How can you alleviate a hangover headache. What are the most effective treatments for hangover-related pain. Which home remedies actually work for hangover relief. Why do hangovers cause headaches. How can you prevent a hangover headache before it starts.

Understanding Hangover Headaches: Causes and Symptoms

Hangover headaches are a common consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. They occur as part of a broader set of symptoms collectively known as a hangover. To effectively combat these headaches, it’s crucial to understand their underlying causes and associated symptoms.

Why Do Hangovers Cause Headaches?

Hangover headaches result from a combination of factors:

• Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, causing increased urine production and fluid loss.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Along with fluid loss, essential electrolytes are depleted.
• Inflammation: Alcohol triggers inflammatory responses in the body.
• Acetaldehyde buildup: This toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism contributes to hangover symptoms.
• Vasodilation: Alcohol causes blood vessels to expand, which can lead to headaches.
• Disrupted sleep patterns: Alcohol interferes with normal sleep cycles, exacerbating headache symptoms.

Common Symptoms Accompanying Hangover Headaches

While headaches are a primary complaint, they often occur alongside other hangover symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Rapid heartbeat
• Mood disturbances (irritability, anxiety)
• Difficulty concentrating

Science-Backed Treatments for Hangover Headaches

While many hangover remedies lack scientific evidence, some treatments have shown promise in alleviating hangover headaches. Here are evidence-based approaches to consider:

1. Vitamin B6 Supplementation

Can vitamin B6 really help with hangover headaches? Research suggests it might. Alcohol depletes B vitamins, including B6, which plays a crucial role in metabolism. Supplementing with B6 before or after drinking may help your body process alcohol more efficiently, potentially reducing hangover severity.

To maximize the benefits of B6:

• Consume B6-rich foods like poultry, potatoes, and fruits
• Consider taking a B6 supplement (consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate dosage)
• Take B6 before drinking or the morning after for potential relief

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Do NSAIDs effectively combat hangover headaches? Yes, they can be helpful. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals. They can alleviate hangover-related headaches and body aches.

Important considerations when using NSAIDs for hangovers:

• Use as directed and avoid exceeding recommended doses
• Be cautious, as NSAIDs combined with alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation
• Never use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for hangover relief due to the risk of liver damage when combined with alcohol

3. Electrolyte-Rich Beverages

Can sports drinks really help with hangover recovery? Evidence suggests they might be beneficial. Fitness drinks like Gatorade contain electrolytes that can help restore balance and promote hydration. A 2014 study from UC Berkeley found that these beverages were more effective for rapid hydration compared to plain water.

Tips for using electrolyte drinks:

• Choose low-sugar options to avoid exacerbating hangover symptoms
• Alternate between electrolyte drinks and water for optimal hydration
• Consider making your own electrolyte solution with water, salt, and a small amount of juice

4. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Is NAC an effective hangover preventive? Some research suggests it may help. NAC is an amino acid that supports the body’s production of glutathione, an important antioxidant. By taking NAC before drinking, you may reduce the impact of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism.

Guidelines for using NAC:

• Take 200-300mg of NAC at least 30 minutes before drinking
• Consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine
• Remember that while NAC may help, it’s not a license to drink excessively

Effective Home Remedies for Hangover Headache Relief

In addition to science-backed treatments, several home remedies can provide relief from hangover headaches. These methods focus on addressing the underlying causes of hangover symptoms and promoting overall recovery.

1. Hydration is Key

Why is proper hydration crucial for hangover recovery? Alcohol’s diuretic effect leads to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, contributing to headache symptoms. Rehydrating your body is essential for alleviating hangover discomfort.

Effective hydration strategies:

• Drink water before, during, and after alcohol consumption
• Aim for one glass of water per alcoholic beverage
• Consider coconut water or electrolyte-enhanced water for added benefits
• Monitor your urine color – pale yellow indicates good hydration

2. Nutrient-Rich Foods

Can eating the right foods help with hangover headaches? Absolutely. Consuming nutrient-dense foods before, during, and after drinking can help maintain blood sugar levels, replenish vitamins, and support your body’s recovery processes.

