How to stop a hangover nausea. 15 Effective Strategies to Prevent and Alleviate Hangover Symptoms

03.09.202317.06.2023 by alexxlab

How can you prevent a hangover before it starts. What are the most common symptoms of a hangover. Why do hangovers occur and what causes them. Which remedies are most effective for treating hangover nausea and discomfort.

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Understanding the Root Causes of Hangovers

Hangovers are the unpleasant aftermath of excessive alcohol consumption, but what exactly causes these debilitating symptoms? The primary factors contributing to hangovers include:

Dehydration: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and leading to fluid loss.
Inflammation: Alcohol triggers an inflammatory response in the body, affecting various systems.
Gastrointestinal irritation: Increased stomach acid production and delayed stomach emptying cause digestive discomfort.
Alcohol withdrawal: As blood alcohol levels drop, the body experiences a mini-withdrawal, leading to various symptoms.
Disrupted sleep patterns: While alcohol may initially induce sleep, it interferes with sleep quality, particularly in the latter half of the night.

Understanding these underlying mechanisms can help in developing effective strategies to prevent and manage hangovers.

Identifying Common Hangover Symptoms

Hangover symptoms can vary from person to person, but some are more prevalent than others. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for proper management and prevention:

Excessive thirst and dehydration
Nausea and stomach discomfort
Headaches or migraines
Fatigue and sluggishness
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings
Cognitive impairment
Increased heart rate
Poor sleep quality

Is the severity of hangover symptoms the same for everyone? No, the intensity of symptoms can vary based on factors such as individual physiology, the amount of alcohol consumed, and drinking habits.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Hangovers

While completely avoiding hangovers may not always be possible for those who choose to drink, there are several strategies that can significantly reduce their likelihood and severity:

Stay hydrated: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
Eat before drinking: A full stomach slows alcohol absorption.
Choose drinks wisely: Opt for clear liquors and avoid sugary mixers.
Pace yourself: Limit the number of drinks consumed per hour.
Set a limit: Decide on a maximum number of drinks before you start.
Avoid mixing different types of alcohol.
Get enough sleep: Adequate rest can help mitigate hangover symptoms.

Can certain supplements help prevent hangovers? Some studies suggest that taking B vitamins, N-acetyl cysteine, or milk thistle before drinking may offer some protective effects, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.

Effective Remedies for Hangover Nausea

Nausea is one of the most distressing symptoms of a hangover. Here are four strategies to alleviate hangover-induced nausea:

1. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Replenishing fluids and electrolytes is crucial for combating nausea. Consider these options:

Water: Plain water can help rehydrate the body.
Sports drinks: These can replenish lost electrolytes.
Coconut water: A natural source of electrolytes and hydration.

2. Ginger-Based Remedies

Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties. Try these ginger-based solutions:

Ginger tea: Steep fresh ginger in hot water.
Ginger ale: Opt for versions with real ginger.
Ginger supplements: Available in capsule or chewable form.

3. Light, Easily Digestible Foods

While eating may be the last thing on your mind, certain foods can help settle your stomach:

Toast or crackers: Plain, non-greasy carbohydrates can absorb excess stomach acid.
Bananas: Rich in potassium and easily digestible.
Rice: A gentle option that won’t upset your stomach further.

4. Over-the-Counter Medications

Some medications can provide relief from hangover nausea:

Antacids: Help neutralize stomach acid.
Bismuth subsalicylate: Medications like Pepto-Bismol can soothe the stomach.
Anti-nausea medications: Consult a pharmacist for appropriate options.

Are there any natural remedies that can help with hangover nausea? Yes, in addition to ginger, peppermint tea and lemon water have been reported to help alleviate nausea symptoms for some individuals.

Managing Other Hangover Symptoms

While nausea is often a primary concern, addressing other hangover symptoms is equally important for a full recovery:

Headache Relief

Hangover headaches can be particularly debilitating. Consider these approaches:

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen or aspirin can help, but avoid acetaminophen as it can strain the liver.
Cold compresses: Apply to the forehead or neck for relief.
Caffeine: A moderate amount can help alleviate headaches, but be cautious as it can also contribute to dehydration.

Fatigue and Sluggishness

Combating the energy-draining effects of a hangover requires a multi-faceted approach:

Rest: Allow your body time to recover.
Gentle exercise: A light walk can boost circulation and mood.
B-vitamin rich foods: Eggs, whole grains, and leafy greens can help replenish depleted B vitamins.

Mood and Cognitive Function

Addressing the mental aspects of a hangover is crucial for overall well-being:

Mindfulness practices: Meditation or deep breathing exercises can help manage anxiety and mood swings.
Sunlight exposure: Natural light can help regulate mood and sleep patterns.
Social support: Talking with friends or loved ones can provide emotional comfort.

