain drinks.For example, red wine can provoke, but cognac – does not. This moment is purely individual: therefore, try to identify your alcohol provocateur with the help of a diary and refuse it.

📎 What is causing this headache. A bit of science.

Its mechanism, oddly enough, is not fully understood. But there are probably several factors at work:

▪️ Alcohol acts on the central nervous system and cerebral vessels

It is believed that alcohol can dilate the vessels of the lining of the brain, which can manifest itself as a headache.In addition, it is believed that it acts on the pain system of the brain. It is known that alcohol has a short-term analgesic property, but after its cancellation (especially when a significant amount is consumed), the so-called hyperalgesia occurs – an increased sensitivity of the body to pain stimuli.

▪️ Dewatering

Alcohol has diuretic properties: along with urine, fluid is removed from the body, the amount of blood decreases and the blood flow rate slows down, and it becomes difficult to remove carbon dioxide.Vomiting and diarrhea with alcohol intoxication also lead to dehydration.

▪️ Intoxication

Acetaldehyde is a breakdown product of ethanol that occurs in the human body. When there is a lot of it, it has a toxic effect on brain cells, disrupting the work of neurotransmitters and altering the electrical activity of neurons.

▪️ Disturbed sleep

Alcohol negatively affects the phase of REM sleep, during which the brain processes and memorizes the information received and synthesizes various proteins involved in important brain processes.

What else: dark alcoholic beverages (whiskey, cognac, brandy) contain a significantly higher amount of congeners – of other toxic chemical compounds other than ethanol (these are acetone, tannins, fusel oils, methanol), which are by-products of fermentation. Therefore, it is believed that the risk of a hangover headache from dark drinks is higher.

📎 What to do with a hangover headache?

The classic headache following alcohol consumption usually resolves on its own within 72 hours.What else can help:

✅ sleeping in a cool room or walking in the fresh air;

✅ dehydration compensation: preference to give water without gas, and then drink tea or coffee. Better yet, drink two glasses (but no more) of sodium-magnesium mineral water – it replenishes the electrolyte deficiency after drinking alcohol;

✅ light snack (toast and a glass of juice, honey). Alcohol helps to lower blood glucose levels, and a light snack will replenish it;

✅ analgesics: aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.But not paracetamol – if alcohol and its metabolites have not yet been excreted from the body, taking paracetamol can increase their toxic effects on the liver.

📎 What not to do

❌ To remove a hangover with another portion of alcohol.

❌ To overeat.

❌ Taking a hot shower / bath and playing sports or physical labor, if alcohol and its metabolites have not yet been excreted, there is a risk of stress on the heart.

☝️ If the pain is very severe and does not subside for more than three days, even though you are taking analgesics, you need to see a doctor.

Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke

90,000 My head hurts! 5 Effective Ways to Deal with a Hangover | Tips | HEALTH

No wonder they say: how much fun in the evening, so bad in the morning. How to be like a cucumber after a fun party with a lot of drunk alcohol in the morning? SPB.AIF.RU has chosen the best hangover remedies.

Do not mix alcohol

When the holiday is in full swing, many people lose control and start drinking champagne, wine, vodka and brandy, not knowing when to stop.In a drunken stupor, it seems that everything is tasty and you can drink whatever your heart desires. This is a huge mistake. By mixing alcoholic drinks, any person is guaranteed to doom himself to a morning hug with the toilet. It works like this: spirits, such as vodka, cognac and whiskey, load the system for breaking down alcohol in the body, and colored drinks – wine, champagne, liqueurs – deliver a lot of toxins and sugar to the liver. Sugar competes with alcohol in the metabolic system. As a result, many toxic substances accumulate.Therefore, in order not to “die” in the morning, decide for yourself in advance: what you will drink during the feast. And it’s better to drink an extra glass or glass than to touch other alcohol. Then, with a high degree of probability, you will not have to regret the last evening in the morning.

The most famous way to get rid of a hangover is to drink cucumber or cabbage pickle. Photo: Depositphotos

Taking medications

In the pharmacy, those who drink alcohol will be offered a lot of expensive and not very medical preparations.The most popular and quite effective is “Alkoselzer”. But it is also expensive. Pills such as pentalgin, asparcam, and regular aspirin should also help from a hangover – they will help to move away and relieve suffering. There is one clever way to relieve headaches. Set the alarm 2-3 hours before the hangover wake up and take the pill.

After a few more hours of sleep, you will wake up much fresher than if you took the pain reliever later. Experienced people tell another unusual way.They say that the usual “Coca-Cola” helps to get rid of a hangover. It is difficult to explain how this works, perhaps soda enriches the body with sugar. Try it. But we do not recommend drinking coffee on a hangover morning, it only dehydrates the body and adds suffering.

Folk remedies

Since ancient times, our people have come up with many effective ways to combat alcohol poisoning. The most famous is to drink cucumber or cabbage pickle. The main thing is not to confuse: the marinade will not help, you need the brine.Many people wake up in a semi-conscious state, go to the uncleaned holiday table and grab the first jar they come across. And there are pickled cucumbers or tomatoes! It is useless to wait for relief after such a drink. But the brine will quickly relieve the torment. Its secret is that it contains a lot of electrolyte salts, which normalize the osmotic pressure in the blood plasma. It is important to drink no more than 1 glass, otherwise the swelling of the tissues will only increase. By the way, it is better to drink cabbage brine, as it already contains succinic acid.

