Consumption of alcohol has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the worst things about the consumption of alcohol is having a hangover the next morning. As you may know, hangover is an unpleasant side effect of heavy drinking of alcohol. The unexpected occurs when alcohol has vacated the body and is described by various dreadful symptoms. This includes headaches, fatigue, thirst, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite. The level of hangover differs from the individual, but most people agree that they are very uncomfortable.
Not surprisingly, there are all sorts of “hangover cures”, some of which are known to be very effective. Though there is limited evidence behind them, and most have not even studied. However, there are some strategies that have shown some possibilities.
Here are 7 ways on the basis of evidence that prevents hangover, or at least make them much less difficult.
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- Drink moderately or not at all
The level of alcohol consumption plays a critical role as it increases the severity of hangovers. Moderate consumption of alcohol is the best way to avoid hangovers or putting an end to the consumption of alcohol. Based on individuals, the level of alcohol required to produce hangovers differs. To some individuals what they need is just one or two glasses, but most people need a lot more than this. - Avoid Drinks with Congeners, a Toxic By-Product of Alcohol Production
The main active ingredient of alcoholic beverages is ethanol. During the production of ethanol by yeast from sugar-fermentation, congeners are also produced as byproducts. Congeners are poisonous chemicals, other than ethanol itself which is formed in little quantity during the production of alcohol. Common congeners include methanol, isopentanol, and acetone. Alcoholic drinks that have large amounts of congeners increase frequency and intensity of hangovers when compared with drinks that have lower quantities. Whiskey, cognac, and tequila are the examples of drinks that contain the highest amount of congeners. Bourbon whiskey is extremely rich in congeners. - Drink in the morning afterward
To treat hangover by taking another glass seems contradictory. However, this is a known cure for the hangover, often referred to as a “hair dog (that bit you)”. Although this habit has not been proven to be effective, there is an interesting science behind it. In other words, consumption of more alcohol (ethanol) is said to affect methanol metabolism, a popular congener that is present in lower amounts in some drinks. After drinking, methanol is converted to formaldehyde, a highly poisonous substance. It is believed that this is partially responsible for many of the symptoms of hangover. - Drink a lot of water
Alcohol is a diuretic; this makes you empty your bladder more than you take same quantity of pure water. Based on this fact, alcohol has been found to contribute greatly to dehydration. While dehydration is not recognized as the major cause of dehydration, it can result to symptoms such as thirst, headache, fatigue, and dry mouth. Luckily, dehydration is very easy to control. In order to control dehydration, all need to be done is to drink enough quantity of water. It is a good rule to drink a glass of water (or some other alcoholic beverage) between the drinks and have at least a large glass of water before bedtime. - Get enough sleep
Sleep can be obstructed with alcohol. This can affect the quality and duration of sleep and disturb the entire sleep schedule if you stay up too late. Although lack of sleep has little to do with the majority of the symptoms of hangover, it can contribute to fatigue and irritability that is often associated with hangover. Taking a lot of sleep after a heavy drink can help recover your body. In case you find it very difficult to sleep in and take some rest for the next day, drinking may not work well. - Eat a hearty breakfast
Low levels of blood sugar are sometimes associated with hangovers, a condition referred to as hypoglycemia. Hangovers also tend to be stronger in individuals who have low levels of blood sugar. Although the major cause of hangovers has not been attributed to hypoglycemia, it can contribute to some symptoms, such as weakness and headaches. In addition to supplying the body with necessary vitamins and minerals, a nutritious breakfast or a late night meal may help keep your blood glucose levels at the norm. - Supplements that may help
Inflammation is one of the important mechanisms that occur in the body and helps to repair tissue damage. It is believed that many of the symptoms of hangover occur as a result of low-grade inflammation. In fact, some anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to be very effective against hangovers. Various plant-based foods and herbs can also help to decrease inflammation and prevent hangovers. The supplements that proved to be effective include red ginseng, ginger, and prickly pear. It is the fruit of the cactus called Opuntia ficus-indica, which would be native to Mexico.
- Drink moderately or not at all