Hangover-fighting food choices:

• Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits) to stabilize blood sugar
• Protein-rich foods (eggs, lean meats) to support liver function
• Bananas and other potassium-rich foods to restore electrolyte balance
• Ginger or peppermint tea to soothe nausea and promote hydration

3. Gentle Exercise

Is exercise beneficial for hangover recovery? In moderation, yes. Light physical activity can help boost circulation, promote the release of endorphins, and accelerate the body’s metabolic processes, potentially speeding up hangover recovery.

Tips for exercising with a hangover:

• Opt for low-intensity activities like walking or gentle yoga
• Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after exercise
• Listen to your body and stop if you feel dizzy or nauseous
• Avoid high-intensity workouts that could further dehydrate you

Preventive Measures: Avoiding Hangover Headaches

While treating hangover headaches is important, prevention is always the best strategy. By taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a severe hangover headache.

1. Moderation in Alcohol Consumption

How can you drink responsibly to prevent hangovers? The most effective way to avoid a hangover headache is to limit your alcohol intake. Understanding your personal limits and adhering to recommended guidelines can make a significant difference.

Responsible drinking tips:

• Follow national guidelines for moderate drinking (e.g., up to 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men)
• Use smaller glasses to control portion sizes
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages
• Avoid drinking games or situations that encourage rapid consumption

2. Choose Your Drinks Wisely

Do certain types of alcohol cause worse hangovers? Research suggests that some alcoholic beverages may be more likely to cause severe hangovers than others. This is often attributed to congeners, byproducts of fermentation found in higher concentrations in darker liquors.

Drink choices for minimizing hangover risk:

• Opt for clear liquors like vodka or gin over darker spirits
• Choose quality wines over cheaper varieties that may contain more additives
• Be cautious with mixed drinks, which can contain added sugars and lead to faster intoxication
• Consider low-alcohol or alcohol-free alternatives

3. Pre-Drinking Preparation

Can you prepare your body to minimize hangover effects? While nothing can completely prevent a hangover, certain pre-drinking strategies may help reduce its severity.

Pre-drinking tips:

• Eat a balanced meal containing protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates
• Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
• Consider taking a B-complex vitamin supplement
• Get adequate sleep the night before to support your body’s resilience

Understanding the Limitations of Hangover Cures

While many products claim to be miracle hangover cures, it’s important to approach these claims with skepticism. The effectiveness of hangover remedies can vary greatly between individuals, and many lack substantial scientific evidence.

Debunking Common Hangover Myths

Are popular hangover cures actually effective? Many widely believed hangover remedies have little to no scientific backing. Let’s examine some common myths:

• “Hair of the dog”: Drinking more alcohol to cure a hangover is not recommended and can lead to unhealthy drinking patterns.
• Greasy food: While it may be satisfying, there’s no evidence that greasy food cures hangovers. It may even irritate your stomach.
• Coffee: While caffeine may provide a temporary energy boost, it can also contribute to dehydration.
• Sweating it out: Intense exercise or sauna use can further dehydrate you and exacerbate symptoms.

The Role of Individual Factors

Why do hangover experiences differ between people? Hangover severity and the effectiveness of remedies can vary based on several individual factors:

• Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to hangovers due to genetic variations.
• Body composition: Body weight and composition affect how alcohol is metabolized.
• Age: Hangovers often become more severe as we age.
• Overall health: Liver function, hydration status, and general health influence hangover experiences.
• Medication interactions: Certain medications can interact with alcohol, affecting hangover severity.

When to Seek Medical Help for Hangover Symptoms

While most hangovers resolve on their own, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize when professional help is needed.

Red Flags: When a Hangover May Be Something More

When should you be concerned about hangover symptoms? Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Pale or blue-tinged skin
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Severe abdominal pain

Alcohol Poisoning: A Serious Risk

How can you differentiate between a severe hangover and alcohol poisoning? Alcohol poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. Symptoms include:

• Loss of consciousness or inability to wake up
• Vomiting while sleeping or unresponsive
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute)
• Low body temperature
• Pale or bluish skin

If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call emergency services immediately. Do not leave the person alone, and try to keep them sitting up and awake if possible.

Long-Term Health Implications of Frequent Hangovers

While occasional hangovers are common, frequent or severe hangovers can be a sign of problematic drinking patterns and may have long-term health consequences. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about alcohol consumption.

