Oh the dreaded hangover! A harsh reality of too much alcohol consumed too quickly. We have all experienced its unpleasant symptoms–pounding headache, queasy stomach and overall sense of lethargy–after a night of celebration or indulgence. Have you ever pondered why alcohol makes you feel so terrible the following morning? In this blog post, we will dive deeper into their science as well as the factors contributing to their appearance.
Dehydration:
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and, thus, leads to dehydration and hangover symptoms. Consuming alcohol suppresses vasopressin production – normally an antidiuretic hormone used by our bodies to absorb water back into our systems – leading to increased urine output which causes fluid loss leading to dehydration which causes thirst, dry mouth and dizziness as symptoms.
Congeners:
Congeners are toxic compounds produced during the fermentation and aging processes of certain alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, brandy and red wine. Compounds like methanol and acetone contribute to the severity of hangover symptoms by inducing inflammation, expanding blood vessels or irritating stomach lining lining. Darker alcohols tend to contain higher concentrations of congeners which could explain why some individuals experience more intense hangovers after drinking certain drinks.
Acetaldehyde:
When we consume alcohol, our bodies break it down into a toxic substance known as acetaldehyde that’s responsible for many of the unpleasant symptoms associated with hangovers. Overconsuming alcohol or drinking too quickly may overwhelm the body’s capacity to process acetaldehyde quickly enough and accumulate it, contributing to hangover symptoms such as nausea and fatigue.
Inflammation and Immune Response:
Alcohol can set off an inflammatory reaction in our bodies. Our immune system releases cytokines – pro-inflammatory substances released when our immune system fights off toxic effects caused by alcohol – as a response, leading to headaches, muscle aches, or general malaise symptoms such as headache.
Disturbed Sleep Patterns:
While alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, its impact on the quality of your restful REM sleep – crucial for cognitive restoration and memory consolidation – is far-reaching and may leave you feeling fatigued and less alert the following day – exacerbating any subsequent hangover experiences.
Stomach Irritation: Alcohol can irritate the lining of your stomach, leading to increased acid production and an increased risk of gastritis or inflammation. These effects may result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort – compounding to create the unpleasantries associated with hangovers.
Hangovers are our bodies’ way of telling us to practice moderation and take good care of ourselves. While there’s no guaranteed method to completely avoid a hangover, understanding what factors contribute to its onset can help us make more informed choices – staying hydrated, choosing drinks with less congeners, drinking responsibly and getting sufficient rest all help reduce its severity. Ultimately, responsible drinking and self-care are the keys to enjoying alcohol without paying an exorbitant price the next morning.
This post was written by a medical professional at The Wellness Firm. The Wellness Firm provides onsite Flu Shots, onsite rapid COVID event testing, employee physical examination, as well as American Heart Association CPR certification classes. We have professionals that provide in-person hands-on, quality training. For more information click here!
