Can combining caffeine and acetaminophen lead to liver damage. How much caffeine is safe to consume while taking acetaminophen. What are the risks of mixing these common substances. Who is most vulnerable to the potential toxic interaction between caffeine and acetaminophen. How can people safely manage their intake of these compounds.

The Unexpected Interaction Between Caffeine and Acetaminophen

Recent research has shed light on a potentially harmful interaction between two commonly consumed substances: caffeine and acetaminophen. While many people regularly consume both without giving it a second thought, a preliminary laboratory study published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology suggests that this combination could pose risks to liver health.

The study, conducted by chemist Sid Nelson, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Washington in Seattle, revealed that caffeine can significantly increase the production of a toxic byproduct when the body metabolizes acetaminophen. This finding has raised concerns among health experts and consumers alike, prompting a closer examination of the potential risks associated with combining these widely used substances.

Understanding the Mechanism Behind the Interaction

To understand the potential dangers, it’s crucial to delve into the mechanism behind this interaction. The researchers used E. coli bacteria genetically engineered to express a key human liver enzyme responsible for detoxifying many drugs, including acetaminophen.

What did the study reveal about the interaction between caffeine and acetaminophen? The results showed that caffeine tripled the amount of a toxic byproduct called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) produced when the enzyme breaks down acetaminophen. This is particularly concerning because NAPQI is the same toxin responsible for liver damage and failure in cases of alcohol-acetaminophen interactions.

The Role of NAPQI in Liver Damage

NAPQI is a highly reactive compound that can cause cellular damage if not properly neutralized by the body. Under normal circumstances, the liver can detoxify small amounts of NAPQI. However, when production of this toxic metabolite is increased, as seen in the caffeine-acetaminophen interaction, the liver’s detoxification capacity may be overwhelmed, potentially leading to liver damage.

Assessing the Risk: How Much is Too Much?

While the study’s findings are certainly cause for concern, it’s important to note that the research involved exposing bacteria to “megadoses” of both acetaminophen and caffeine – far higher than most individuals would normally consume on a daily basis. This raises an important question: at what level does the combination of caffeine and acetaminophen become dangerous?

According to Dr. Nelson, most people would need to consume unusually high levels of these compounds together to experience a dangerous effect. However, the exact toxic threshold has not yet been determined, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Factors Influencing Individual Risk

Several factors can influence an individual’s susceptibility to the potential toxic interaction between caffeine and acetaminophen:

• Alcohol consumption
• Use of certain anti-epileptic medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital)
• Taking St. John’s Wort supplements
• Regular use of combination medications containing both acetaminophen and caffeine

These factors can potentially increase the production of NAPQI or enhance the liver’s sensitivity to its toxic effects, thereby elevating the risk of liver damage when consuming caffeine and acetaminophen together.

Implications for Common Medications and Supplements

The findings of this study have significant implications for the use of common medications and supplements. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs combine acetaminophen and caffeine, particularly those used to treat migraines, menstrual discomfort, and other painful conditions.

How might this research affect the use of combination medications? Healthcare providers and patients may need to reassess the use of these products, especially for individuals who regularly consume caffeine from other sources or who fall into high-risk categories.

Popular Combination Medications

Some examples of medications that combine acetaminophen and caffeine include:

1. Excedrin (acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine)
2. Midol Complete (acetaminophen, caffeine, and pyrilamine maleate)
3. Anacin (aspirin and caffeine)
4. Various migraine-specific formulations

Patients taking these medications should be aware of their caffeine intake from other sources and consult with their healthcare provider about potential risks.

Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Caffeine and Acetaminophen

Despite the potential risks, it’s important to remember that both caffeine and acetaminophen have significant benefits when used appropriately. Acetaminophen is an effective pain reliever and fever reducer, while caffeine can improve alertness, cognitive function, and even enhance the pain-relieving effects of some medications.

How can consumers balance the benefits and risks of these substances? Dr. Nelson advises that people don’t necessarily need to stop taking acetaminophen or consuming caffeine products altogether. Instead, he recommends more careful monitoring of intake when using them together, especially for those who also consume alcohol.