The Impact on Physical Health

How does regular heavy drinking affect your body over time? Frequent alcohol consumption and resulting hangovers can lead to various health issues:

• Liver damage: Chronic alcohol use can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Cardiovascular problems: Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
• Weakened immune system: Making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Including gastritis, ulcers, and increased cancer risk.
• Neurological effects: Potential for brain damage and cognitive impairment.

Mental Health and Social Consequences

Can frequent hangovers impact your mental well-being and relationships? Regular heavy drinking and hangovers can have significant psychological and social effects:

• Increased risk of depression and anxiety
• Impaired work performance and potential job loss
• Strained personal relationships
• Financial difficulties due to alcohol-related expenses
• Increased risk of alcohol dependence or addiction

Recognizing Problematic Drinking Patterns

How can you identify if your drinking habits are becoming problematic? Consider these warning signs:

• Regularly drinking more than intended
• Experiencing frequent hangovers that interfere with daily life
• Feeling the need to drink to relax or feel normal
• Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking or hangovers
• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences

If you’re concerned about your drinking habits, consider speaking with a healthcare provider or seeking support from organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.

Developing a Personalized Hangover Prevention Strategy

Given the individual nature of alcohol tolerance and hangover experiences, developing a personalized approach to hangover prevention can be highly effective. By understanding your own body and implementing tailored strategies, you can minimize the risk and severity of hangover headaches.

Tracking and Learning from Your Experiences

How can you use personal data to prevent hangovers? Keeping a drinking journal can provide valuable insights:

Treatments, Home Remedies, Causes, and Symptoms

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

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

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

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

1. Vitamin B6

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

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

2. NSAIDs

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

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

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

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

3.

Fitness drinks

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

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

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

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

4. N-acetyl-cysteine

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

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

5. Light exercise

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

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

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

1. Make sure to eat

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

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

2. Drink water

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Choose light-colored drinks

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

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

• tannins
• acetone
• acetaldehyde

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

4. Know your limits

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

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

5. Limit yourself

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

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

6. Skip “hair of the dog”

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

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

7. Skip the hangover recipes

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

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

• bananas
• eggs
• nuts
• spinach

8. Remember, everyone is different

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 Effective Home Remedies (Supported by Science)

Written by Stephanie Watson

• Water
• Korean Pear Juice
• Ginseng
• Phyllanthus Amarus
• Carbs
• Pain Relievers
• ‘Hair of the Dog’
• Sleep
• More

If you’ve ever had a few too many drinks on a night out, you know what the next morning can bring. The nausea, headache, parched mouth, and fatigue are telltale signs you’ve got a serious hangover.

Each of these symptoms stems from a different cause. Alcohol disrupts sleep and leaves you groggy in the morning. Drinking widens your blood vessels, which can trigger headaches. Alcohol also irritates the lining of your stomach, leading to nausea and sometimes diarrhea.

For almost as long as humans have had hangovers, we’ve tried to cure them with remedies that run the gamut from vitamin B to pickle juice. Some hangover treatments work better than others, but none is an actual cure. The only way to avoid a hangover is to limit how much you drink or avoid alcohol entirely. And if you find that hangovers are affecting your work or relationships, talk to your doctor about your drinking.

That said, a few hangover remedies can bring you relief from at least some of your symptoms. Here are a few tips to try.

A big glass of water might be the easiest hangover solution. Alcohol dehydrates you by increasing the amount of urine your kidneys make. You also lose fluid when you sweat, vomit, or have diarrhea after a night of bingeing. Dehydration causes symptoms like a dry mouth and headache.

If you drink alcohol, drink water before you go to bed. It will curb the effects of the booze in the morning. Another drink of water when you wake up will help keep you hydrated. Have a sports drink to replace the sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes you’ve lost from vomiting or diarrhea.

Some people say that getting fluids through an IV can help ease hangover symptoms. This method has the informal name of “drip bar.” It can be pricey, and health insurance doesn’t cover the bill. But there’s no need to pay for IV fluids when you can drink a glass of water for free. IVs also carry risks like infection.

Korean pear (Asian pear) juice is an old-school hangover remedy. Research shows that drinking about 7 1/2 ounces helps lower blood alcohol levels and makes hangovers less intense. The catch is, you need to drink it before you have alcohol. Drinking it afterward won’t work.

Researchers say Korean pears might work with your body’s chemistry to break down alcohol faster. Only a couple of studies have been done, which is far from proof that this hangover remedy works. But if you can find Korean pear juice at your local supermarket, it doesn’t hurt to try a glass before you go out drinking.