Also, decoctions of wild rose or St. John’s wort should help from headaches and nausea. These drinks have a relaxing, antidepressant and anxiolytic (relieves anxiety and anxiety) effect. They also improve blood circulation and tone up.

In order not to “die” in the morning, decide for yourself in advance: what drink you will drink during the feast. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Bath or contrast shower

This method is not recommended for people with imperfect health. A hangover is already a huge blow to the body.Sometimes it seems that any movement can lead to a heart attack or stroke. A bath with a cold shower is an additional load on all organs.

But in general, if the poisoning is not critical, and you feel strong, then the bath will put you in complete order! It speeds up metabolism, enhances skin respiration, eliminates dehydration, and kills unwanted bacteria. Through sweat, all toxins will be released from the body, experienced bath attendants run out of the steam room truly rejuvenated.After such procedures, you can sit down at the table again and not deny yourself anything!

Hangover

The fastest, most effective, but also the most dangerous type of treatment for alcohol intoxication. Some drinkers love to wake up barely alive, crawl to the nearest shop, buy a bottle of beer and drink it in the cold. And the world is blooming! The pleasure of relief is even stronger than the pleasure of drunkenness in the evening. Only the risk of falling into binge from this method is very high.Because after the first bottle there will be a second, a third, and it will end with a new much stronger hangover. And then neither the brine, nor the bath, nor the pills will help. And even beer will not ease the suffering. In such cases, the drunken poor fellows are hung over with vodka, and all the holidays pass them in a fog. Therefore, it is better to suffer one morning than to spend nine New Year’s days in a drunken stupor.

90,000 what to drink and how to get rid of pain

Sometimes a hangover is unavoidable, but it can be overcome.

Shot from the movie “Bachelor Party 2 From Vegas to Bangkok”

Drank too much last night and don’t know what to do if you have a headache from a hangover? Try not to make sudden movements, sit down, calm down and carefully read our recommendations on how to avoid unpleasant consequences after a violent drunkenness.

Believe me, this is exactly what you need now.

Why does a hangover have a headache?

Severe morning headaches after drinking are usually associated with dehydration.Due to the lack of moisture, the pressure rises, due to which the blood flow to the brain decreases. After that, the brain shrinks a little, and the head itself splits and does not allow you to stand on your feet.

You’ve probably noticed that after two or three glasses of beer, you definitely go to the toilet several times. This happens because the body tries to remove alcohol breakdown products from your body as quickly as possible. This is what leads to dehydration, and with it the loss of beneficial vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.

What helps with a hangover headache?

So, in order to start treating the hangover syndrome, you need to be patient, gather your strength and start implementing the following recommendations.

1. Restore the water balance

Everything here is pretty obvious and simple. If alcohol causes dehydration, then water prevents this dehydration. Of course, it is best to drink clean water while drinking, so as not to stress your body later.For example, half a liter of water after half a liter of beer.

However, if it’s already late to talk about it, get out of bed and try to start to revive yourself with copious amounts of water. Just do not overdo it and pour in a five-liter eggplant, otherwise you can get drunk and only aggravate your already fragile condition.

2. Make yourself a tea with honey and lemon

After you have managed to drink some water, try a combination of tea, honey and lemon, which should affect your body in a positive way.

After all, as you know, honey and lemon contain many useful elements and vitamins, and tea (green or black) will help you to cheer up a little and bring yourself to a working state.

3. Try to take a little nap

After you’ve poured some liquid into your body, you can try going back to bed and getting some more sleep. First of all, you must remember that a hangover lasts about 24 hours and it is easiest to wait this time out in a dream.

What’s more, heavy doses of alcohol rob us of our recovery phases of REM sleep, so even if you’ve managed to get eight or nine hours of sleep, you might wake up completely overwhelmed and sleepy.

4. Eat something

Despite the fact that very often after a hangover you want to eat something fatty and harmful, it is advisable not to do this. Your best bet is to find some light foods and start your recovery with them.

The fact is that during the fight against a hangover, your body is working hard, so overloading your digestive system with fries, nuggets and burgers is not a good idea.

Take some fruit, drink some broth, eat porridge, light yogurt, vegetable salad and stuff like that. So you start the digestive processes without much fanaticism and with benefits for the body.

5. Go for a walk

Fresh air and some moderate movement are essential components of recovery from binge drinking.This healing combination will help to accelerate your bloodstream, resulting in a more effective fight against the toxic breakdown products of ethanol.

It is important to remember that physical activity with a hangover should not be particularly intense. You should not run to the gym in this state and pull barbells with dumbbells there. In addition, there is no need to go to the bathhouse and actively warm up at high temperatures.

As we have already mentioned, the body in such conditions works for wear and tear, including the cardiovascular system.Better to just go outside, calmly walk in the park and listen to some soothing music or a humorous podcast on your headphones.