Tips for Safe Consumption

To minimize potential risks, consider the following guidelines:

• Be aware of all sources of caffeine in your diet, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate
• Read medication labels carefully to identify products containing acetaminophen and caffeine
• Avoid consuming alcohol when taking acetaminophen
• Consult with a healthcare provider if you regularly use both caffeine and acetaminophen, especially if you have liver concerns or fall into a high-risk category

The Need for Further Research

While this study provides valuable insights into the potential interaction between caffeine and acetaminophen, it’s important to note that the research is still in its preliminary stages. The findings are based on experiments conducted in bacteria and laboratory animals, and human studies are needed to fully understand the implications for public health.

What are the next steps in researching this interaction? The University of Washington team is currently studying the mechanism by which this toxic interaction occurs and is considering human studies in the future. This ongoing research will be crucial in determining safe consumption levels and identifying individuals who may be at higher risk.

Potential Areas for Future Investigation

Future research in this area may focus on:

• Determining the exact threshold at which the caffeine-acetaminophen interaction becomes dangerous in humans
• Investigating potential genetic factors that may influence individual susceptibility
• Exploring the long-term effects of regular combined consumption of caffeine and acetaminophen
• Developing strategies to mitigate the potential risks of this interaction

Public Health Implications and Consumer Awareness

The discovery of this potential interaction between caffeine and acetaminophen has significant public health implications. Both substances are widely consumed, often without much thought given to their potential interactions. This research underscores the importance of raising consumer awareness about the potential risks associated with combining common medications and dietary substances.

How can public health officials and healthcare providers effectively communicate this information to the public? Strategies may include:

• Updating medication labels and package inserts to include information about the potential caffeine interaction
• Incorporating this information into patient education materials and discussions
• Launching public awareness campaigns about safe medication use and potential drug interactions
• Encouraging healthcare providers to inquire about patients’ caffeine consumption when prescribing or recommending acetaminophen-containing medications

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and promoting responsible medication use. In light of this research, healthcare professionals should:

1. Stay informed about the latest research on drug interactions
2. Assess patients’ caffeine intake and acetaminophen use during consultations
3. Provide personalized advice based on individual risk factors
4. Monitor patients who regularly consume both substances for signs of liver problems
5. Consider alternative pain management strategies for high-risk individuals

Broader Implications for Drug Safety and Interaction Research

This study highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive research into potential drug interactions, even among substances that are considered safe and widely used. As our understanding of pharmacology and metabolism continues to evolve, it’s crucial to revisit and re-evaluate the safety profiles of common medications and dietary substances.

What does this research suggest about the future of drug safety studies? It underscores the importance of:

• Investigating interactions between prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and common dietary substances
• Developing more sophisticated models for predicting drug interactions
• Considering the cumulative effects of multiple substances on the body’s metabolic processes
• Implementing long-term monitoring strategies to detect rare or delayed adverse effects

The Challenge of Studying Common Substances

One of the challenges in studying interactions between common substances like caffeine and acetaminophen is their ubiquity and perceived safety. Many people consume these substances regularly without giving much thought to potential interactions. This highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and research, even for substances that have been in use for decades.

Future studies may need to consider factors such as:

• Individual variations in metabolism and susceptibility
• The effects of long-term, low-level exposure to potentially interacting substances
• The impact of lifestyle factors and dietary habits on drug interactions
• The role of emerging technologies in detecting and predicting potential interactions

As research in this area continues to evolve, it’s likely that our understanding of drug interactions and safety will become increasingly nuanced and personalized. This may lead to more tailored approaches to medication use and pain management, taking into account individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and dietary habits.

Conclusion: Balancing Caution and Practicality

The discovery of a potential interaction between caffeine and acetaminophen serves as an important reminder of the complexities of human biology and pharmacology. While the findings are concerning, it’s important to approach them with a balanced perspective.

For most people, moderate consumption of caffeine and appropriate use of acetaminophen are unlikely to cause significant harm. However, this research highlights the need for increased awareness and caution, particularly for individuals who regularly consume large amounts of caffeine or who fall into high-risk categories.

As we await further research and human studies, the best approach is one of informed moderation. By staying aware of our caffeine intake, using medications as directed, and consulting with healthcare providers when in doubt, we can continue to benefit from these substances while minimizing potential risks.

Ultimately, this study serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of ongoing research into drug safety and interactions. As our understanding of these complex relationships continues to grow, we can look forward to increasingly sophisticated and personalized approaches to healthcare and medication use.