Can certain foods or supplements help improve cognitive function during a hangover? While research is limited, some studies suggest that foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and dark leafy greens, may help support cognitive function during recovery.

Long-Term Strategies for Responsible Drinking

While addressing immediate hangover symptoms is important, developing long-term strategies for responsible drinking can help prevent future occurrences:

Understanding Personal Limits

Everyone’s tolerance for alcohol is different. Take time to understand your personal limits:

Keep a drinking diary to track your consumption and its effects.
Be aware of factors that can affect your tolerance, such as medication, stress, or fatigue.
Learn to recognize early signs of intoxication in yourself.

Developing Healthy Drinking Habits

Cultivate habits that promote responsible alcohol consumption:

Practice mindful drinking by savoring your beverages slowly.
Establish alcohol-free days or periods to reset your tolerance.
Learn to enjoy social situations without relying on alcohol.

Seeking Support When Needed

If you find it challenging to control your drinking or frequently experience severe hangovers:

Speak with a healthcare professional about your concerns.
Consider support groups or counseling for additional guidance.
Explore non-alcoholic alternatives for social situations.

How can one determine if their drinking habits are becoming problematic? Regular self-assessment, paying attention to the frequency and intensity of hangovers, and noting any negative impacts on daily life or relationships can help identify potential issues with alcohol consumption.

The Science Behind Hangover Recovery

Understanding the physiological processes involved in hangover recovery can inform more effective treatment strategies:

Liver Function and Alcohol Metabolism

The liver plays a crucial role in processing alcohol:

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are key enzymes in alcohol metabolism.
The rate of alcohol metabolism varies among individuals and can affect hangover severity.
Supporting liver health through diet and lifestyle choices can aid in more efficient alcohol processing.

Electrolyte Imbalance and Rehydration

Addressing electrolyte imbalances is crucial for recovery:

Alcohol-induced diuresis leads to loss of essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Proper rehydration involves not just water, but also electrolyte replacement.
Oral rehydration solutions can be more effective than water alone in severe cases.

Inflammatory Response and Recovery

The body’s inflammatory response to alcohol contributes to many hangover symptoms:

Cytokines, which are inflammatory molecules, increase during alcohol consumption.
Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements may help mitigate this response.
Rest and time allow the body to naturally resolve the inflammatory state.

Can understanding the science of hangovers lead to more effective prevention strategies? Indeed, as research in this area progresses, it may lead to the development of more targeted interventions and possibly even pharmaceutical solutions to prevent or mitigate hangovers.

Innovative Approaches to Hangover Prevention and Treatment

As our understanding of hangovers evolves, new and innovative approaches to prevention and treatment are emerging:

Hangover Prevention Supplements

A growing market of supplements claims to prevent or reduce hangover symptoms:

Dihydromyricetin (DHM): A compound found in some plants that may support alcohol metabolism.
Prickly pear extract: Shown in some studies to reduce inflammation associated with hangovers.
Milk thistle: Believed to support liver function, though more research is needed.

Technological Solutions

Technology is playing an increasing role in hangover prevention and management:

Breathalyzer apps and devices for smartphones to monitor alcohol consumption.
Hydration tracking apps to ensure adequate fluid intake during and after drinking.
Wearable devices that monitor vital signs and can alert users to potential overindulgence.

Alternative Therapies

Some individuals are turning to alternative therapies to address hangover symptoms:

Acupuncture: Some practitioners claim it can alleviate hangover symptoms, though scientific evidence is limited.
Intravenous (IV) therapies: Offering rapid rehydration and nutrient replenishment, though they should be administered by healthcare professionals.
Oxygen bars: Claiming to accelerate alcohol metabolism, though effectiveness is debated.

Are these innovative approaches scientifically proven to be effective? While some show promise, many require further research to establish their efficacy and safety. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before trying new hangover prevention or treatment methods.

The Role of Genetics in Alcohol Metabolism and Hangover Susceptibility

Genetic factors play a significant role in how individuals metabolize alcohol and experience hangovers:

Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH) Gene Variants

Variations in the ADH gene can affect alcohol metabolism:

Some variants lead to faster alcohol breakdown, potentially reducing hangover risk.
Other variants may result in slower metabolism, increasing susceptibility to hangovers.
Understanding one’s genetic profile could inform personalized drinking strategies.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) Gene Variations

ALDH gene variants impact the body’s ability to process acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism:

Individuals with certain ALDH variants may experience more severe hangover symptoms.
This genetic variation is more common in some ethnic groups, explaining differences in alcohol tolerance.
Genetic testing can reveal one’s ALDH status, potentially informing drinking decisions.

