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How to cure even the worst hangover?

In this article:
When to call the doctor?
Why does a hangover occur?
What factors can increase the risk of hangover?
Hangover treatment and remedies
Hangover pills - which pills can help with hangovers?
How to prevent a hangover?
How to cure even the worst hangover?

Typical symptoms include:

  • fatigue;
  • weakness;
  • intense thirst;
  • headache;
  • muscle aches;
  • stomach pains;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • sensitivity to light and sounds;
  • dizziness;
  • anxiety and irritability;
  • intense sweating;
  • trembling;
  • decreased ability to concentrate;
  • increased blood pressure.

When to call the doctor?

Serious signs and symptoms can sometimes occur following heavy drinking, signs of alcohol intoxication. This is a medical emergency and you should call 112 if a person who has consumed alcohol shows signs of:

  • confusion;
  • convulsions;
  • slow and/or irregular breathing;
  • bluish or pale skin;
  • low body temperature (hypothermia);
  • difficulty remaining conscious;
  • fainting (unconsciousness) and cannot be awakened.

Why does a hangover occur?

The hangover is caused by the effects of alcohol on the body. How? It's simple - alcohol has direct effects on the body's organs and functions. Here are the effects:

  • dehydration - which in turn causes thirst, fatigue and headaches;
  • electrolyte imbalance;
  • gastrointestinal problems - alcohol irritates the lining of the stomach and intestines, slows down the rate of digestion, all of which leads to gastric discomfort and nausea;
  • inflammation - alcohol increases inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to a general hangover;
  • low blood sugar - leads to fatigue, sweating, hunger and shakiness.

Alcohol also affects sleep and hormone levels in the body, which contribute to the various symptoms that occur. Hangovers start after alcohol levels begin to drop. In fact, the most intense symptoms occur when levels reach zero.

What factors can increase the risk of hangover?

Alcohol is the main culprit for hangovers, but other components of alcoholic drinks can also contribute to symptoms or worsen hangovers. Such chemicals, called congeners, can intensify the effects of hangovers. These congeners are found in certain types of alcoholic drinks and contribute to their taste and smell - they are found mainly in dark-colored drinks such as whisky or red wine.

In general, the severity of the symptoms depends on the type of alcohol consumed, the amount, but also on your general state of health. Also, some people experience a hangover even after just one drink, while others consume larger amounts of alcohol and have no symptoms. Genetic variability may make some people more susceptible to hangovers than others. Genetic variability that affects how alcohol is metabolized can cause some people to turn red, sweat or have severe hangover symptoms after drinking even a small amount of alcohol.

Other risk factors for hangovers include:

  • drinking alcohol on an empty stomach;
  • smoking in combination with alcohol - smoking increases the likelihood of a hangover;
  • lack of sleep after drinking alcohol.

Hangover treatment and remedies

However unpleasant they may be, most hangover symptoms go away on their own, although they can last up to 24 hours or more. If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so responsibly to avoid hangovers.

A hangover should run its usual course once it occurs. This involves the body regulating itself as the alcohol is eliminated from the bloodstream. Hangover symptoms tend to subside within 8 to 24 hours, but sometimes it can last longer. The body needs to eliminate the toxic by-products of alcohol, rehydrate, heal tissues and restore normal function and activity.

There are also some anti hangover remedies that can help in some cases:

  • Increased water consumption to reduce dehydration - first, drink water to rehydrate the body;
  • eating bland foods with complex carbohydrates, such as toast or biscuits - to normalize blood sugar levels and reduce nausea;
  • sleep and rest.

Hangover pills - which pills can help with hangovers?

Some hangover pills can help, but not every time. For example, antacids may reduce stomach discomfort, and aspirin (such as Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets) or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may reduce headaches or muscle aches. However, they should be taken in moderation as they may cause stomach discomfort. Do not take acetaminophen - it can be toxic to the liver when combined with alcohol.

Vitamin and mineral mixes, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, B5, B12 etc., electrolytes or other ingredients with antioxidant, vitaminizing and remineralizing effects, such as Emetix Hangover, Alcovit or Morning Recovery, can sometimes be useful. Usually, such hangover remedies are available in dissolvable sachets, effervescent hangover pills or liquid form.

How to prevent a hangover?

As a general rule of thumb, the more alcohol you drink, the more likely you are to experience a hangover the next day. However, there is no formula that tells you how much you can safely drink and still avoid a hangover. But here are some recommendations against hangovers:

  • First: drink alcohol in moderation and limit your alcohol intake.
  • Also, a meal rich in carbohydrates, such as brown rice or pasta, can help slow down the rate of absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
  • Opt for lighter-colored drinks with a lower content of congeners - a series of chemical by-products that occur during alcoholic fermentation, which give drinks their specific flavor.
  • Avoid carbonated drinks which speed up the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
  • Avoid smoking, which can intensify hangovers.
  • Drink enough water consistently when drinking alcohol, including before going to bed.
  • Get enough sleep.

Prevention is always the best hangover cure. The only way to prevent hangovers is to avoid alcohol altogether or to drink in moderation. Everyone's tolerance level is different, so 'moderation' varies somewhat from person to person.

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