6. Ask someone to give you a massage

If you understand that even going out into the street is lazy, ask someone close to you to give you a wellness massage. You can even call a masseur to your house if there are no volunteers for this business.

The fact is that a good massage, like light exercise, can set blood and lymph in motion, which helps to remove toxins from the body.

7. Take pain reliever

If you feel that your head is splitting too much from the effects of a stormy night, you can take pain relievers. However, remember that in this way you are putting additional stress on your liver and stomach. Therefore, if you can be patient, it is better to do so.

In addition, there is no need to increase the dosage of the pain reliever. Just drink as much as you usually drink in situations like this.

It is also worth warning you that doctors do not recommend taking paracetamol from a hangover as a pain reliever, because it can cause irreversible changes in the liver.

8. Take a shower

To cheer up and feel like a man after a drunkenness, you need to go to the shower and try to wash off all the consequences of yesterday’s party.

The shower, like many physical exercises, accelerates the blood, and also helps in combating stress.

9. Better not hangover

While many people are accustomed to treating hangovers with new doses of alcohol, it is advisable never to do so.

After a morning glass or a bottle of beer, the symptoms of a stormy night can really disappear overnight, but in this way you only postpone the upcoming hangover, which can be much more difficult than what you are experiencing now.

Plus, new portions of alcohol after epic drunkenness can lead you to binge drinking, and there it is not far from alcoholism.

9. Have sex

So forget about the new alcohol and have sex with your girlfriend. Firstly, lovemaking promotes the production of endorphins, which will help to postpone the negative effects of drinking for some time, and secondly, it is, after all, physical activity that sets the blood in motion.

Why is hangover harder with age?

You probably noticed that at the age of 20, alcohol was less detrimental to health, and a hangover seemed like some kind of incomprehensible and greatly exaggerated phenomenon.However, over time, you began to realize that it is no longer possible to drink without consequences for the body, and this is most likely due to the fact that you are getting old.

Unfortunately, this is the case. Already after 30 years in our body, the concentration of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of ethanol breakdown products decreases, metabolism slows down, and the amount of fluid in the body decreases.

Moreover, our cells are no longer regenerating as quickly, and the immune system becomes weaker.Therefore, the hangover is getting harder and more painful.

Not so long ago, a group of British researchers from the Redemption organization was able to identify the age at which hangovers are most difficult. It turned out to be 29 years old.

And this does not mean that after 29 years the hangover will go away much easier. The point is that at this age many people still have the habit of breaking loose and getting drunk the way they used to do it in their youth.However, their body is simply not capable of this.

In the future, they simply understand that a hangover is a merciless thing and try to drink more moderately, controlling themselves at parties. However, of course, this does not apply to everyone.

How can I drink so that a hangover does not come?

If you do not want to completely give up drinking, but suffering in the morning is also not your option, you can try to approach drinking more competently next time.

To do this, be sure to watch what kind of alcohol you drink. It shouldn’t be bought in questionable places, spilled in a five-liter plastic canister, and suspiciously cheap. Otherwise, you have every chance of being poisoned by this swill and waking up in the morning in an extremely sad state.

In addition, try to eat while drinking, drink plenty of water, take noticeable breaks between shots or glasses, not mix drinks and just get drunk less.

Then you have every chance to wake up in the morning with a clear head and the most unobtrusive reminder that you drank alcohol yesterday.

90,000 Why headaches immediately after alcohol: causes of headaches after drinking alcohol | e1.ru

Many people often notice that headaches appear or worsen after drinking alcohol.But not everyone knows what this is connected with. Some think there may have been low quality alcohol. But most often the development of headaches, even with the use of a small amount of red wine or champagne, is associated with migraines. Migraine is a special type of primary headache, which is characterized by pronounced intensity, one-sided localization of pain in the forehead and temples or in half of the head, while bright light and loud sounds irritate, the pain intensifies with physical activity.A migraine attack can occur within 30 minutes to 3 hours after drinking alcohol. This is a typical alcohol-induced headache.

Another type is a delayed alcoholic headache, also called hangover headache , it appears the morning after drinking alcohol.

Many patients in a state of stress, depression, anxiety tend to drink alcohol. However, they often have tension headaches .These pains are usually bilateral, mild, pressing or aching, without fear of light or sound.

There is another type of headache – cluster headaches. They are the strongest, usually concentrated in the area of ​​one eye, the eye turns red during an attack, there is lacrimation, nasal congestion, nasal discharge. Patients with cluster pain in 50–80% of cases are very sensitive to alcohol, so it is better for them to refuse it altogether.

Why do people with migraines and some others do not tolerate alcohol well and react with headaches? The fact is that they have a tendency to increased vascular reactivity, when spasm can occur, and then the expansion of cerebral vessels.Alcohol can cause vasodilatation in the head, it is no coincidence that many have a red face, this entails the development of a headache. This is facilitated by an increase in blood pressure with alcohol consumption. In addition, some wines contain histamine, which can trigger migraine attacks. An important factor in the development of headaches is the loss of fluid in the body due to the diuretic effect of almost all alcoholic beverages. An important factor is the lack of sleep, especially after the holiday festivities.Another factor is the decrease in glucose and serotonin levels after alcohol abuse, which increases the sensitivity to pain.

