Everyone knows it: In the evening it seems as if there is no tomorrow – it’s easy to have a few too many drinks. But of course there is the day after, and a dark one at that, because the hangover is already waiting for us.
Many simply vegetate the following day, others try to alleviate the symptoms. Create a greasy foundation, don’t drink at once and treat yourself to a Rollmops in the morning – tried and tested methods that are intended to combat or prevent the unpopular hangover.
However, there is hardly any other topic that is surrounded by so many myths, tips and old wisdom as the hangover. We’ve examined the most popular ones and show you which tips really work and why.
In order to effectively fight a hangover, one must first clarify how it develops in the first place and why one feels the next day as if one had been hit by a tractor.
Most of us notice the effects of the last night of partying by the next morning at the latest. The hangover symptoms only start when the alcohol in the blood has completely broken down.
The consequences are headaches, nausea, dizziness and a sensitivity to light and volume – at first it sounds like an illness, but it is “only” a hangover.
The most common theory is that hangovers are a result of dehydration, since drinking alcohol dehydrates the body. With water loss comes a lack of electrolytes such as magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium.
A lack of fluid in the body is then expressed, for example, by headaches.
A low blood sugar level due to alcohol consumption, toxic waste products in the liver or an imbalance in the immune system are also often associated with hangover symptoms – however, some studies in people with a hangover could find neither low electrolyte values nor a connection with blood sugar levels.
What exactly leads to the hangover symptoms in the body has not yet been finally clarified. It’s all in the mix – in the end, the discomfort is probably the result of a combination of these theories, which is why a hangover manifests itself differently in everyone.
Creating a good foundation with protein and high-fat foods is a common tip. These dishes stay in the stomach longer, which delays alcohol absorption.
Because the faster the alcohol gets into the blood, the stronger the symptoms are the next morning.
By the way: Whether you have an empty stomach or not, the blood alcohol level remains the same at the end of the day. However, alcohol absorption slows down and reduces the feeling of inebriation, so there is no harm.
Of course, preventive measures do not end during alcohol consumption, quite the opposite. Drinking a glass of water between meals helps the body become less dehydrated.
The water breaks also automatically consume less alcohol, which can have a greater effect than the actual water intake. If you can manage it, you should also drink a large glass of water before going to sleep.
The speed of alcohol absorption also plays an important role. The shorter the period of time, the more severe the hangover symptoms are – so maybe just go to the toilet for the next round of shots.
Incidentally, drinking alcohol at random has no effect on the intensity of the hangover. However, drinks that contain a lot of fusel alcohol – e.g. wheat beer – can increase the symptoms. So rather heed the saying “Only clear is true” (in moderation, of course).
The effect of the well-known hangover breakfast remains controversial. Whether eggs or Rollmops, salty and hearty dishes should bring back the lost electrolytes. The problem is that the role of electrolytes in hangover symptoms isn’t really understood.
Nevertheless, the hangover breakfast can have a positive psychological effect by having a small placebo effect. We therefore recommend a balanced breakfast, which replenishes minerals and vitamins and increases well-being.
Perfect drink: Ginger tea, because it stimulates digestion and is effective against nausea.
Unfortunately, the rate at which our bodies break down alcohol cannot be accelerated. So once the hangover sets in, all you can do is damage control.
Cold showers, a hearty breakfast, a walk in the fresh air – all these things will not make the hangover go away, but they can improve your mood and stimulate circulation.
If you feel sick, you should also stay away from caffeine and take a little nap instead.
Soothing the pounding skull with a painkiller seems a logical solution at first. The only problem is that painkillers hit either the liver or the stomach.
This could then increase nausea and slow down the detoxification process. Natural remedies such as peppermint oil or tiger balm, which you can rub on your temples if you have a headache, are better.
While anti-hangover pills are also a nice idea, there’s no scientific evidence that the pills will treat or prevent a hangover.
Some tips are not only pointless when you have a hangover, they can actually make the symptoms worse. We probably don’t have to explain why a counter beer or digestive schnapps is not a good idea.
But you should also give up sports and sauna sessions with a hangover, as your body already has enough to do with the detoxification process. Balance and concentration disorders can be the result.
Better to go for a quiet walk, because sweating out alcohol isn’t possible anyway – sweating might actually make the hangover worse by adding to dehydration.
As you can see, there is only one real solution to a hangover – and that is to endure it. After all, you can make your way to a better condition easier and support your body.
We’ve all said “never again alcohol” many times. But let’s be honest, the next night of partying is guaranteed – only this time you’re armed with useful tips that really help.
Johanna Rumphorst
Originally posted by FitForFun, “Too Much Alcohol? Five Hangover Tips That Really Help”.