This root has been a feature of Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Herbalists use it to treat ailments ranging from stress to asthma. In one small study, a drink made from red ginseng cut down hangover symptoms.

An unrelated herb that goes by a similar name, Siberian ginseng extract, also improved hangover symptoms like headache, dizziness, and stomachache. But the Siberian type isn’t the ginseng used in Chinese medicine.

Ginseng is safe for most people. Check with your doctor before using it if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Some evidence suggests it might affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

This medicinal herb grows along tropical coasts. It treats liver, kidney, and stomach ailments. In one small study, taking Phyllanthus amarus extract twice a day for 10 days helped lower blood alcohol levels, ease hangover symptoms, and improve mood in regular drinkers.

You can find extracts made from this herb online and in health food stores. Some of these products go by the name “stone breaker” herb. That’s because it may help reduce risk for kidney stones.

Alcohol lowers your blood sugar. That may explain the dizziness and shaking some people get with a hangover. Your brain needs carbs for fuel. Have a couple of slices of wheat toast or a few whole-grain crackers to bring those blood sugar levels back up to normal. You’ll give yourself an energy boost, too.

An over-the-counter pain reliever will calm a pounding headache. Just be careful how much you take. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin irritate the stomach, which could make nausea worse. Avoid acetaminophen when you have a hangover. It can worsen the bad effects of alcohol on your liver.

The idea behind this popular hangover remedy is that taking another drink will relieve the effects of the last few you had. The name comes from an old folk tale that says the way to treat a dog bite is to cover the wound with hair taken from the dog that bit you.

But the truth is drinking again will just throw your body back into the same destructive cycle without giving it time to heal. Experts don’t recommend trying this method.

When it comes to getting over a hangover, time and rest may be the best medicine. Alcohol disrupts sleep. Even if you go to sleep for a few hours after a night of heavy drinking, it won’t be restful. Once you’ve had a glass of water and popped a pain reliever, slip back under the covers and catch up on more restorative sleep.

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How to get rid of a hangover headache

Headache is one of the most common signs of a hangover, which is a consequence of intoxication of the body after alcohol abuse. The condition negatively affects well-being, is dangerous to health and can lead to serious complications.

Why headaches occur during a hangover

The main causes of headaches during a hangover are:

• intoxication. With excessive alcohol consumption, a large amount of acetaldehyde, a toxic breakdown product of ethanol, is formed in the body. It enters the bloodstream, then into the brain, disrupts neural connections and leads to a disorder of brain activity;
• dehydration. Drinking 200 g of alcohol removes about 850 g of liquid, and with it useful microelements. The body, in an attempt to restore water balance, takes fluid from the brain, which leads to a decrease in its size and provokes severe pain;
• influence of alcohol on blood vessels. Alcohol dramatically expands and then constricts blood vessels, which leads to spasm and intense headache;
• mixing of several types of alcohol. When taking various alcoholic beverages, even in a small amount, intoxication of the body will be many times stronger. For example, when drinking strong alcohol, the enzyme that breaks down ethanol is blocked. Sweet alcohol (liquor, champagne) increases the concentration of sugar. The joint intake of alcoholic beverages of different strengths strikes at the liver and leads to an increased formation of toxins;
• type of alcohol consumed. Some alcoholic beverages (wine, cognac, beer) contain various chemicals. They can cause an attack of severe headache, as well as the consumption of individual snacks. Cheeses and meats contain tyramines, which provoke the development of migraines;
• smoking together with alcohol. Nicotine stimulates the increased production of dopamine – the hormone of happiness. Short-term euphoria leads subsequently to a severe headache.

The doctors of our clinic will help cure alcoholism.

Hangover headaches are associated with age. The older a person is, the worse his body copes with alcohol. This is due to a decrease in enzymatic activity. The rate of ethanol processing decreases, alcohol stays in the body longer. The poisoning intensifies, and a severe headache occurs.

It is better not to drink alcohol at all or to drink the minimum allowable dose, which is 30 g of ethanol for women and 50 g for men. In extreme cases, it is recommended not to mix drinks, as well as to refuse cocktails, to monitor the quantity and quality of alcohol taken in order to avoid unpleasant consequences in the morning in the form of poor health.