If there are any changes in the vessels of the brain, especially their narrowing against the background of atherosclerosis, developmental abnormalities, cerebral aneurysms, as well as concomitant diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, alcohol can be one of the triggering factors of development stroke. At the same time, along with impaired speech, sensitivity in the limbs, movements, vision, coordination, a severe headache may occur that a person has not experienced before.Stroke is already a formidable disease that can result in disability.

Pay close attention to headaches. Anyone who suffers from them needs an accurate diagnosis, identification of other diseases that can worsen the condition. And, of course, if there is a connection between headaches and alcohol, you need timely treatment.

Headache is a sign of trouble in the body; it must be treated not with painkillers, but with special drugs that affect the mechanism of its development.Then no factors will provoke a headache.

December – the beginning of the holiday season. On the eve of the holidays, in order to avoid complications , experts recommend a timely consultation at the International Center for the Treatment of Headaches “Europe – Asia” in Yekaterinburg. There, in addition to diagnosing and treating headaches, a person will be offered an examination of the vessels of the head, if necessary, the identification and treatment of concomitant pathologies of the liver, kidneys, and heart.The aim of the clinic is not only high-quality treatment of headaches, but also stroke prevention. According to the center, with the correct diagnosis and prescription of drugs that affect the mechanism of headache development, up to 95% of patients get rid of them.

You can sign up for a consultation and examination by phone: +7 (343) 295-15-23 and +7 912 049 35 67.

Article author: Elena Razumovna Lebedeva – Doctor of Medical Sciences, neurologist of the highest category of the international medical center “Europe – Asia”, representative of Russia in the Council of Experts on Headaches and Stroke at the European Academy of Neurology.

9 best ways to get rid of a hangover: proven by science :: Health :: RBK Style

1. What is a hangover
2. How to get rid of: instructions
3. What not to do
4. Doctor’s comment
5. How to prevent

The text was checked and commented by Nikolay Nazariev, narcologist, psychiatrist, sexologist, physiotherapist, leading specialist of the Semeynaya network of clinics

It takes 8-12 hours to process alcohol and cleanse tissues from it.When the level of ethanol in the blood tends to zero, withdrawal symptoms occur, in everyday life called a hangover. After alcohol intoxication, the body needs support. Ethanol works similarly to diuretics. Alcohol promotes the elimination of fluid from the body through the genitourinary system and the respiratory system.

In a state of intoxication, breathing quickens, the liquid is intensively converted into fumes. A protective reaction of the body is triggered, which is trying to remove ethanol. As a result, in an hour or two, a person loses 0.6-1 liters of fluid.Weakness, thirst, dizziness are symptoms that signal tissue dehydration.

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, which causes nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. The reaction of the breakdown of ethyl alcohol is accompanied by a decrease in glucose levels, the loss of vitamins and microelements. The result is a feeling of weakness, fatigue, a sharp change in mood.

© Ilyuza Mingazova / Unsplash

An intermediate product of the breakdown of ethanol – acetaldehyde – accelerates the pulse, causes tachycardia and increased sweating.The functions of the nervous system are impaired, the phase of REM sleep is reduced. If alcohol was consumed the night before, after waking up in the morning, a person feels exhausted and exhausted.

The destruction of brain cells leads to an increase in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the cranium. An unbearable headache occurs due to an excess of fluid.

What is a hangover

Hangover is a post-intoxication condition accompanying alcohol abuse.It occurs several hours after the party (usually the next day) and is accompanied by unpleasant physical sensations: headache, nausea, sweating and dry mouth. In addition, a person becomes psychologically ill, since with frequent and excessive use of alcohol, it becomes a depressant [1].

Doctors do not name the exact causes of a hangover, but several factors can influence its occurrence. Ethyl alcohol is oxidized in the liver, and the breakdown produces acetic acid and acetaldehyde.The latter is several times more toxic than alcohol itself. In addition, the enzyme CYP2E1 is formed, which produces free radicals and toxins. Hangover symptoms can be exacerbated by other ingredients in the drink, such as sugar, tannin, and fusel oils. In addition to the poisoning reaction, a person may suffer from edema caused by dehydration of the body, and hypovolemia – a lack of fluid in the vessels.

The acid-base balance changes, so many people feel nauseous with a hangover. Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts the balance of chemicals in the blood and causes metabolic acidosis, which is characterized by increased acidity [2].

A hangover can last up to 72 hours after drinking, but in most cases this period is shorter. Much depends on how much was drunk, how much the body is dehydrated. Individual factors are also important: lifestyle, nutrition, gender and weight, liver condition, stomach health and medications taken that can aggravate the condition [3].

6 reasons to refuse alcohol

How to get rid of a hangover: instruction

Getting rid of a hangover means not only relieving symptoms, but also eliminating the root causes: dehydration and intoxication.It is important to restore the water-salt balance, blood sugar and oxygen levels [4]. In especially severe cases, you will need the help of a doctor, but with a mild hangover, you can cope on your own using the available means.