Other Genetic Factors

Beyond ADH and ALDH, other genetic factors may influence hangover susceptibility:

Genes related to inflammatory response can affect hangover severity.
Genetic variations in neurotransmitter systems may impact alcohol’s effects on mood and cognition.
Ongoing research aims to identify additional genetic markers related to alcohol metabolism and hangovers.

How might understanding one’s genetic predisposition to hangovers influence drinking behavior? Knowledge of genetic susceptibility could encourage more mindful drinking habits and personalized prevention strategies, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of hangovers.

As research in the field of hangover prevention and treatment continues to evolve, it’s important to approach alcohol consumption responsibly and be aware of individual limits and reactions. While innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of genetic factors offer promising avenues for managing hangovers, the most effective strategy remains moderation in alcohol consumption and adherence to proven preventive measures. By combining scientific knowledge with personal awareness, individuals can make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption and better manage the potential consequences of overindulgence.

15 Tips for Preventing Hangovers

A hangover is what some people experience the morning after a night of heavy drinking. Symptoms can include thirst, dizziness, fatigue, headaches or migraines, nausea and loss of appetite.

We get it — whether it’s catching up with friends at an event or enjoying a fun night out on St. Patrick’s Day, we all overindulge now and then. If you want to make the aftermath of an awesome night a bit more bearable, here are 15 of our top tips for preventing hangovers in the first place, or at least making them significantly less severe.

Common Hangover Symptoms

While preventing hangovers is the goal, it’s also important to know the signs and symptoms of a hangover, so you’re well-equipped for what to expect. While most hangover symptoms are more uncomfortable than dangerous, there are some — such as changes in cognitive function — which can become dangerous.

The most common hangover symptoms can include one or more of the following:

Thirst: Alcohol is one of those substances that makes you need to urinate more often, which means your body loses fluids more rapidly. This fluid loss means you can feel extremely dehydrated and thirsty the day after a night of heavy drinking. If you’re drinking in an environment in which you’re also sweating or losing bodily fluids in other ways, you’re even more likely to be feeling thirsty the morning after.
Nausea: Alcohol can force your stomach to produce more and more acid while simultaneously keeping it from emptying, causing nausea or even vomiting. Stomach aches are also a common occurrence during a hangover.
Headache: When you drink, your blood vessels expand. At first, this is a great feeling since it lowers your blood pressure and makes you feel calmer. However, when blood vessels continue to expand — which they do as you continue to drink — they create pressure, which results in headaches or even migraines.
Sluggishness: Alcohol gets your blood flowing, and sometimes this flow is directed towards your pancreas. This causes your pancreas to create more insulin, which lowers your blood sugar and makes you feel weak and exhausted.
Lack of concentration: Because alcohol dehydrates you, you may end up experiencing the symptoms of dehydration, which include an inability to focus on tasks.
Mood swings: Since alcohol can make your blood sugar levels go up or down, it can lead your mood to go up and down as well. People who have existing mental illnesses are more likely to feel these mood swings both during and after drinking alcohol. People who have a dependency on alcohol could express more aggression and anger.
Changes in cognitive function: A hangover can lead you to feel less alert, make you forget things and even leave you unable to think logically.
Increased heart rate: Your blood flows more quickly when you’re consuming alcohol, which can increase your heart rate as well. Some studies have shown that the more you drink alcohol, the more your heart rate increases. Increased heart rates also increase your risk of developing arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.
Decreased sleep: Studies show that for the average person, drinking a little bit of alcohol can actually improve sleep. However, too much alcohol ends up interfering with the sleep cycle, particularly in the second half of the cycle. The lack of sleep at night then makes you feel groggy and sleepy throughout your day.

Hangover symptoms aren’t the same for everyone, and some may experience them more severely than others. The person’s mental and physical health, the amount of alcohol consumed and how responsibly they drank all contribute to the severity of the hangover. And hangover symptoms aren’t uniform for each person either, so you may experience nausea during one hangover and headaches during the next.

What Causes Hangovers?

The main culprit behind a hangover is alcohol, of course. But it’s how it interacts with the body that results in the aforementioned hangover symptoms.

Dehydration, inflammation and gastrointestinal irritation are three of the main causes of hangovers, which occur directly from consuming alcohol.

As mentioned, alcohol is a diuretic, which means it forces your body to expel more fluids than it takes in, leaving you dehydrated. Excessive thirst can cause headaches and fatigue. Alcohol also forces your body to experience inflammation, which can cause feelings of overall fatigue and depressed moods. The increased production of stomach acid that alcohol causes leads to the gastrointestinal discomfort that many feel during a hangover, including vomiting and stomach aches.

