1. What You Should Know About A Hangover
Alcohol dehydrates your body. Specifically, alcohol inhibits the functioning of antidiuretic hormones called vasopressin (ADH), which controls the the amount of water in your body as well as how much of it leaves you (via urination). When drinking alcohol, the water is eliminated more when urinating, taking with it compounds necessary for the body, leaving you without reserve and allowing your organs to suffer. This may result in a headache or other such symptoms.
2. Women: Alcohol
Women are more likely to suffer from hangovers than men. This is largely because women are normally smaller in size than men. So if the same level of alcohol or drugs gets ingested by women, they will become dehydrated quicker compared to men. That is why women often have a higher blood alcohol level and get drunk easier.
3. Hangover and Tobacco
Some people, when having a hangover, end up using tobacco (most likely in the form of smoking) for relief. This alone can make everything worse and could prove to be a lethal combination because tobacco can produce a sort of high. While the effects may not be as substantial as using alcohol or drugs, curing a hangover by possibly extending a level of inhibition may not be the best choice. One of the best ways to get rid of a hangover is detoxing your system: The faster you get the alcohol or drugs out of your body the sooner you will start to feel better. Tobacco won’t do.
4. Hangovers Are Not For All
Many people may not know that approximately 23% of the world’s population are resistant to hangovers.[1] This is true as some people do not suffer hangover to the same extent as others. Scientists have located certain genes that may be responsible for this, with twin studies supporting this. Hangovers could also be linked to personality traits. Studies have shown that neurotic people may be more susceptible to hangovers than laid back people.[2] So, who knows, you could have been one of the lucky ones who has those genes? (Nonetheless, please be cautious when consuming alcohol.)
5. How do you prevent a hangover?
Here’s a couple ways to prevent a hangover:
Drink milk: supposedly some people insist on drinking milk before you start drinking, as milk coats the lining of your stomach, supposedly absorbing the alcohol. This hasn’t been scientifically proven.[3] But, you never know, it could work? Take multivitamins before drinking: Jason Burke, MD, an anesthesiologist told Cosmopolitan, “Antioxidants help mitigate the damage, so pop an extra multivitamin, or drink acai or pomegranate juice before you go out.”[4] Get sleep before: alcohol plays a part on your immunity. Get your sleep to give your immune system a little bit of a break.[5] While we’re still on the topic of immunity, make sure you wash your hands well when you do start drinking. Since the alcohol lowers your immune system, it’s important to take extra precautions in ensuring you don’t become sick[6] You could even carry some hand sanitizer or wipes for even better insurance.
Final Thoughts
Every person’s body is individual and unique. That said, alcohol will affect everyone differently—some having more of a hangover, others a little, and for those 23%, no hangover at all. No matter how you react to alcohol, it’s important to drink wisely and responsibly. That if you go out to drink to bring responsible friends, and decide in advance who’s going to be the DD (designated driver). Featured photo credit: Pixabay via pixabay.com