Caffeine and acetaminophen don’t mix well

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Sep 27 2007

Consuming large amounts of caffeine while taking acetaminophen, one of the most widely used painkillers in the United States, could potentially cause liver damage, according to a preliminary laboratory study reported in the Oct. 15 print issue of ACS’ Chemical Research in Toxicology, a monthly journal.

The toxic interaction could occur not only from drinking caffeinated beverages while taking the painkiller but also from using large amounts of medications that intentionally combine caffeine and acetaminophen for the treatment of migraine headaches, menstrual discomfort and other conditions, the researchers say.

Health experts have warned for years that consuming excess alcohol while taking acetaminophen can trigger toxic interactions and cause liver damage and even death. However, this is the first time scientists have reported a potentially harmful interaction while taking the painkiller with caffeine, the researchers say.

While the studies are preliminary findings conducted in bacteria and laboratory animals, they suggest that consumers may want to limit caffeine intake — including energy drinks and strong coffee — while taking acetaminophen.

Chemist Sid Nelson, Ph.D., and colleagues, of the University of Washington in Seattle, tested the effects of acetaminophen and caffeine on E. coli bacteria genetically engineered to express a key human enzyme in the liver that detoxifies many prescription and nonprescription drugs. The researchers found that caffeine triples the amount of a toxic byproduct, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), that the enzyme produces while breaking down acetaminophen. This same toxin is responsible for liver damage and failure in toxic alcohol-acetaminophen interactions, they say.

In previous studies, the same researchers showed that high doses of caffeine can increase the severity of liver damage in rats with acetaminophen-induced liver damage, thus supporting the current finding.

“People should be informed about this potentially harmful interaction,” Nelson says. “The bottom line is that you don’t have to stop taking acetaminophen or stop taking caffeine products, but you do need to monitor your intake more carefully when taking them together, especially if you drink alcohol.”

Nelson points out that the bacteria used in the study were exposed to ‘megadoses’ of both acetaminophen and caffeine, much higher than most individuals would normally consume on a daily basis. Most people would similarly need to consume unusually high levels of these compounds together to have a dangerous effect, but the toxic threshold has not yet been determined, he says.

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Certain groups may be more vulnerable to the potentially toxic interaction than others, Nelson says. This includes people who take certain anti-epileptic medications, including carbamazepine and phenobarbital, and those who take St. John’s Wort, a popular herbal supplement. These products have been shown to boost levels of the enzyme that produces the toxic liver metabolite NAPQI, an effect that will likely be heightened when taking both acetaminophen and caffeine together, he says.

Likewise, people who drink a lot of alcohol may be at increased risk for the toxic interaction, Nelson says. That’s because alcohol can trigger the production of yet another liver enzyme that produces the liver toxin NAPQI. The risks are also higher for those who take large amounts of medications that combine both acetaminophen and caffeine, which are often used together as a remedy for migraine headaches, arthritis and other conditions.

The researchers are currently studying the mechanism by which this toxic interaction occurs and are considering human studies in the future, they say. The National Institutes of Health funded the initial animal and bacterial studies.

http://www.acs.org/

Posted in: Drug Trial News

Tags: Acetaminophen, Alcohol, Anti-Epileptic Drug, Arthritis, Bacteria, Caffeine, Coffee, Drugs, E. coli, Enzyme, Laboratory, Liver, Metabolite, Migraine, OCT, Painkiller, Research, Toxicology, Toxin

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Is It Safe To Drink Coffee While Taking Tylenol?

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By Joanna Marie/April 23, 2023 5:00 am EST

Whether you’re a die-hard coffee connoisseur or you simply enjoy a cup in the morning, there’s no denying that this warm, comforting liquid is an integral part of many people’s lives. According to 2023 survey data published by the National Coffee Association (NCA), over 65% of adults drink coffee daily, with the average person consuming around three cups per day. While coffee may seem like a simple and harmless drink, it’s important to note that it may interact with certain medications, like Tylenol.

Tylenol is a brand name for a popular over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer medication, also known by its generic name, acetaminophen, according to Healthline. It is widely used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, and fever, and is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, liquid, and granules. Tylenol works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that cause pain, per Tufts University. However, unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, Tylenol does not have anti-inflammatory properties. 

The safety of drinking coffee while taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) has been a topic of debate in the medical community for many years. While there is no clear consensus, some studies have examined the potential risks of combining these two substances.

