"It's Party Time! Cheerssss!! A time for relaxation, stress relief, and unwinding after a long day at work.
But after the fun and happiness, waking up in the morning to attend to responsibilities or drag yourself to work can be a challenge for many. This is because you may experience a hangover which can be a headache, dizziness, combined with a constant urge to vomit. Today, we will introduce some ways to cure a hangover and coping strategies.
What is a Hangover?
A hangover is an undesirable physical condition that occurs after consuming an excessive amount of alcohol, typically experienced in the morning after heavy drinking the night before. People with hangovers may feel fatigued, dehydrated, experience headaches, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, and various emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, sweating, and increased anxiety. The severity of hangover symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the quantity and type of alcohol consumed, daily water intake, and individual physical health.
What Causes a Hangover?
A hangover is the result of the body's response to the effects of alcohol on various systems in the body, leading to undesirable symptoms such as:
- Dehydration: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing increased urination, which can lead to dehydration and contribute to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Irritation of the Gastrointestinal System: Alcohol affects the digestive system, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, discomfort, and increased gastric acid production, potentially causing gastritis or gastric ulcers.
- Dilated Blood Vessels: Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, potentially resulting in headaches.
- Disturbed Sleep Patterns: Alcohol disrupts the sleep cycle, leading to restless sleep and reduced production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which plays a role in muscle repair and recovery, contributing to feelings of fatigue.
- Inflammation: Alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation in the body due to the presence of purines, which can be converted into uric acid, leading to various aches and pains, such as muscle soreness and joint pain.
- Effects on Neurotransmitters: Alcohol affects neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in mood swings, anxiety, and impaired concentration.
8 Ways to Cure a Hangover
Avoiding a hangover is best achieved by consuming alcohol in moderation or not at all. However, if you find yourself with a hangover, there are eight easy ways to alleviate the symptoms:
1. Drink Plenty of Water: Consuming a large amount of water before, during, and after alcohol consumption helps prevent dehydration and flushes out alcohol toxins from your system.
2. Eat Starchy Foods: Consuming starchy foods can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may drop due to alcohol's impact on insulin production. This can alleviate weakness and fatigue.
3. Avoid Dark Alcohols: Research suggests that dark-colored alcoholic beverages like red wine or whiskey may result in more severe hangovers compared to clear or colorless drinks like vodka or gin.
4. Take Pain Relief Medicine: Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can help alleviate headaches and body aches. However, use them with caution as they may irritate the stomach.
5. Supplement with Vitamins: Taking supplements like B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and L-Cysteine can help replenish lost nutrients and ease hangover symptoms.
6. Try Herbal Remedies: Ginger, peppermint, and honey-lemon water are natural remedies that can soothe stomach discomfort and nausea.
7. Get Adequate Sleep: Resting and getting enough sleep can help your body recover more effectively from a hangover.
8. Enjoy Hot Soup: Hot and soothing soup can help prevent dehydration and improve stomach comfort
A hangover is a frequent occurrence following a night of intense partying. However, it's advisable to steer clear of excessive alcohol consumption and opt for moderation. Above all, refrain from driving under the influence for the safety of both yourself and others. For Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers interested in healthcare, you can explore additional health-related articles at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories .
Sources of information
· Everydayhealth
· Harvard
· Pobpad
· Paolo Hospital
