What Is a Hangover? And How to Prevent It
A common practice seen in payment schemes, especially when using a credit card, is a 'buy now, pay later' strategy which allows one to acquire something they want now, but pay for it another time, and that is sort of what a hangover is - you enjoy the alcohol now, but may pay for it with pain later on.
Ever woken up the next morning (or afternoon) after a night of drinking with a terrible headache? Perhaps incredibly thirsty? Dry mouth? Yup, that is a hangover. The exact cause of a hangover is unclear, but there are a number of factors involved such as acetaldehyde accumulation (a product of oxidized ethanal, a.k.a. the alcohol in the wine), physical ailments (sleep deprivation, malnutrition), and dehydration. You have definitely gone to the bathroom a few times during that drinking period.
What are hangover symptoms?
While a splitting headache can be the most noticeable one, hangover symptoms can vary from person to person. Hangover symptoms can include light and sound sensitivity, inability to sleep, and body malaise, among others.
However, these symptoms are not limited to the physical, but can also extend to the mental with experiences such as irritability and anxiety.
How to cure a hangover?
There are many home remedies and folk cures that live on the internet guaranteeing the removal of a hangover, but science has found no evidence that any of them actually work in treating one. This is one of those moments where prevention is better than cure.
There are, however, some things you can do help alleviate the symptoms. Pain medication can help with the headache and overall aching, however, since the liver is still handling the alcohol, or at least is stressed from handling alcohol, exercise due caution with the amount that you take.
Rehydrating is one of the most important things you can do to help your body recover. Do not go for coffee, that is another diuretic which can lead to further dehydration. Advisable drinks are plain water or electrolyte-heaving hydration drinks.
While your body may not want, a quick round of cardio can help by getting blood flowing and boosting metabolism thereby processing alcohol faster.
Lastly, while it may prove difficult, rest and sleep.
How to prevent a hangover?
The easiest way to prevent a hangover is by abstaining alcohol, but where is the fun in that? If you are going to drink, just like everything else in life, do so in moderation. Another tip is to drink water every now and then while drinking wine, this keeps the body hydrated and helps prevent a headache.
An important thing to remember is that one's immune system also plays a role in the severity of a hangover; the more imbalanced or weaker it is, the more intense the hangover will be.
Anecdotal preventions include making sure one's stomach is not empty before drinking. Another added benefit of eating before drinking is that it is easier on the stomach since there is always a measure of acidity in wine.
