Whereas no-one would advocate consuming to extra, likelihood is we’ve all been there! The signs of a hangover are simple to identify – tiredness, thirst, nausea and a pounding headache – and are disagreeable sufficient to make you determined for a quick-fix. However does such a factor exist?
We requested Dr Sarah Jarvis, a medical adviser to Drinkaware, to inform us what makes a hangover worse, what may make it higher, and what has no impact in any respect.
Does mixing drinks make a hangover worse?
Probably. Largely since you’re extra more likely to underestimate your consumption and drink greater than you assume. All alcohol could cause hangovers, however darkish drinks (similar to port or darkish spirits) are usually the worst offenders as a result of they include congeners – chemical substances which contribute to their style, color and aroma, however which break down within the physique to kind poisonous compounds. Mixing drinks means you’re extra more likely to have drinks containing these kind of toxins.
Does taking a painkiller earlier than mattress assist a hangover?
In all probability not. Most painkillers solely work for just a few hours, so their impact is more likely to have worn off by the morning.
Does consuming earlier than mattress take in the alcohol and assist your hangover?
No. By the point you get to mattress, the alcohol can have left your abdomen and been absorbed into your bloodstream, so it’s too late to have any impact on alcohol absorption. Goal to eat earlier than you drink – and drink carefully – as a substitute.
Does a morning drink (‘hair of the canine’) assist a hangover?
Categorically not. It might postpone the inevitable hangover, however it’s more likely to be worse if you do get it.
Does taking vitamin C assist a hangover?
No. There’s completely no proof for this. The celebrities seen having intravenous infusions of nutritional vitamins and minerals to forestall or deal with hangovers are kidding themselves!
Does espresso assist a hangover?
Probably. Hangovers are brought on by a mixture of your physique having been hit with a dose of toxin (alcohol), the impact of congeners, lack of high quality sleep (your physique’s sleep rhythm is disturbed) and dehydration. In reasonable portions, espresso might assist rehydrate you and lift ranges of alertness, however it gained’t assist with different points of your hangover.
Final phrases
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a magic repair you’ll be disillusioned. Whereas some ‘cures’ might alleviate signs like vomiting and headache, they gained’t be efficient in lowering different hangover signs, similar to drowsiness and fatigue. Hangover cures with the most advantages are those who inhibit the inflammatory impact of alcohol or pace up how rapidly we metabolise it.
Discovered this handy? Now learn…
Regardless of our greatest intentions, many people get carried away now and again. If you happen to’re feeling just a little worse for put on, learn our information on easing the results of alcohol the morning after.
Tips on how to drink responsibly
What number of energy are in alcoholic drinks?
What number of items are in alcoholic drinks?
Go to the Drinkaware web site
This text was final reviewed on twenty eighth November 2022 by registered nutritionist, Kerry Torrens.
Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a registered nutritionist with a publish graduate diploma in Personalised Diet & Dietary Remedy. She is a member of the British Affiliation for Diet and Way of life Drugs (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Meals Writers. Over the past 15 years she has been a contributing writer to a lot of dietary and cookery publications together with BBC Good Meals. Discover her on Instagram at @kerry_torrens_nutrition_
