What Causes Hangovers?

Everyone knows hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol. When you drink alcohol, your body metabolizes it and converts it into a substance called acetaldehyde, which is then further broken down into acetic acid. Acetaldehyde is toxic and can cause many of the symptoms associated with a hangover, including headache, nausea, and fatigue.

Other factors that can contribute to a hangover include:

Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. This can cause symptoms such as thirst, headache, and fatigue.

Low blood sugar: Alcohol can interfere with the production and release of the hormone insulin, leading to low blood sugar levels. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and tremors.

Inflammation: Alcohol can cause inflammation in the body, which can contribute to symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Sleep disruption: Alcohol can disrupt normal sleep patterns by reducing the amount of REM sleep you get, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating the next day.

To avoid a hangover, drink in moderation and stay hydrated by drinking water or other non-alcoholic beverages while you are drinking. It's also a good idea to eat a well-balanced meal consisting of fats, protein, and carbs prior to drinking to help slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.

Top 3 Ways to Fix a Hangover

The best way to avoid a hangover is by avoiding one in the first place by hydrating and taking an alcohol metabolism aid. Once you already have one, there are a handful of options to truly help. Here are three ways to help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover:

Cold Water: Taking a cold shower can help your body recover from a hangover through vasoconstriction and the release of catecholamines. Submerging your face in a bowl of ice water can activate the diver’s reflex and help with nausea.

Stay hydrated: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. To help alleviate this, it's important to drink plenty of water or other hydrating beverages, such as sports drinks or coconut water.

Eat a healthy meal: A healthy meal can help replenish nutrients that may have been lost due to alcohol consumption and can also help settle your stomach. Foods rich in electrolytes, such as bananas and avocados, can be particularly helpful in restoring balance to your body.

It's important to note that there is no surefire cure for a hangover. If you do experience a hangover, it's important to give your body time to recover and to avoid alcohol until you feel fully recovered.

How to Prevent a Hangover

If you’re not drinking in moderation, you’re probably going to get a hangover. It’s possible to minimize symptoms by preparing your body beforehand with things like:

B Vitamins: a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in the body's metabolism and energy production. They are also essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the brain. B vitamins are found in a variety of foods, including meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. However, alcohol consumption can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of B vitamins in the body.

There is some evidence to suggest that supplementing with B vitamins before and after drinking alcohol may help prevent hangovers. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that a combination of B vitamins and electrolytes was effective at reducing the severity of hangover symptoms in college students. Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that a combination of B vitamins and antioxidants was effective at reducing hangover severity in young adults.

Ginger: a popular herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. Ginger is thought to work by inhibiting the production of certain substances in the body that contribute to nausea and vomiting.

There is some evidence to suggest that ginger may help prevent hangovers. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that ginger was effective at reducing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness in people with motion sickness. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that ginger was effective at reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.

DHM (Dihydromyricetin): a compound found in the oriental raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis). It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including hangovers. DHM is thought to work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes in the liver that are involved in the metabolism of alcohol. This can help reduce the severity of hangover symptoms and improve overall liver function.

There is some evidence to suggest that DHM may help prevent hangovers. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that DHM was effective at reducing the severity of hangover symptoms in mice. Another study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that DHM was effective at reducing the severity of hangover symptoms in college students.

For an all-in-one hangover blocker, look no further than BetterMorning. It’s doctor-formulated and has B Vitamins, Ginger, and DHM, as well as liver detoxers.