How to Cure Hangover and Reclaim Your Day?

In the simplest terms, a hangover is the unpleasant physical effects following excessive consumption of alcohol. These effects typically include headache, tiredness, dizziness, thirst, and nausea. However, the degree and type of symptoms vary from person to person and can be influenced by various factors such as the type of alcohol consumed, personal tolerance, and overall health.

Before delving into remedies, it’s important to understand the science behind hangovers. Alcohol, when consumed, is processed in your liver. However, your liver can only metabolise a limited amount of alcohol per hour. When you consume more than your liver can handle, the alcohol circulates in your blood, affecting your central nervous system and leading to physical and psychological effects.

The severity of a hangover can depend on several factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the type of alcohol, your body weight, your hydration level, and genetic factors affecting your body’s ability to metabolise alcohol. Some of the common symptoms of a hangover include fatigue, dehydration, headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Hangovers occur due to several physiological changes in the body induced by alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and leads to dehydration, which is primarily responsible for hangover symptoms like thirst, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

Simultaneously, the breakdown of alcohol in the body generates toxic by products like acetaldehyde, which can lead to symptoms like nausea, sweating, and skin flushing. Alcohol also triggers an inflammatory response from your immune system, which can lead to feelings of lethargy and a decreased ability to concentrate.

While the only surefire way to prevent a hangover is to abstain from drinking or drinking moderately, there are several strategies that can be employed to alleviate hangover symptoms if you’ve already indulged.

Since dehydration plays a significant role in hangover symptoms, one of the best ways to alleviate these effects is to rehydrate. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. Other hydrating fluids such as coconut water, sports drinks, and rehydration solutions can also help, as these contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium that are lost due to the diuretic effect of alcohol.

Eating a good breakfast the morning after can help replenish nutrients and stabilise your blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar can exacerbate hangover symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and weakness. Consider including foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals like fruits, whole grains, and protein in your meal.

Your body needs time to recover from the effects of alcohol. Sleep not only helps with this recovery but also can alleviate symptoms like fatigue and irritability. If you’re feeling groggy or sluggish after a night of drinking, listen to your body and get some extra rest.

Certain OTC medicines like ibuprofen can help alleviate hangover symptoms like headaches and body aches. However, avoid using aspirin or Tylenol as they can cause stomach irritation and liver damage, respectively, especially when combined with alcohol.

While it might be tempting to reach for a cup of coffee to battle fatigue, caffeine could potentially worsen dehydration and should be consumed with caution. If you can’t skip your morning java, ensure that you’re also drinking plenty of water.

Though it might be the last thing you feel like doing, a gentle workout can help. Exercise stimulates endorphin production, the body’s natural mood elevators, which can help alleviate feelings of fatigue and malaise. Just ensure that you’re well-hydrated before, during, and after the workout.

While the above tips can help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover, it’s also important to look at prevention strategies. Remember, it’s always better to prevent a hangover than to deal with one.

The best way to prevent a hangover is to limit your alcohol intake. Remember, it’s not necessary to keep up with others. Drinking should be about enjoyment and socialising, not about how much you can consume.

Not all alcoholic beverages are created equal. Drinks with high levels of congeners, by products of fermentation in alcohol, can exacerbate hangover symptoms. These are typically found in higher amounts in dark liquors, such as bourbon and whiskey, compared to clear liquors, like vodka and gin.

Food slows down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, helping to moderate its effects. Before you start drinking, try to have a meal containing fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates.

For every alcoholic drink you have, try to have one non-alcoholic drink, ideally water. This will help counteract the diuretic effect of alcohol and prevent dehydration.

Certain medical conditions or medications can increase your risk of hangovers. For example, individuals with migraines often report worsened hangovers. If you have any medical conditions or are on any medication, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider about safe levels of alcohol consumption.

Ginger and honey have been touted for their ability to alleviate hangover symptoms. Ginger has been used traditionally to reduce nausea and vomiting, while honey helps to raise blood sugar levels. Another popular natural remedy is prickly pear extract, which has been found in some studies to reduce hangover severity.

Alcohol depletes nutrients like Vitamin B and magnesium, which are crucial for energy production and neurotransmission. Replenishing these nutrients through food or supplements can potentially alleviate some hangover symptoms.

Hangovers can be an unpleasant aftermath of a night of fun and festivity. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to either prevent them or, at the very least, alleviate their symptoms.
Remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and know your limits. Drinking alcohol should be an enjoyable social activity, not a race or a competition. While a few drinks can make for a memorable night, the aim should not be to drink so much that the following day is a blur of discomfort and regret.

While hangovers are usually harmless and resolve within 24 hours, frequent heavy drinking can lead to long-term health problems like liver disease and alcohol dependence. If you find it difficult to control your drinking or often drink to the point of having severe hangovers, it’s advisable to seek professional help.