Another cause of hangovers is withdrawal from alcohol. When you’ve been drinking, your body gets used to the effects of alcohol, which makes you feel calm and relaxed. The brain begins to adjust to this new normal. When the body ceases to get the alcohol it has gotten used to, the brain tries to readjust, resulting in some people feeling more restless or anxious than they did before they started drinking.

Since so many symptoms of hangovers are directly related to the effects of alcohol on the body, some of the best ways of preventing hangovers involve reducing the effects of alcohol on the body.

How to Prevent Hangovers

The symptoms of a hangover are never pleasant and prevention is often better — and easier — than the cure. To help prevent even the worst of hangovers:

Drink enough water: Even if you have to alternate every other alcoholic drink with a glass of water, staying hydrated throughout the day — or night — can go a long way toward preventing a hangover the next day.
Get enough sleep: Getting plenty of shut-eye after heavy drinking is one of the best ways to help your body recover.
Eat a greasy breakfast: Fueling up at breakfast time with foods high in fat will help prevent a hangover after an evening of drinking. Fatty foods like avocados delay the absorption of alcohol in the body. After breakfast, make sure you are eating throughout the day to stave off those hangover symptoms later.
Watch what you’re drinking: By sticking to one drink, you can better keep track of how much you’re consuming. Plus, you’ll be less likely to upset your stomach.
Avoid congeners and carbonation: Congeners are the compounds that give liquor its color and flavor, and many convert to toxic aldehydes the next day as your body digests them. Stick to alcoholic beverages that contain fewer congeners — these are typically lighter in color, more expensive and highly filtered. Also, try to steer clear of carbonated beverages because the carbonation can cause the surface area of the stomach to expand, which leads to increased alcohol absorption.
Eat eggs, honey and bland carbohydrates: Bland carbohydrates will combat nausea, provide sugar and help absorb any alcohol left in the stomach. Also, honey is an excellent choice because it’s loaded with fructose, and eggs contain N-acetyl-cysteine, a chemical that helps clear the liver of harmful free radicals.
Try milk thistle: The active ingredients in milk thistle help detoxify the liver.
Take Pepto-Bismol: Pepto-Bismol is great for replenishing electrolytes, easing stomach discomfort and relieving heartburn.
Enjoy some onion soup gratinee: This soup presents the perfect combination of sugar and dairy to prevent a possible hangover. While the cheese will slow alcohol’s entry into the bloodstream, the sugar in the onions will burn the alcohol and speed up the body’s metabolism.
Drink fruit juices and Pedialyte®: To prevent a hangover after you drink, try drinking some fruit juice. The fructose in the fruit will help burn alcohol. Pedialyte® is also a great choice in that it replenishes electrolytes and sugars.
Know your limit: When it comes to preventing bad hangovers, knowing your limit is one of the best options. If you can avoid drinking, you can avoid the hassle of a hangover altogether, but if you do decide to drink, make sure you drink in moderation. Everyone’s tolerance is different and what could make one person a little tipsy could make another person extremely drunk. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and limit yourself to one drink per hour. Drinking slowly will prevent your body from absorbing the alcohol too quickly.
Keep your stomach full: When your stomach is full, it’s much harder for your body to absorb the alcohol. On an empty stomach, alcohol quickly goes right to your intestines and into your bloodstream, making you intoxicated far quicker. If you can’t eat before drinking, eat while drinking to ensure your body is getting more than just empty calories.
Engage in activities: If you’re a dancer, a night of drinking is a great time to cut the rug. It’s nearly impossible to dance with a drink in your hand, and enjoying an activity while drinking also makes you less likely to chug drink after drink in quick succession. If dancing isn’t your thing, games like ping-pong or pool work just as well to prevent hangovers.
Take herbal supplements: For some people, particularly those who may be prone to inflammation from drinking, taking herbal supplements — like red ginseng — might help reduce the inflammation, making for less discomfort of the potential hangover.
Get IV therapy: IV therapy does an incredible job at battling hangovers due to its ability to replenish the body’s lost fluids, especially if you’re contending with nausea that might make rehydration difficult otherwise. IV therapy will also boost your immune system naturally by using a slow IV push to achieve concentrations of nutrients not otherwise obtainable with oral administration.

Myers’ Cocktail Benefits

At Rocky Mountain IV Medics, our most sought-after IV therapy hydration package is the Myers’ Cocktail. This therapy features a combination of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that are administered via IV to hydrate the body and alleviate symptoms of hangovers, depression, colds, flu, viruses, allergies, fibromyalgia, asthma, chronic sinusitis and more.