How to get rid of a headache on your own using traditional methods

There are several ways to get out of an unpleasant condition at home without the help of a doctor. These methods are suitable if the person suffering from a headache does not have an alcohol addiction, and the use of alcohol was one-time.

Drinking regimen

Alcohol dehydrates the body and washes out useful trace elements, so after a heavy drink you should take more liquid. When alcohol is abused, it is recommended to drink:

• water. Preference is given to alkaline mineral water without gas. It contains potassium, magnesium, helps to quickly restore electrolyte balance. The Regidron solution has a similar effect. Within a few hours after taking it, it significantly improves well-being, relieves pain, as it accelerates the elimination of toxins;
• brine. In just a few minutes, it will improve well-being, give vigor and relieve discomfort due to the high content of electrolytes. It is best to drink cabbage brine. It contains succinic acid, which stimulates the liver, accelerates the breakdown and excretion of ethanol, eliminates hypoxia of brain cells. The brine should not be used by people with increased gastric acidity;
• freshly squeezed juices, fruit drinks;
• decoction of ginger. It has a mild sedative effect, restores the work of blood vessels, eliminates headaches, thins the blood. The drink should not be taken by people with gastrointestinal diseases.

Avoid tea and coffee. Drinks have a diuretic effect and wash out useful trace elements, which are already in short supply after alcohol abuse.

In addition to observing the drinking regimen, it is recommended to eat vegetables and fruits that contain enough liquid – cucumbers, broccoli, zucchini, celery, watermelon, citrus fruits. Walking in the fresh air, sleeping in a cool, well-ventilated area will also help to cope with a headache.

Water procedures

Hot bath, steam bath, sauna will accelerate the elimination of toxins, reduce swelling. You can only take procedures for people who do not have problems with the cardiovascular system, otherwise you can cause irreparable harm to health. For the same reason, you can not take a contrast shower. This threatens a heart attack or stroke.

The best way to feel better is to take a bath with room temperature water. It will allow you to relax and have a tonic effect. You can add herbs with a calming and relaxing effect to the water – chamomile, valerian, motherwort, lemon balm, mint. It should be remembered that herbal medicine has contraindications and can cause a severe allergic reaction.

A new dose of alcohol

Alcohol abusers believe that the easiest and most effective way to get rid of a headache is to get drunk. A glass of beer or a glass of vodka will bring relief in a matter of minutes, but in no case should you resort to this method . Unpleasant sensations can be eliminated for a short time. Then the pain will return and become more intense. To alleviate the condition, you will need a new dose of alcohol. This will form a binge, the exit from which will require considerable effort. In this case, you can not do without the help of a narcologist.

At first glance, harmless folk methods of dealing with headaches may turn out to be useless, and in some cases aggravate the condition and lead to complications. Even with a slight malaise after an excessive dose of alcohol, it is best to consult a doctor. The doctor will give advice on how to quickly and safely get out of a painful condition.

What medications relieve hangover headaches

Drug therapy is an effective way to deal with hangover headaches when folk remedies are powerless. To alleviate the condition, you can drink a sorbent, analgesic or antispasmodic. Before taking, you should carefully study the instructions, as well as measure the pressure. Many drugs are incompatible with alcohol, have contraindications and can only make you feel worse. Some medicines aggravate the condition with high or low blood pressure.

Sorbents

Absorbent preparations are the first aid for alcohol abuse. They provide a quick detox and help get rid of unpleasant hangover symptoms. The simplest and most popular remedy is activated charcoal. The sorbent has a quick effect and alleviates the condition. The drug should be taken at a minimum dosage of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight. The stronger the intoxication, the higher the dose of the drug, so it is better to drink activated charcoal in the form of a soluble powder.

Enterosgel is a modern analogue of activated carbon. To alleviate the condition, even with severe intoxication, just 1-3 tablespoons of the sorbent is enough. The drug is used both for hangover syndrome and for its prevention. If you drink Enterosgel before drinking alcohol, it will reduce the degree of alcohol absorption, reduce the unpleasant consequences of alcohol intake, but prevent the desired effect of intoxication.

Sorbents are compatible with other drugs. They should be drunk with an interval of 1.5-2 hours from taking other medicines. Otherwise, the effectiveness of drugs will decrease.