1. Deep sleep

At times, getting enough rest and sleep is enough to give the body time and strength to return to normal functioning. Although alcohol consumption often impairs the quality of sleep, it becomes intermittent and shallow [5].Prolonged lack of proper rest aggravates hangover symptoms. Therefore, do not plan to get up early if you have drunk too much. Try to set aside time for rest and sleep as soon as the opportunity presents itself. This will avoid the headaches, fatigue, and irritability that accompany a hangover.

2. Healthy breakfast

The morning meal is the most important of the day. A balanced breakfast will energize and relieve hangovers by maintaining blood sugar levels, fatigue and nausea.Some studies also show that maintaining adequate blood sugar levels can alleviate alcohol-related symptoms by lowering acidity in the body. A healthy breakfast can help reduce the effects of a party, especially if it contains important vitamins and minerals. Choose light foods, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. Porridge, chicken and steamed fish, baked vegetables are suitable.

© Jonas Jacobsson / Unsplash

3.Pure water

Dehydration, which a person does not notice when drinking alcohol, occurs for several reasons. Alcoholic beverages have a diuretic effect, which leads to the loss of fluid and electrolytes necessary for the normal functioning of all body systems [6]. Too much alcohol can often cause nausea and vomiting, which can lead to more fluid loss. Dehydration leads to dizziness, headaches, and dry mouth that accompany a person the day after a meal.In order to quickly bounce back, you need to drink clean water. Maintain your drinking regime throughout the day. Sugar or honey can be added to the water to help restore electrolyte levels and reduce hangover symptoms.

4. Plant extracts

Research confirms the benefits of pharmacy food supplements for post-alcoholic alcohol relief. In the first place is red ginseng, which lowers blood alcohol levels [7]. The second is ginger, especially when combined with brown sugar and mandarin extract.Scientists have shown that the remedy reduces the symptoms of alcohol intoxication, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea [8]. Borage oil and Eleutherococcus extract were distinguished by similar effects [9], [10].

5. Sorbents

Doctors do not agree with the conventional wisdom that sorbents accelerate the removal of alcohol breakdown products from the body. Narcologist Nikolai Nazariev says: “It is too late to use activated charcoal for a hangover. A hangover is a poisoning with metabolic products when the substances have already been absorbed.Drinking coal in advance also makes no sense: the ethanol molecule is very small, it will make its way everywhere. ” However, sorbents are useful if you suspect that you have food poisoning in addition to a hangover.

6. Painkillers and other medicines

If your head hurts badly, there is no point in putting up with it – take a pill. Although common drugstore ibuprofen-based remedies have a negative effect on the liver and gastrointestinal tract, at least you will be able to collect your thoughts and not spend the whole day in bed.Choose the drugs you know and are prescribed by your therapist, because new drugs can give the body an unpredictable response and worsen the condition.

7. Fresh air

Oxygen is the driver of all metabolic processes in the body. Fresh air helps to quickly remove waste products from the blood through breathing, and the condition gradually returns to normal. If it is not possible to pack up and go for a short walk, open the windows and ventilate the area well.

8.Antioxidants

Alcohol causes oxidative stress by causing the body to produce free radicals. Several foods that contain antioxidants help fight them, including berries, spinach, carrots, nuts and seeds, and black and green teas. Keep in mind that this is only a help to maintain the body’s performance, and not a medicine that will instantly relieve symptoms.

9. Doctor’s assistance

If simple remedies do not help and you feel very bad, seek help from specialists.It is especially important to do this if there are pains in the stomach, chest or sides, increased heart rate, temperature and pressure drop, frequent vomiting and confusion are present. In serious cases, proper treatment with the introduction of drugs through an IV line will be required.

What does alcohol do to the body after 40 years

What not to do with a hangover

It is important not only to get rid of a hangover, but also not to aggravate it with the wrong treatment. For some people, it causes an uncontrollable feeling of hunger against the background of poor physical and emotional well-being, which makes them want to eat more junk food.The first thing to give up is heavy fatty foods. The fact is that alcohol is broken down by the same metabolic pathway as fat. The strain on the liver is colossal, and a slice of pizza or fries will slow down the elimination of toxins [11]. Try to maintain a healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to restore blood sugar levels.

There are tips on the internet to cope with hangovers through work therapy.But there is no scientific evidence to show that exercise relieves unpleasant symptoms. Moreover, high activity can be harmful, since the body is already exhausted and has to spend a lot of energy fighting the consequences of alcohol consumption. The only plus of physical activity is better blood supply and the ability to escape from unpleasant sensations. Therefore, you can arrange a leisurely cleaning of the apartment or an audit in the closet, but do not overdo it.

Narcologist assessed the effect of alcohol on COVID-19 patients

Doctor’s comment

Nikolay Nazariev, narcologist, psychiatrist, sexologist, physiotherapist, leading specialist of the Semeynaya network of clinics

One of the reasons for the deterioration of health after an abundant dose of alcohol is dehydration and a violation of the water-salt balance in the body.Alcohol is an inhibitor of the hormone vasopressin, the concentration of which drops sharply after drinking alcoholic beverages. Vasopressin functions to retain water in the body and to constrict blood vessels.