IV therapy offers several benefits, including:

Replenishes lost nutrients and fluids quickly
Helps alleviate hangover symptoms such as dehydration, migraines, nausea and fatigue
Aids in increasing energy and restoring balance
Improves adrenal fatigue
Helps provide relief from inflammation, anxiety and stress

Depending on your symptoms, one of our paramedics at Rocky Mountain IV Medics may recommend adding other medications to the cocktail. The Myers’ Cocktail costs $195 — included in the price are any travel fees to our service areas.

Battle Hangovers With IV Therapy

At Rocky Mountain IV Medics, our most-used IV therapy, the Myers’ Cocktail IV, includes calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and vitamin C to rehydrate you and relieve common hangover symptoms fast. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable paramedics will come to you so IV therapy can be done within the comfort of your own home. Contact us to learn more about how IV therapy works or to book an appointment today. You can also call or text us at (720) 987-2155 for your hangover relief IV on demand.

How to prevent a hangover

How much alcohol is too much? Dr. Narula reports on new study

02:50

– Source:
CNN

CNN
—

You had a little too much to drink last night, and now you’re nursing that dreaded morning aftermath — a hangover.

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What seemed like great fun at the time is now causing your hands to shake, your head to pound and your heart to race, not to mention other unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and excruciating thirst.

Why are you suffering? Because the liquor that smoothly passed your lips is now wreaking havoc in your body, causing dehydration, stomach distress and inflammation. These ailments peak about the time all the alcohol leaves your body.

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There is no scientifically proven way to cure a hangover, but experts say you can prevent one — or at least keep that morning-after misery to a minimum. Here’s how.

Forget a late-night meal after a night of drinking — that’s much too late, experts say. Instead, eat before your first drink and keep noshing as the night goes on.

“Food in the stomach slows gastric emptying and can reduce hangover symptoms,” said Dr. Robert Swift, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island.

Eating a little before you start drinking can reduce your hangover symptoms, experts say.

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Why does food help? Because most alcohol isn’t absorbed by an empty stomach but via the intestinal tract just below it, Swift said.

“If somebody does shots on an empty stomach, for example, all that pure alcohol is not diluted by the stomach and is passed to the intestine very quickly,” said Swift, who has studied alcohol abuse since the 1990s.

“If the stomach contains food, however, there are gastric juices and enzymes that mix the food and the alcohol, and only small amounts of food are passed into the intestine,” he said. “Now the alcohol is diluted in the stomach, and only a small quantity of alcohol is absorbed at any time.”

The same principle applies to water and other nonalcoholic beverages, Swift said. “If alcohol is mixed with fluid, it’s diluted, so when it goes into your intestines, it’s not as irritating. You’re less likely to have inflamed intestines or an inflamed stomach lining.”

Drinking water can help reduce the dehydration that occurs from downing too many alcoholic drinks.

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There’s another benefit to downing water between drinks, said Dr. John Brick, former chief of research at the Center of Alcohol Studies, Education and Training Division at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

“The primary cause of hangovers is dehydration and the loss of fluids, along with vitamins and minerals,” said Brick, who authored “The Doctor’s Hangover Handbook” and published scientific papers on the biobehavioral effects of alcohol and other drugs.

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Downing just 3½ alcoholic drinks can result in the loss of up to a quart of water over several hours, Brick added. “That’s a good amount of water that has to be replenished.”

Dehydration from alcohol may affect a woman even more, and she is more likely to suffer a hangover, even if she drinks less than a man, Swift said. That’s because a man has a higher percentage of body water than a woman of the same height and weight, so the same amount of alcohol will be more diluted in a man, he said.

“The woman will have a higher concentration of blood alcohol because her body contains less water to dilute it,” he said. “Women are much more susceptible to the deleterious effects of alcohol (and they) get more intoxicated and develop alcohol liver disease sooner in life than men do. ”

The alcohol we drink, called ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is the byproduct of fermenting carbohydrates and starches, usually some sort of grain, grape or berry. We use byproducts of fermentation in other ways: Ethanol is added to the gasoline in our cars, and methyl alcohol or methanol — a toxic substance — is used as a solvent, pesticide and alternative fuel source. Also called wood alcohol, methyl alcohol made by bootleggers blinded or killed thousands of people during Prohibition.

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That’s not all — the list of byproducts or chemicals added by manufacturers for flavor and taste can read like a list of supplies at an industrial warehouse: ethyl formate, ethyl acetate, n-propanol, isobutanol, n-butanol, isopentanol and isoamyl alcohols. While these congeners, as they are called, are added in small, nontoxic amounts, some people are overly sensitive to their effects.

