But what exactly is a hangover?
Hangover, also known as "veisalgia", from Norwegian kveis, meaning "discomfort following debauchery", and from the Greek algia meaning "pain, is an uncomfortable sensation which manifests itself following alcohol intoxication. It results in headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion of ideas or even fatigue … It appears 6 to 10 hours after alcohol consumption, when it decreases in the blood, and it reaches its peak when the blood alcohol level returns to zero.
But to what exactly is it due? Hard to say, the hangover mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. However, three substances would be involved: ethanol (or pure alcohol), acetaldehyde (the product of ethanol metabolism) and substances present in alcoholic beverages, resulting from alcoholic fermentation or added during the manufacturing process. Ok, thanks for these explanations Jamie. Now, angry questions: can we avoid it? And if yes, how ?
Can we avoid a hangover?
Alas, no, there is no scientific cure for a hangover. This is the observation made by the Alcohol Hangover Research Group, a team of professionals with a strong interest in the subject. In an article published by the Huffington Post, they explain : "So it would be more about treating the symptoms." For example, "if you have a headache, you may need pain reliever. If your stomach is a little sick, you will probably need starchy foods or something simple, to sort it out ", they recommend. What about the mistakes to avoid that could make the situation worse? There are some. Anthology.
Do not drink water
First mistake, not to drink water. Alcohol dehydrates the body. Organism which will put a lot of strain on the kidneys to eliminate it and which will need water for this. To overcome this dehydration, it is advisable to drink during the evening, but also before going to bed and upon waking up. Sugary drinks are also a good idea to recover from a hangover. "Coca, for example, gives energy and helps to hydrate the body well", Jean-Louis Bensoussan told us in a previous article on remedies for gastro. On the other hand, we avoid coffee, which may further dehydrate you.
Planning for a busy day
Another big mistake to be avoided is planning a full program of activities on the day of his hangover, when it would be best to rest and allow his body to recover throughout the day.
Forgetting to fill up on vitamins
Still according to this article of Huffington Post, you should also stock up on vitamins when you are hungover. They will help reboost the body.
Systematically take medication
Do you usually cure your stomach aches with medicine? It is also a mistake. The Alcohol Hangover Research Group recommends using this solution only if the hangover is "severe". And if so, always take them with food. And for good reason, "some drugs can be abrasive on the stomach (…) which must recover from this excessive alcohol consumption".
Read also :
⋙ Alcohol: does not mixing it up (really) avoid a hangover?
⋙ Drunkenness and difficult tomorrow: what are the most dangerous alcohols?
⋙ Soda, water, alcohol, coffee… Which drink hydrates the most? The answer will amaze you