Remedy for Your Astonishing Aftermath of Intense Hangover?
From the Tipsy Tangle to the Morning After:
We've all been through it - the throbbing headache, the nausea, and that brain fog that makes even simple tasks feel like a chore. That's the dreaded hangover, and sometimes, it feels like it's here to stay.
Your parched mouth might've already tipped you off about the dehydration. Alcohol is an osmotic diuretic, meaning it urges your body to pee more. Combined with the fact that alcohol blocks the re-uptake of water in the kidneys, you're looking at a hefty dose of dehydration.
But the issues don't end there. According to University of Washington professor of Pharmacy and Nutritional Sciences, Lingtak-Neander Chan, PharmD, alcohol metabolism produces a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde, which plays a significant role in your unpleasant hangover symptoms.
How alcohol takes a toll on you
When you indulge in alcohol, your body converts it into acetaldehyde. This byproduct is the culprit behind some of your hangover woes, and maybe even the memory impairment and sleepiness often attributed to alcohol consumption.
But the organic chemistry lesson doesn't end there. Acetic acid, another byproduct of alcohol metabolism, builds up in your body as more alcohol is consumed, causing you to feel lousy.
Will indulging in feel-good fluids help?
You know you need water, but will beverages with a little extra oomph also alleviate your hangover?
Hair of the dog
Many believe that a Bloody Mary can help alleviate a hangover. It's the old "hair of the dog that bit you" trick. Tomato juice, packed with antioxidants, sugar, calories, and B vitamins, can certainly offer some relief. Alcohol does decrease the absorption of certain vitamins, including B vitamins.
However, occasional drinking usually won't lead to deficiencies in B vitamins, according to Chan. It's only in chronic drinkers that B vitamin deficiencies become a concern.
What makes that Bloody Mary seem so heavenly is most likely just the temporary numbing effect of more alcohol. While other ingredients may be beneficial, more alcohol will further dehydrate you and perpetuate the cycle.
Electrolytes
If you've been vomiting, an electrolyte replacement solution like Pedialyte can help, as you lose sodium, potassium, and chloride through vomiting.
But if you're merely hungover, water is your best bet for hydration, Chan says.
Java kickstart
A cup of coffee in the morning might give you an energy boost, but it won't cure your hangover. As Chan puts it, "Coffee is nothing more than a stimulant. Drinking coffee for a hangover is similar to driving a car with your foot on the gas and the brake pedal at the same time."
Additionally, caffeine itself is a diuretic, which can exacerbate your dehydration. You already have enough dehydration problems.
Can the right pill relieve your predicament?
Most over-the-counter pain relievers can numb some of the pain, particularly headaches. However, there are important precautions to consider, says Chan.
Tylenol or acetaminophen
Tylenol (acetaminophen) can come hard on your liver, especially if you're a regular drinker. Using alcohol and Tylenol together can increase the risk of acetaminophen poisoning, which can lead to liver failure. So follow the dosage directions on the bottle or consult your healthcare provider.
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Following directions or a doctor's advice should keep you safe with aspirin and other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). However, these medications can cause stomach irritation and even ulcers at higher doses.
Can food soothe the pain?
Some claim certain foods can cure a hangover. While many of these remedies should be taken with a grain of salt, here are a few that hold up:
Greasy food
If you're hungry and haven't been eating, a greasy meal will provide some calories, helping eliminate brain fog and dizziness brought on by low energy. But it's best to eat greasy food before or between drinks, rather than in the morning after.
Eggs
Eggs have gained a reputation for alleviating hangover symptoms because of the myth that the amino acid cysteine breaks down acetaldehyde. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral that's often lost through vomiting. However, a banana contains a relatively modest amount of potassium. According to Chan, the relief you feel from eating a banana is likely due to its carbohydrate content.
Ginger
Ginger root is well-known for its anti-nausea effects, helping alleviate symptoms commonly experienced during hangovers. However, be cautious of over-the-counter ginger supplements, as they may contain harmful additives. Stick to ginger tea or dried ginger from the grocery store spice section.
Hangover remedies: Worth the cost?
Nicholas Johnson, M.D., an emergency physician at Harborview Medical Center, points out that many hangover remedies on the market are unproven and not worth the cost. The best approach is to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and give time to work its magic on that hangover.
- The metabolism of alcohol produces a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde which contributes to the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover, such as memory impairment and sleepiness, according to Lingtak-Neander Chan, PharmD.
- A Bloody Mary, with its ingredients like tomato juice, antioxidants, sugar, and B vitamins, can offer some relief from a hangover, but its temporary numbing effect from the alcohol may perpetuate the dehydration issue.
- An electrolyte replacement solution like Pedialyte can help if you've been vomiting due to alcohol consumption, as you lose essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate some hangover symptoms such as headaches, but it's important to follow the dosage directions diligently and consider their potential side effects, especially when combined with alcohol.