Mixing coffee with Tylenol

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Coffee has many health benefits — the British Liver Trust even says that moderate amounts may help reduce the risk of liver disease. However, when combined with Tylenol, these beneficial effects are lost. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, one serious side effect of Tylenol is liver damage. This can occur if you take Tylenol for an extended period or if you take more than the recommended dose. The study adds that excessive coffee intake while using Tylenol correlates with an increase in damage to the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system.

While there may be some potential risks associated with combining caffeine and Tylenol, a 2007 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Current Medical Research and Opinion found that safe amounts of both substances did not significantly impact the body. The researchers concluded that moderate coffee consumption is unlikely to affect the safety or efficacy of Tylenol. However, they did mention that caffeine enhances the efficacy of Tylenol.

In general, it may be best to follow proper dosage guidelines for caffeine and Tylenol and avoid excessive use of either substance — this is especially important if you have liver disease or other underlying health conditions. The recommended daily caffeine intake limit is about 400 mg daily for most adults, equivalent to about 4 cups of coffee, says the Mayo Clinic. For Tylenol, the maximum recommended daily dose is 4,000 milligrams (mg) for adults, and it is important not to exceed this amount (per Harvard Health Publishing). 

Side effects of Tylenol

fizkes/Shutterstock

Overall, Tylenol is a widely used and effective pain reliever and fever reducer that is available without a prescription. However, it is important to use it responsibly and to talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about taking Tylenol, whether with coffee or alone. They can help you determine the appropriate dosage and timing for both substances based on your health needs and medical history.

While Tylenol is generally considered safe when taken as directed, it can be harmful when taken in excessive amounts. Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, per MedlinePlus. Ironically, Tylenol can sometimes cause headaches as a side effect. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is known as medication overuse or rebound headaches — you can experience this if you take certain medications like Tylenol for an extended period. Other potential side effects of Tylenol include dizziness and tiredness, and in rare cases, it can also cause low blood sugar, as explained by DrugWatch. Some people may also experience allergic reactions to Tylenol, including rash, hives, difficulty breathing, itching, or facial or mouth swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

In addition, Tylenol can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, according to Harvard Health Publishing. For this reason, it’s always best to speak to your doctor before combining medications.

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The most scandalous cases when firms recalled their products

• Stories

In the pursuit of revenue, corporations lose millions of dollars, and customers lose their lives.

April 23, 20202

Just this year, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission asked customers to stop buying Panasonic laptops because their batteries caught fire; IKEA lamps, because their metal frames shock people; lights for bicycles that ignited while under the driver’s seat …

Companies often try to protect their customers. But not always.

Tylenol 1982

In the summer of 1982, there were seven cases of poisoning in Chicago with Tylenol, then the most popular pain reliever in the United States at the time. The first victim was a 12-year-old girl. After drinking the pill, she dropped dead after a few seconds. It turned out that the tablet contained 65 mg of cyanide (lethal dose – 5 mg!). Similar incidents occurred over the next two days in different parts of the city.

As you might guess, panic seized the city: people threw away their supplies of Tylenol, and sales in stores fell to zero. The management of Johnson & Johnson took unprecedented measures: they recalled the entire drug from pharmacies and stores, and this, so you understand, is about $ 100 million. As it turned out, the manufacturers were not to blame for anything: an anonymous poisoner was operating in Chicago, who poured poison into medicine packages, and then returned them to store shelves.

Johnson & Johnson developed a new way of packaging Tylenol: now under the cap of the vial, the neck was hermetically sealed with foil. Today it is the standard for pharmaceuticals. Tylenol has managed to regain its place in the drug market.

Firestone and Ford Explorer tires, 2000

In 2000, a scandal erupted in the United States when it became public knowledge that Ford Explorer SUVs rolled over on the roads much more often than other cars. In this case, we are talking only about cars equipped with original Firestone tires. The situation was aggravated by the fact that, as it turned out, both companies – Ford and Firestone – were aware of what was happening since 1996 years old, but made every effort not to correct technical errors, but to hush up the matter.

The number of victims in the USA alone exceeded one thousand people. When the secret became clear, every more or less self-respecting newspaper in the United States hastened to write a devastating, revealing article, their total number exceeded 5 thousand. Ford’s sales decreased by 80%, the company lost about $3 billion. Firestone has withdrawn about 3 million tires from sale.