Overall, dark-colored beer and spirits tend to contain more congeners and thus may be more likely to cause hangovers, experts say. A 2010 study investigated the intensity of hangovers in people who drank the darker-colored liquor bourbon versus clear vodka.

“Congeners in bourbon … significantly increased hangover intensity, which is not too surprising since bourbon has about 37 times the amount of congeners as vodka,” Brick said.

MORCAMBE, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 22: Despite inclement weather pensioners raise a happy smile as they perform the famously British dance of comedians Morcambe and Wise next to a statue of Eric Morcambe, at Morcambe Bayon June 22, 2006, in Morcambe, England. Confidence & Happiness specialist, Scientist Cliff Arnall from the University of Cardiff has identified June 23, 2006 as being the happiest day of the year. His calculations were based on outdoor activity, nature, social interaction, childhood summers, positive memories, temperature and holidays. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

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Chemical preservatives called sulfites, known to cause allergic reactions in sensitive people, are also a natural byproduct of fermentation in small quantities. However, many manufacturers of beer and wine add sulfites to their products to extend shelf life. (Sulfites are also added to soda, cereals, sweeteners, canned and ultraprocessed foods, medications and more. )

Sweet and white wines tend to have more sulfites than red, but red wines contain more tannins, which are bitter or astringent compounds found in the skin and seeds of grapes. Like sulfites, tannins can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive.

As a result, limiting your drinking to light beers, clear liquors and white wine might help keep hangovers at bay.

In the end, however, experts say there is only one true preventive — or cure — for a hangover: Don’t drink.

“There’s no simple cure because there are so many complex factors that are producing the multiple symptoms of a hangover,” Swift said. “And that’s why the only real cure for a hangover is to not drink alcohol or drink such a low amount of alcohol that it won’t trigger a hangover.”

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the process through which alcohol is absorbed in the body.

Clarification: This story has been updated to clarify that the alcohol we drink, called ethanol, and the ethanol in gasoline used for cars is the same byproduct of fermentation.

instructions for use for adults, dosage

Withdrawal syndrome is accompanied by very unpleasant symptoms. After drinking strong drinks in the evening, a heavy retribution in the form of a hangover in the morning torments almost every person. When the binge lasts for several days, withdrawal develops with increased symptoms. The severity of symptoms of ethanol poisoning depends on the type of alcohol-containing drink, the amount drunk, age, and the general condition of the body. There are many ways to deal with withdrawal symptoms, but the most proven remedy is Polysorb for a hangover. It is also taken to reduce the intensity and speed of intoxication. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the principle of action of the drug, the features of use and dosage.

What is Polysorb and can it be used for a hangover

Polysorb sorbent after alcohol will help you quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms. The composition contains silicon dioxide. This substance removes toxic compounds from the gastrointestinal tract.

Getting into the gastrointestinal system, particles of the active ingredient gently envelop its walls, neutralize poisons. The agent does not penetrate into the bloodstream, does not affect metabolic processes, does not overload the hepatic gland. Micro granules remove toxic elements in a natural way.

Polysorb with alcohol intoxication has the following features:

normalization of intestinal microflora due to a powerful detoxification effect;
elimination of the cause that led to the deterioration of health – exposure to dangerous poisons;
gentle detox without side effects;
minimum list of contraindications;
in order for the active components to begin to remove ethanol metabolites, up to 6 hours must pass after the feast;
affordable price, over-the-counter;
contains no chemicals, dyes, flavors.

Polysorb should be drunk before and after drinking. You can also use it for drops in blood pressure, tremors of the limbs, migraines, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

The drug is usually used as part of complex therapy. It dulls the feeling of thirst, swelling. Polysorb in case of alcohol poisoning helps to remove poisons from tissues, the vascular system.

Important! Polysorb can be combined with other sorbents to enhance the effect – these are Sorbex, Atoxil. The last drug is considered a complete analogue.

Form of release and methods of administration, mechanism of action, dosage

Sorbent preparation is available as a powder for dissolution in water. The substance is white with a bluish tinge, odorless. After dilution in water, the mixture becomes cloudy. The package contains 10, 30, 50 or 100 sachets. 1 sachet contains 1 g of silicon dioxide, the active substance.

After alcohol enters the gastrointestinal tract, the liver begins to process it. In the largest gland of the human body, alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde. This is a very toxic substance that causes a hangover. Acetaldehyde breaks down into water and carbonic alcohol.

If you abuse alcohol or take a large dose, the liver cannot cope, and the poison begins to accumulate in the body. The intake of sorbents helps to accelerate the elimination of toxins formed as a result of the metabolism of ethanol.

Important! If you drink Polysorb before drinking alcohol, its microparticles will not let ethanol enter the bloodstream. Intoxication will be much weaker.

