Consuming too much alcohol often results in impaired consciousness, comprehension, memory and reaction. The next day we have to deal with troublesome hangover symptoms. Alcohol is a psychoactive substance and a depressant, which means that it reduces the transmission of signals in the nervous system and slows down brain function. Everybody reacts differently to alcohol. This reaction depends on many factors, such as gender, weight, age and health.
Symptoms of alcohol abuse
Symptoms of alcohol abuse and alcohol poisoning are often more severe in women than in men, despite drinking the same amount of alcohol. The reason for this tends to be a finer physique and therefore body weight, as well as the different water content in the body.
Alcohol is broken down in the liver to the toxic acetaldehyde, which is largely responsible for the bad well-being. In subsequent stages, acetaldehyde is converted into acetic acid due to the presence of an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase. The effects of alcohol poisoning are also felt due to fluid loss. When alcohol is consumed, the secretion of vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, decreases, leading to excessive water loss from the body.
Effects of alcohol intoxication
The most common symptoms of a hangover include
- headache
- nausea
- dehydration
- fatigue
- weakness
- dizziness
How to avoid a hangover?
Before drinking alcohol, eat a meal rich in fat and protein, so that the absorption of alcohol will be prolonged. You can also include dairy products in your diet - they are a source of calcium, which is flushed out of the body when drinking alcohol
Drink plenty of water (especially water with high and medium mineral content). Alcohol has a diuresis effect and causes a large loss of fluids, including valuable electrolytes, therefore hydration is crucial during the drinking as well as when the symptoms of a hangover have already appeared
Consume products that are a source of vitamin C, e.g. freshly squeezed citrus juices, red bell pepper, kiwi, pickles; taking more vitamin C before drinking (research shows that the recommended value is about 2 grams of vitamin C) increases its metabolism in the body;
Is there a cure for a hangover?
When considering how to cure a hangover, it is a good idea to reach for a proven hangover cure. Preparations with electrolytes in the form of sodium and potassium and glucose are available at the pharmacy. Such composition aids in the removal of toxins as well as alcohol from the body.
Drugs for a hangover are recommended in case of intensive dehydration of the body caused by drinking too much alcohol. As a result of alcohol abuse, valuable minerals are lost, which is why it is so important to replenish them when treating a hangover. It is important to remember that alcohol has a diuretic effect which results in water loss from the body.
Alcohol also causes a loss of glucose, which is a source of energy necessary for many metabolic processes. Hypoglycemia (glucose deficiency) may be manifested by weakness, increased heart rate, impaired concentration. These symptoms should not be underestimated. Good preparation for hangover contains glucose, which raises blood sugar levels, alleviating the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover.
