Cat’s Meow – What Methods Can Help?
The holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other important events often provide pleasant occasions for participants to enjoy drinks. However, if someone gets carried away, it is not uncommon to wake up the next morning with a headache and other unpleasant symptoms. To avoid a hangover, it is worth following a few simple tips that can help reduce discomfort and speed up recovery.
Things to Do Before Drinking Alcohol
If someone plans to consume alcohol, it is important not to go to the party on an empty stomach. Eating helps slow the absorption of alcohol, preventing a sudden spike in blood alcohol levels. Fatty foods, although not the healthiest, can be particularly effective in this case. Salty snacks like nuts or cheese can also help, as they slow the alcohol’s entry into the bloodstream.
In addition, hydration is crucial. Due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol, it is essential to drink enough water while consuming alcohol. Water not only helps prevent a hangover but also maintains the body’s hydration. If water is not available, fresh fruit juices can be an excellent alternative.
The type of drink chosen can also be critical. It is advisable to avoid drinks rich in methanol, such as dark rum, cognac, or wine, which can be responsible for hangover development. In contrast, vodka generally contains fewer harmful types of alcohol.
The Effects of Smoking and Sugary Drinks
If someone consumes alcohol, it is wise to avoid smoking as well. Nicotine reduces blood alcohol levels, which can encourage the consumer to drink even more. This combination is a sure recipe for a hangover.
Sugary alcoholic drinks, like punches or mulled wine, also do not help the situation. Sugar makes it difficult to break down acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol that plays a significant role in the onset of a hangover. Symptoms the next morning are often more severe after consuming such drinks.
If someone already feels unwell in the evening, it is advisable to prepare by drinking a large glass of water before going to bed and taking pain relievers if necessary.
What to Do in Case of a Hangover?
If someone wakes up with a hangover, it is important to know that there is no miracle cure for sobering up, but there are a few methods to alleviate the symptoms. The first and most important step is to drink plenty of water, as a hangover causes severe thirst. Still water is the best choice, as carbonation can irritate the stomach. Mineral waters and freshly squeezed fruit juices can also help with rehydration.
Additionally, if someone is hungry, it is advisable to consume light foods. Instead of heavier meals, soups or fruits are recommended. Moving in fresh air is also beneficial, as it stimulates blood circulation and speeds up recovery processes.
If the headache becomes unbearable, pain relievers containing acetylsalicylic acid can help. Additionally, peppermint oil can be beneficial, as it helps reduce pain without putting stress on the liver. Massaging one or two drops of oil onto the temples can make the effect noticeable.
The Right Choice for Breakfast
Breakfast also plays an important role in alleviating hangover symptoms. Foods rich in protein and water can help restore the body’s balance. Calorie-dense foods can also be beneficial, as they assist in restoring electrolyte balance.
Although many shy away from it, pickled herring with onions can be particularly good for a hangover state, as it is rich in minerals. Pickles and warm vegetable soup can also be good choices. A glass of salty tomato juice can also help with hydration.
It is important to note that self-medication with alcohol is not a solution. Although it may provide temporary relief, in the long run, it only exacerbates the situation, and the delayed symptoms of a hangover are inevitable.
Why Does a Hangover Occur?
Typical symptoms of a hangover include headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. These complaints are related to the absorption of alcohol through the digestive system, which reaches the brain through the bloodstream and negatively affects the connections between nerve cells. This leads to difficulties in concentration and slower reaction times.
Under the influence of alcohol, the production of a hormone called vasopressin decreases, which is responsible for water retention. As a result, the body loses more fluids, causing the blood to thicken and irritating the meninges, which can lead to headaches. Along with the loss of water, minerals are also expelled, further worsening hangover symptoms.
Excessive alcohol consumption not only causes hangovers but also disrupts the body’s mineral balance. Due to poor nutrition and dehydration, toxins such as acetaldehyde can accumulate, contributing to the onset of a hangover.
To prevent a hangover, it is therefore advisable to make conscious decisions, as proper preparations and mindful alcohol consumption can help avoid unpleasant consequences.