Both companies, instead of paying compensation to the victims and their families, hastened to blame each other and got bogged down in lawsuits and litigations, some of which have not been completed to this day.

Chinese milk formulas and milk, 2008

In June 2008, a “melamine scandal” broke out in the world: a high content of melamine was found in the dairy products of a number of Chinese manufacturers – a substance that is essentially non-toxic (at least not more than than table salt), but at ultra-high concentration leading to kidney stones. It is commonly used in mineral fertilizers and plastics. Manufacturers added it so that when measured, the protein level in milk seemed higher (the milk itself was diluted with water). Two companies — Mengniu Dairy Group and Yili Industrial Group — added melamine to their milk (regular and powdered), infant formula, chocolate bars, instant coffee and cookies. Among other things, milk was supplied to schools and kindergartens. By the time the decision was made to recall the products, six children had died.

As a result, the Chinese authorities decided to seize all spoiled products (most of them were exported to the countries of the Pacific region). Even chicken eggs had to be seized, as melamine was added to chicken feed. 19 people – entrepreneurs and civil servants – were punished (up to life imprisonment). Two entrepreneurs, Jang Yuzhong and Geng Jinping, were shot dead in 2009.

Text author:Semyon Shraik

Hangover – Alkoinfo.ee

Advise

One of the causes of a hangover, that is, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, is the substance acetaldehyde, which is formed in the body as a result of the conversion of ethanol.

A hangover signals that the body is fighting poison – it is, in fact, a mild form of alcohol poisoning.

Hangover symptoms appear when the blood alcohol level begins to drop to the body’s natural level, close to zero.

Why does a hangover occur?

• Drinking alcohol increases urine output and causes fluid loss. Drinking alcohol is often associated with sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea, which in turn remove water and electrolytes from the body. Fluid loss leads to thirst, weakness and dizziness.
• Alcohol irritates the stomach and intestines. The resulting inflammatory process can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Alcohol also depletes the body of vitamins and minerals and lowers blood sugar, which in turn causes fatigue, weakness and mood swings.
• Acetaldehyde, formed as an intermediate in the breakdown of alcohol, can speed up the pulse and cause palpitations, as well as sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
• Alcohol, of course, can induce deep sleep, although in fact, with excessive use, the first phases of sleep that should precede deep sleep fall out. In addition, the phase of REM sleep is reduced. In the phase of REM sleep, among other things, there is a consolidation of what has been learned, the ordering of thoughts and memories, and when it is present, a person feels fresh and rested after waking up. Therefore, a person with a hangover feels tired, not getting enough sleep.
• Although no clear explanation for hangover headaches has been found, it is associated with brain chemistry and hormone imbalances, as well as vasodilation.

How to prevent a hangover?

The less you drink, the less chance of a hangover. The best way to completely avoid a hangover is to not drink at all. Other methods do not give any guarantee that there will be no torment the next day.

Never cross the low-risk limits when drinking. The Alcocalculator will help you keep track of your drinks. See also tips on how to stay within the limits of moderation when drinking alcohol at home or outside.

Be sure to eat your fill before drinking. Then alcohol will be absorbed more slowly, and you will get less drunk.

In order to feel better the next day, it is important to drink enough water in addition to alcohol. When you drink water, you drink less alcohol, and water helps reduce fluid loss. Drink a few large glasses of water before going to bed.

Drinks containing more impurities, usually dark in color – such as red wine, brandy and port – cause more severe hangovers.

Do not mix drinks of different types. This irritates the stomach and guarantees future torment.

How to relieve a hangover?

• Drinking plenty of fluids, preferably non-carbonated drinks, is required to compensate for lost fluids. Fresh juice will help replace lost vitamins.
• If you really need it, you can take painkillers, and in case of digestive problems, drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach. There is an over-the-counter powder in pharmacies that is taken dissolved in water to restore electrolytes and fluids in the body.
• Eat something: for example, with the loss of potassium that accompanies fluid loss, bananas and kiwis help fight.
• Don’t get drunk – it will only delay problems. Take a break from alcohol. Wanting to drink in the morning to relieve a hangover means you’re having withdrawal symptoms, which could indicate excessive drinking or an alcohol use disorder (abuse or addiction).
• Take a multivitamin to replace the body’s essentials lost through alcohol.