Body tissues are swollen, while there is a lack of water in the bloodstream. The blood becomes viscous. Its volumes are decreasing. Why is it better to drink cucumber hangover pickle instead of regular water? Water reduces the osmotic pressure of blood plasma. The osmotic pressure is influenced by the concentration of salts and solutes.Osmoreceptors respond to water intake. They signal to the brain that excess fluid has appeared in the tissues, which needs to be disposed of.

Brine is a liquid that is formed in the process of fermentation, salting, and soaking of vegetables. The main components of the solution are salt, water, herbs and spices. In the process of preparing the brine, as a result of the fermentation of the liquid, lactic and natural acetic acids are formed. The solution is saturated with potassium, sodium and magnesium ions, vitamin C, essential oils, copper compounds, extractive substances that are released from spices.A glass of sour-salty drink is the first step towards improving the functioning of organs and systems. Then you can replenish moisture reserves with the help of mineral water, natural fruit drinks and juices without added sugar, green tea, ginger-mint tea and other unsweetened drinks.

As an alternative, you can use fermented milk products, which are also rich in trace elements and vitamins, minimize the toxic effect of toxic substances. Also, hot rich meat and fish soups such as kharcho, khash, hodgepodge or the notorious chicken broth are traditionally considered an excellent way to relieve a hangover.It is assumed that if you eat any of the above, the hangover will go away.

Khash and fish broth, jellied meat or fish aspic will really help, because they contain a huge amount of glycine, which helps to neutralize the extremely poisonous acetaldehyde formed during the breakdown of alcohol, and helps the nervous system to cope with the unpleasant consequences of alcohol abuse. Just a fat soup will not give such an effect.

Be careful with spicy hot dishes – they, of course, can “shake” a hangover, but be careful: the stomach tired of alcohol may not be happy.Important: do not eat even the super-healthy, time-tested hash, until your body wants to eat on its own – take pity on the liver.

One of the first symptoms of a hangover is dehydration. You need fluids to flush out toxins from your body. If you don’t feel like eating yet, but only want to drink, drink as much as possible. Just water, mineral water, fresh juices (citrus fruits are best) and tea.

Citrus juice (orange, grapefruit, lemon) contains a huge amount of vitamin C, which the body actively needs after alcohol abuse.Of course, you should not drink freshly squeezed lemon juice, but you can mix it with warm water or mineral water, add sugar or honey to taste (if there is no allergy).

Researchers have found that honey is extremely useful for alcohol intoxication, because it contains trace elements, redox enzymes, organic acids that improve metabolism, and fructose, which calms the nervous system.

Tea for a hangover is preferable to green – it contains antioxidants necessary to speed up metabolism and eliminate toxins.Also, green tea is rich in potassium, which, like vitamin C, is washed out of the body under the influence of alcohol, and its lack leads to high blood pressure, arrhythmias and a rapid pulse. Peppermint tea (you can use regular filter bags from the pharmacy) soothes the nervous system and reduces the anxiety that often accompanies a hangover.

Refrain from going to the bathhouse. Heat creates an additional load on the heart, and a dehydrated body will lose many times more moisture. You can’t swim.This is dangerous: antidiuretic hormone due to excess ethanol does not produce potassium and magnesium, which leads to seizures. Better not to drink coffee. It increases the heart’s need for oxygen. Refrain from sex. Excessive stress on the heart is useless. Narcologists do not recommend taking aspirin for a hangover. This drug can cause inflammation of the stomach lining and, in some cases, cause bleeding.

Do not take paracetamol. This is dangerous for the liver. Warning: modern citramones also contain paracetamol, so do not try to treat headaches with citramone.Do not take Corvalol, Valocordin and Valoserdin for a hangover. They contain phenobarbital, which is incompatible with alcohol, and in itself is far from safe: it can cause delirium worse than alcohol, up to coma.

How to prevent a hangover

So that the day after meeting with friends does not fall out of life, take preventive measures the day before. Even if you do not intend to completely stop drinking, stick to the following rules:

• Try to reduce the number of servings of alcohol.This does not guarantee well-being the next day, but the less alcohol there is in the body, the less waste products will harm health.
• Choose proven quality drinks. In addition to alcohol, various preservatives, flavor enhancers and other additives have a negative impact on health.
• Before the party, try to have an active day with reasonable physical activity and a large meal.
• In the process of drinking alcohol, it is better to eat light meals so as not to overload the liver and stomach.It is better not to combine energy drinks, chocolate, coffee, fried meats, desserts and hot snacks with a lot of spices with alcohol.

Stories of quitting alcohol, cigarettes, sugar and lack of sleep.

90,000 Treatment of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms in Yaroslavl

After a heavy intake of alcohol, a person who does not suffer from alcoholism develops the next day acute intoxication (poisoning) with toxic decomposition products of alcohol in the body : acute headache, weakness, nausea, sometimes with vomiting, depressed mood, hand tremors, sweating …Symptoms of alcohol intoxication are not relieved by repeated drinking, which can aggravate the serious condition. Symptoms of intoxication usually disappear within a day. This condition is called “ hangover ” and in milder forms does not require medical intervention.

Withdrawal syndrome (or withdrawal syndrome ) develops in stage II of alcoholism. It manifests itself 8-20 hours after stopping alcohol intake by a complex of mental, neurological and somatovegetative disorders.