Upon penetration into the gastrointestinal tract, the agent increases the viscosity of fluids, which changes the consistency of the intestinal contents. The resulting liquid with a new composition gently envelops the walls of the digestive section.

Silicon dioxide sorbent removes the following toxins from the body:

decomposition products and derivatives of alcohol;
food allergens;
toxins produced by bacteria and viruses;
certain types of harmful microorganisms;
preparations;
toxic substances, poisons;
heavy metal salts;
radionuclides;
bilirubin, cholesterol, nitrogen compounds.

Works much more gently and more effectively than activated charcoal. This is an advanced sorbent.

The principle of action of the agent is to absorb, remove poisons from the body. The dosage is set individually by the doctor, depending on the severity of intoxication.

The standard instructions for the use of Polysorb for adults with a hangover are as follows:

Dissolve 1 sachet in boiled water 100 g.
Mix thoroughly.
Drink in one gulp.

One dosage standard is enough to get rid of a hangover at home with a sorbent. The daily dosage for an adult is calculated from the weight. It is optimal to use 0.2 g per 1 kg, but not more than 20 g. The sorbent is taken 3-4 times a day.

It is advisable to take the product one hour before meals. The suspension must be diluted immediately before use.

Is it possible to drink Polysorb as a prophylaxis before drinking alcohol

Many people are wondering how long to take Polysorb before drinking alcohol. The sorbent can be drunk to reduce the degree of intoxication and intoxication before the feast.

Polysorb and alcohol are incompatible things, because the drug breaks down ethanol. If you take the suspension before drinking alcohol, there will be a slight intoxication.

Important! Silica absorbs the constituents of alcoholic beverages. When morning comes, symptoms such as nausea, headache, tremors of the limbs will occur to a lesser extent.

Features of the use of Polysorb in withdrawal syndrome

Any evening gatherings with strong drinks end in a hangover. It is caused by the breakdown products of ethyl alcohol. In humans, there is a violation of the work of all organs.

Silicon dioxide binds toxins that are released into the bloodstream due to impaired functioning of the liver and kidneys. During withdrawal, the sorbent does not act on alcohol, but on its decay products. According to the instructions, the suspension is taken at least 6 hours after drinking alcohol.

The nuances of using Polysorb for long drinking

In case of long drinking, the body accumulates a lot of ethanol. Severe intoxication occurs, causing significant harm to health. Then it is recommended to take the sorbent 3-4 times a day for a course of 1 week.

Drink plenty of fluids during this period as dehydration occurs and a lot of water is wasted to keep the silica microparticles active. A minimum of 1.5 liters of fluid is shown per day. From food you can soups, crackers, cereals. Do not lean on fatty foods.

If after a one-time feast, it is useful with a hangover, then with prolonged drinking, the gastrointestinal tract is too irritated. Polysorb gently envelops the intestinal walls. It is worth returning to the usual diet in 2-3 days, when the digestive system is restored.

In case of acute alcohol intoxication against the background of abstinence, the sorbent actively removes toxins and eliminates the following symptoms:

blood pressure drops;
headaches;
tremor of limbs;
general malaise, fatigue;
sweating;
edema;
thirst;
stool disorders.

When too much alcohol is drunk, the liver cannot cope with its processing. Taking Polysorb allows you to alleviate the condition, reduce the load on the gland. If you use the suspension immediately after a stormy gathering, the effect will be weaker. Small colloidal particles will begin to act in the intestinal tract, and toxins will have time to enter the bloodstream. Even so, silicon dioxide helps in liver function. General well-being improves faster than with self-restoration of the body.

In case of prolonged binges on the background of alcoholism, in addition to sorbents, sedatives should be taken. They relieve anxiety, relieve insomnia. It is recommended to use Glycine, Persen and other herbal medicines. In severe cases, Gidazepam is indicated.

It is also necessary to use hepatoprotectors like Darsil or Karsil. They improve the functioning of the liver, contribute to its recovery. They are consumed at least 2 hours before sorbents.

For severe hangover caused by long-term alcohol consumption, take 2 tbsp. powder, dissolved in 150 ml of water. The effect will come in half an hour.

Important! In severe stages of alcoholism, after prolonged drinking, Polysorb will not help. The help of qualified narcologists, drip detoxification is required. Doctors can be called to your home. The service is provided on condition of complete anonymity.

Against the background of more than 2 weeks of hard drinking, there is a lack of some trace elements. The sorbent has a non-selective action. Along with harmful elements, particles also capture useful compounds for withdrawal. If alcohol has been consumed by a non-drinking person for several days, the sorbent is quite effective.