Ten myths about hangovers

1. Hangovers are caused by dehydration

Dehydration is one of the causes of a hangover, but not the only one. In fact, with each unit of alcohol from the body, in addition to the amount drunk, an additional 100 ml of liquid is excreted. For example, if you drink five servings of beer, the body will lose another liter of fluid.

However, will two liters of water save you from a hangover? Obviously not. Coincident symptoms of dehydration and hangovers are thirst, weakness, and headache. Have you ever had such a hangover that you could not eat and spent the whole day on your knees in front of the toilet? Daylight is deadly harsh, and it is almost impossible to express at least one thought coherently? These symptoms are not related to dehydration, but to the toxic effects of alcohol.

2. Coffee or a cold shower helps with a hangover.

You had a little too much last night. In the morning, you put coffee on and jump into a cold shower to cheer yourself up. Both of these can give you the slightest boost, but they won’t cure a hangover. In fact, coffee can increase it, as it also removes fluid from the body. So replace your coffee with water – and especially if you’ve been throwing up, causing you to lose even more fluid.

3. Hangover helps

It is believed that the morning hangover relieves the hangover. But this is not true. Hangovers begin to form as the blood alcohol level drops, and symptoms peak when the blood alcohol level approaches zero. Getting drunk is just delaying the hangover. At some point, you willy-nilly have to sober up, and the hangover will still come. Instead of alcohol, drink water or a sports drink instead to restore fluid levels, electrolytes, and vitamins.

Morning hangovers are often a signal that you are at serious risk of having problems with excessive drinking. It is also one of the symptoms of alcohol addiction.

4. Eating at the end of a party eases hangovers

If only it were so! It would be great if after a rampant drinking you could eat a couple of large hamburgers and a bowl of french fries – and wake up the next morning in perfect order. Actually it is not.

Food can certainly help prevent hangovers, but you should eat before drinking. The best choice would be fatty foods that are slowly digested. If you drink alcohol on a full stomach, it will be absorbed into the blood more slowly, and the hangover the next day will be a little easier.

5. A hangover occurs only if you drink a lot. At the same time, in order to earn a hangover, it is not necessary to get drunk every time, for some, just one serving is enough for this. The occurrence of a hangover, among other things, is affected by your weight and gender. In addition, hangovers are more likely to occur in people, for example, those who suffer from migraines or take medications that affect liver enzymes.

6. Beer and wine are better than strong alcohol

Some people literally swear that beer and wine don’t cause such a bad hangover as hard liquor. In fact, you will get drunk and hangover from any alcoholic drink, since they all contain ethanol. And it doesn’t matter in what order you drink them.

In addition, it is useful to remember that:

• red wine contains tannins that cause headaches in some people;
• mixing different drinks irritates the stomach and may increase hangovers;
• Highly contaminated drinks, usually dark in color – such as red wine, brandy and port – cause more severe hangovers;
• If you start the evening with strong alcohol, you often quickly lose your moderation and end up drinking more than you intended.

7. Workout Helps

While exercising the next morning may relieve conscience, no research has so far confirmed that it helps alleviate the physical effects of drinking alcohol. You can only burn calories from alcohol. In addition, after drinking alcohol, your body is ruled by a lack of fluids and nutrients. When you exercise, you again lose fluid and essential substances, so the end result can be further deterioration of well-being, and in severe cases, even a health-threatening condition. With a lack of fluid, the thermoregulation of the body is disturbed, so that when playing sports in hot weather, you can easily overheat.

During a hangover, both reaction speed, eye-hand coordination, and balance are impaired, which will affect your athletic performance, which requires fast and accurate action.

8. Bedtime painkillers

When taken with alcohol, acetaminophen (known as the cold medicine Tylenol/Tylenol) can destroy the liver. Other pain relievers, such as aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach and cause bleeding when combined with alcohol.

Also, taking a painkiller in the evening won’t do you any good: it will only give you pain relief for a few hours, but you don’t feel any pain while you sleep. Take a pain reliever in the morning if necessary.

9. Women and men get hangovers the same way

In fact, women get hangovers more easily. Even if a woman is exactly the same weight as a man, she needs less alcohol to get drunk. The male body contains more water, which dilutes alcohol and helps to reduce its effects. The male body also produces more of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol.

10. Hangover is not a big problem

Hangover shows that the body is poisoned by excess alcohol. Heavy drinking affects the nervous system and brain chemistry, leading to headaches, drowsiness, and nausea.