The duration of this state depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. Basically, in the absence of specialized treatment, the symptoms disappear in 2-5 days.

Withdrawal is manifested by special states:

• on the part of the psyche: melancholy, depression, irritability with bouts of aggression, depression, anxiety, bouts of unexplained fear, insomnia or interrupted sleep, often with nightmares, prolonged headaches;
• Neurological disorders: tremor (trembling) of the hands, impaired coordination of movements, nystagmus (involuntary oscillatory eye movements), muscle weakness.
• somatic pathology: sweating, heart palpitations, heart rhythm disturbances, surges in blood pressure, shortness of breath, skin redness, loose stools, constant thirst, decreased appetite, nausea, often with vomiting.

Severe withdrawal symptoms can be accompanied by alcoholic psychoses – from delirium (“delirium tremens”) to acute hallucinosis and Korsakov’s psychosis. Withdrawal symptoms can lead to myocardial infarction or generalized seizures.

Repeated intake of alcoholic beverages alleviates all of the listed symptoms, therefore, the craving for alcohol at the II stage of alcoholism becomes irresistible, which leads to hard drinking. Binge drinking is characterized by a condition in which a person consumes alcohol for two days or more. At the same time, the use of alcohol-containing beverages is no longer associated with the desire to get pleasure, but with the urgent need to return to a state of intoxication in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. A person loses interest in the environment, all needs are reduced to getting a new dose of alcohol.

Against the background of this state, the general degradation of the personality progresses: family, friendships are destroyed, problems arise at work. Being in a binge, a person is not able to adequately assess the situation, he exposes himself and those around him to serious danger. If you do not help the patient to get out of this vicious circle, then the consequences can be the most sad, even death.

Withdrawal syndrome in its structure has two components:

• specific signs of a pathological, irresistible craving for alcohol,
• nonspecific disorders associated with the toxic effects of alcohol on various organs and systems of the patient.

Treatment of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms (removal from binge drinking) in Yaroslavl

Withdrawal syndrome is one of the most painful conditions accompanying alcoholism.

The course of withdrawal symptoms can be very difficult and life-threatening for the patient, therefore, when the first signs of withdrawal appear, it is imperative to consult a narcologist.The relief of withdrawal symptoms is only the first stage in the treatment of alcoholism.

The main goals of abstinence treatment are:

• elimination of emerging symptoms and prevention of their further development (mitigation of symptoms arising from the cessation of ethanol intake, and detoxification – normalization of homeostasis),
• prevention of possible complications,
• Treatment of diseases accompanying alcoholism that aggravate the course of withdrawal symptoms.

Removal from hard drinking, getting rid of withdrawal symptoms require strict medical supervision. At the Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome is strictly individualized, taking into account the psychophysical state of the patient.

The one-day program of getting out of the binge and removing the “hangover” includes:

• examination of the patient by a narcologist,
• detoxification (single intravenous injection of drugs – dropper),
• Recommendations for a patient to maintain their condition at home.

The selection of the necessary list of drugs, as well as single and daily doses is made strictly individually, depends on the severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, mental and somatoneurological state of the patient and can vary widely. A correct assessment of the patient’s condition and knowledge of the principles of his treatment is the key to successful treatment and prevention of possible complications. 90,000 If a hangover has a headache, how to get rid of it? | Health and Beauty

Hangover headaches are common and for some reason.Taking into account the individual characteristics of a person, alcohol affects differently. For some, it is enough to drink a glass, and the head immediately begins to split, while others drink a liter or more of vodka and only the next morning begin to experience serious malaise. What causes the pain in the head and how to help ourselves to relieve symptoms on our own, we will consider.

Causes of headaches

The effects of alcohol do not have the best effect on the body, thereby provoking many internal organs.A headache is a symptom of the fact that as a result of drunk alcohol:

• metabolism is disturbed;

• vessels in the brain swell;

• there are signs of arrhythmia provoked by ethanol;

• the death of nerve cells in the brain begins;

• The liver is malfunctioning due to a significant reduction in glucose production. With its lack, the brain is in a depressed state and is not able to work properly;

• dehydration of the body occurs as a result of frequent urination, which is provoked by the drunk alcoholic beverage.Decay products are released through the urinary tract, thereby poisoning the body and causing a headache;

• the brain suffers from a lack of oxygen due to a hangover, which negatively affects the cortex, blood clots thicken, oxygen supply to the brain is impaired;

• lack of sleep and headache – the body’s reaction to a hangover.

Almost any alcohol contains ethanol, which, as a result of decomposition into acetaldehyde in the body, becomes a provocateur not only for headache, hangover, but also causes nausea, vomiting, and heart palpitations.

How to get rid of hangover syndrome?

To get rid of a hangover, you need to eliminate the causes that caused its appearance, that is, remove toxic substances from the body, improve your water-salt balance. Among pharmacies, Alka-Seltzer eliminates unpleasant symptoms well, in the morning you need to drink 2 tablets at once, dissolving in 1 glass of water. Also, Zenal helps to accelerate the elimination of acetaldehyde from the body.