Contraindications to the use of the drug

Despite the safe composition of the sorbent, there are some restrictions on its use. These include:

atony;
stomach bleeding;
obstruction;
allergy to silicon dioxide.

If contraindications are ignored, side effects will occur. Among them, constipation, allergic rashes, swelling, nausea, discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract deserve special attention. Negative effects are rare.

Polysorb against hangover is well tolerated by patients. When the body is exhausted by alcohol intoxication, it is necessary to evaluate how much more dangerous the side effects are than the hangover symptoms. Before you drink Polysorb with a hangover, it should be borne in mind that the remedy reduces the severity of the effects of other drugs when used simultaneously. To prevent this, time must pass – at least 2 hours. The sorbent assumes wide compatibility, it can be taken with any medication.

causes and what to do at home

Most of us are only too familiar with the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. It can cause a lot of trouble, including vomiting. This is a very unpleasant process, but natural.

– Vomiting during alcohol intoxication is an absolutely normal symptom, it speaks of a healthy reaction of the body, – assures psychotherapist, narcologist Ilya Kisler . – It’s not dangerous, but useful. The body seeks to get rid of toxins.

Causes of vomiting after alcohol

Alcohol is a toxin. When a person drinks, enzymes in the liver break down alcohol at a rate of about one drink (the term for one drink) per hour (half a can of beer, a glass of wine, or a 30ml shot of vodka). The breakdown product of alcohol is acetaldehyde. And it’s also toxic. If the acetaldehyde level gets too high, the liver is unable to handle it and the body reacts with a gag reflex to remove excess alcohol from the stomach.

Unfortunately, alcohol is not only toxic to the liver. It irritates the stomach wall, causing gastritis, which also often leads to vomiting.

However, not only an excess of alcohol can cause vomiting. Incorrect use of it leads to an increase in the level of alcohol in the blood, which can have the same effect.

Alcohol on an empty stomach. The presence of food in the stomach, especially carbohydrates, slows down the absorption of alcohol. If you drink on an empty stomach – intoxication will come faster, the liver will not be able to quickly utilize alcohol.
Lack of water. Drinking water during a meal is very important for two reasons: water dilutes the alcohol and keeps the body hydrated. Without water, intoxication comes faster.
Strong drinks. Vodka, whiskey, rum, which are usually 40% alcohol, increase blood alcohol levels faster than beer, which is usually 3-8%.
Carbonated drinks. Alcohol in sparkling wines and champagne is absorbed faster. The same thing happens if you drink alcohol with carbonated water.
Medicines. For example, the acid-reducing drug cimetidine slows down the metabolism of alcohol. It is also known that antihistamines speed up gastric emptying, and an empty stomach absorbs alcohol faster.

But pay attention! If, in addition to vomiting, any of the following symptoms occur, seek emergency medical attention immediately:

confusion;
slow pulse;
slow, irregular or shallow breathing;
unconsciousness;
preservation of consciousness, but indifference to everything that happens;
hypothermia.

In addition, vomiting for a drunk person carries another danger – he can choke on his own vomit.

What to do at home if vomiting occurs after alcohol

When a person vomits, his body gets rid of toxins, so there is no point in fighting this process. To minimize the side effects associated with vomiting and hangovers in general, the following tips will help:

Drink water or soda

But drink it in small sips and wait about 30 minutes after the last vomiting. Otherwise, the water will again cause a gag reflex.

Soda in the morning is also a good option. Yes, it is not recommended to drink it with alcohol, because gases accelerate the absorption of alcohol into the blood, but with a hangover – that’s it. Carbonated water helps to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic breakdown product of alcohol, faster.

Eat a piece of ginger

It is a powerful antioxidant and relieves hangovers. In addition, it relieves symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Take Ibuprofen

In case you feel sick and vomit in the morning, take an Ibuprofen tablet – this is the most gentle drug for the exhausted body.

Aspirin also helps in the morning, but in this situation it is better to refuse it – it irritates the stomach.

And in no case do not take Paracetamol (by the way, it is also part of Citramon). This drug gives a very large load on the liver, and it is already overloaded with alcohol.

Eat breakfast

Light meals such as dry toast, crackers, potatoes or a banana will help your body recover.

But foods that can irritate the stomach and that are difficult for him to digest, it is better to refuse. These are fatty, fried or spicy foods, as well as milk and cheese.

Give up coffee

A good cup of freshly brewed whole bean coffee helps you wake up, but it is also a diuretic. And additional dehydration of the body can increase the gag reflex.

Take a walk in the fresh air

A brisk walk in the fresh air will make you feel better. But do not be zealous with activity – sweating will lead to even more dehydration and nausea.

Sleep

Sleep restores strength, so if possible, you need to sleep extra 2 – 3 hours.