No-Shpa

A plant-based preparation that dilates blood vessels and relieves spasm, which helps to eliminate headaches in hangover syndrome. No-Shpa slows down the absorption of alcohol, improves well-being, facilitates the work of the liver and stomach. The drug should not be drunk in chronic kidney and liver diseases. Simultaneous reception of No-Shpa with alcohol can lead to swelling and a sharp decrease in blood pressure.

Aspirin

The drug thins the blood, has an analgesic effect. Aspirin acts within 10-15 minutes after ingestion, normalizes the state of blood vessels, improves blood flow and quickly relieves hangover symptoms.

The drug should not be drunk in case of gastrointestinal diseases. Aspirin can cause bleeding in people with chronic stomach problems, and also after exceeding the recommended dosage of the drug.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen has a strong analgesic effect and does not irritate the gastric mucosa, unlike other painkillers, so it can be taken even with gastrointestinal diseases. The drug acts within 3-4 hours. The necessary effect of the drug with a hangover occurs only with the simultaneous use of a sufficient amount of liquid.

Alkoseltzer

The drug contains acetylsalicylic acid, thins the blood, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Available in the form of water-soluble tablets, has a pleasant taste. Like Aspirin, Alkoseltzer should not be taken for gastrointestinal problems. The analogue of the drug is Alka-Prim.

Antipohmelin

Helps not only to get rid of a headache during a hangover, but also to prevent unpleasant symptoms if you drink the drug before a feast. Antipohmelin does not have a detoxifying effect, therefore, in case of alcohol poisoning, it is ineffective.

Medicines help to quickly cope with a headache, but there are contraindications. Before taking medication, it is better to consult a doctor to avoid side effects.

When to see a doctor

For people who rarely drink, a hangover headache usually resolves within 1-3 days after proper sleep and rest. You should immediately consult a doctor if you have alcohol dependence and the following symptoms occur:

• throbbing headache, localized in one place, most often in the parietal region;
• dizziness, nausea, retching;
• blurred vision;
• puffiness;
• headache does not go away for 3 or more days, gradually increases;
• confusion.

Severe headache accompanied by these symptoms is a sign of acute intoxication and may also be a precursor to a hypertensive crisis, cerebral edema, heart attack or stroke. In a special risk group are people over 35 years of age suffering from chronic diseases. If one or more signs appear after exceeding the dose of alcohol, it is better to consult a narcologist.

The doctor will conduct a thorough examination, measure the pulse, pressure, if necessary, prescribe a blood test, cardiogram. Based on the results of the examination, the specialist will prescribe the necessary medications, give recommendations on getting rid of the headache. A dropper will help you get out of an unpleasant state quickly and safely. During infusion therapy, sorbents, antispasmodics, painkillers, and a vitamin complex are used. Unlike oral administration, intravenous medications act within 30-60 minutes, quickly relieving headaches and other hangover symptoms.

If the patient has been drinking for a long time, has a chronic illness, is dependent on alcohol, or has life-threatening symptoms, hospitalization is recommended. The clinic uses additional methods of headache treatment:

• plasmapheresis . During intoxication, alcohol enters the bloodstream, so hardware blood purification quickly eliminates toxins and eliminates the symptoms of a hangover. Plasmapheresis is effective in the treatment of comorbidities;
• xenon therapy . Inhalations with xenon have a mild sedative and analgesic effect. Gas stimulates metabolic processes, restores the work of nervous activity. Xenon therapy quickly eliminates headaches, has no contraindications and side effects.

If even a slight hangover headache occurs, it is better not to experiment with traditional methods, not to self-medicate, but to seek help from a specialist. An experienced narcologist will help you quickly cope with an unpleasant condition without health consequences.

why it hurts and what to do at home

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

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

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

Hangover headaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do if you have a headache from a hangover

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

Drink plenty of water

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

Eat

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

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

Brew coffee or tea

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

Take a pain reliever

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

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

Take vitamin B

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

Get some sleep

Napping during the day can greatly relieve hangover headaches.

Popular Questions and Answers

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

Is it worth it to hangover if your head hurts from a hangover?

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

To get rid of intoxication will help abundant alkaline drink (mineral water), weak sweet tea, plenty of light carbohydrates, you can take Enterodez adsorbent (it is sold in pharmacies) and activated charcoal (10-12 tablets at once).