The effect of alcohol can be reduced if you drink aspirin, ibuprofen, activated charcoal, Polysorb to remove toxins or no-shpu (2 tablets at once) before taking it to relieve soreness of the head.

Many people prefer to drink a cup of strong tea or coffee in the morning. After taking, the pain really subsides due to vasoconstriction under the influence of caffeine.

If you have a hangover in the morning, it means you need to have a hangover, some people think, and as a treatment they prefer to drink a glass of beer or vodka. Yes, it really helps for a while, but in most cases the person drinks too much again and the next day suffers from headaches again. If there is no sense of proportion, it is better, of course, in order not to become an alcoholic, to abstain and resort to a similar method.

You can get rid of a hangover by visiting a bathhouse, sauna, go and steam properly. Toxins will be removed from the open pores faster. If the head hurts as a result of a long binge, then this method is dangerous. Fever puts stress on the heart, and blood pressure may rise.

To accelerate the elimination of toxins and normalize the water balance, of course, you need to drink more fluids. And every person with a hangover due to dry thirst in the mouth tries to quickly drink pickle of cucumbers, or cabbage, mineral water with ice.This is correct, because the liquid accelerates the elimination of toxins from the body, gradually there comes a relief and improvement in well-being.

If you have overcome the headache, it is useful to drink herbal infusions. You can brew St. John’s wort, motherwort, rose hips, add honey. Kefir, fermented baked milk or juices: apple, orange, pomegranate with glucose content contributes to the normalization of the water – salt balance.

Vitamin C has a beneficial effect on the body, and you can just drink a glass of water with the addition of lemon juice.Lemon tea restores strength, improves blood circulation. Taking a contrast shower will help get rid of puffiness on the face.

Often headache is accompanied by heartburn, nausea due to severe irritation of the digestive tract, erosion of the walls of the stomach with ethyl alcohol. It is good to drink warm broths or just anger with boiling water, for example, a Maggi chicken cube. Some people are helped by a raw egg mixed with vinegar (2 drops), pepper and salt, taken in one gulp.

The headache subsides after taking sauerkraut, bread alum.

Can a hangover be avoided?

Hangover syndrome is painful and, of course, you need to get rid of it, take measures to minimize it, having drunk the day before:

• activated charcoal 15 minutes before taking alcohol, after 1.5-2 hours another couple of pills at once. This will significantly reduce the absorption of alcohol into the blood;

• milk 1 glass 1-1.5 hours before taking the first portion of alcohol;

• Eat 1 cup of buckwheat, oatmeal or sweet food, such as dessert, up to half an hour before the meal.So on a full stomach, the intoxication process will be slowed down, sweets will not allow glucose to decrease, which happens under the influence of intoxicating drinks;

• strong coffee (50-60g) 2-3 hours before the meal. Due to the production of enzymes, alcohol will be neutralized after entering the body. Caffeine will prevent spasm of blood vessels.

Tips on how to get drunk less

Hangover and headache are a consequence of alcohol, and it comes inevitably. In order to avoid trouble, it is better not to drink strong drinks at all.If, being in a company or on a holiday, you could not refrain from drinking alcohol, be it good wine, beer or champagne, then you should apply some tips that, if they do not eliminate unpleasant symptoms, then significantly minimize the effects of alcohol as a result of the splitting of its components into the body.

1. Snack more. If alcohol enters the stomach with food, absorption will be slowed down.

2. Try not to mix different drinks, eat a few tablespoons of fatty or flour foods after each glass you drink.

3. Lean on sweets. Replenishment of glucose along with drinking alcohol is necessary for the body.

4. It is better to drink a glass of vodka than a glass of dark beer. It is in it that there are more harmful components.

5. Wash down each dose of alcohol you drink with water, tomato, cranberry juice, regardless of its strength of alcoholic beverages. Glucose and vitamin C must be supplied to the body. They well neutralize the effects of alcohol, especially ethyl alcohol.

6. Do not drink soda, which only provokes the processes of digestion in the stomach, disrupting them.Drink better water or coffee. This will not cause vasospasm.

7. Do not overdo it, drinking stack after stack. Take breaks so that the dose of harmful substances received has time to be properly broken down in the body.

8. If you are worried that you will be very ill in the morning and it will interfere with your daily activities, try not to drink alcohol at all. Do not arrange a test for your body, so that later you will suffer and not know how to get rid of unpleasant symptoms.It is alcohol-containing drinks, due to their composition, that become provocateurs of headaches, which are sometimes simply unbearable.

9. Know how to refuse to drink drinks, even if your friends are too persuading you. Your health is in your hands. And it’s up to you to drink or not.

10. If it so happened that there was a strong intoxication of the body, then it is better to consult a doctor who will supply a dropper with the introduction of glucose, other components for faster elimination of alcohol decomposition products, slags and toxins from the body.This will help you quickly get rid of the misfortune, relief will come, and your mood will improve.

Should you drink next time or not, think about it. Holidays, of course, are good, but this is a big load for the body, which sometimes takes a long and painful time to cope with and eliminate. Soreness of the head sometimes does not subside for several days, weakness and feeling of weakness can knock out of the usual rut for a longer period.