Hangover Symptoms and Remedies

Hangovers usually last upto four hours and some times even upto two or three days! Imagine exposing the body to hypoglycemia, dehydration and a deficiency of vitamin B12. The resultant fatigue, headache and nausea leaves you feeling terrible and irritable. The symptoms also include difficulty in concentrating, sensitivity to noise and insomnia. However, the symptoms vary from person to person. The ethanol or alcohol content in the drink causes increased urination, being a diuretic. This is what results in the headache and dry mouth. The dehydration caused can be combated with an electrolyte solution.

The nausea is the result of the effect of alcohol on the stomach lining. The other factor responsible for a hangover is the release of products in the process of ethanol breakdown via liver enzymes. The ethanol content is converted to acetaldehyde and then to acetic acid. The mildly toxic acetaldehyde results in the impaired ability of the liver to supply essential glucose to the tissues. Glucose being the primary source of energy to the brain, the lack of it causes weakness, moodiness and fatigue. In addition the presence of fusel oils and congeners in the drinks exaggerate many of the symptoms.

There is currently no clinically proven and known mechanism for becoming sober, except waiting patiently for the body to metabolize the ingested alcohol. This happens via oxidation through the liver, before the alcohol is flushed out from the body. Research reveals that there is no compelling proof that conventional or complementary intervention is effective in the treatment of a hangover. However, what one can do to reduce the symptoms of a hangover is practice moderation. Rehydration can be taken care of with the help of the consumption of a lot of water and fresh fruit juices, while medications like codeine and tilidine directly address the effects of hangover.

Analgesics like acetaminophen can reduce the fatal hepatotoxicity However, consumption of narcotics along with alcohol or later is potentially dangerous because of depressant effect it has on the central nervous system. Extra oxygen not only comes cheap, but is also risk-free and reduces nausea as well as any known drug and is great in combating the symptoms of a hangover caused by alcohol consumption. Increased oxygen results in an improved metabolic rate and hence, a speedy rate of toxin-breakdown. A healthy diet to take care of the magnesium and zinc deficiency caused by excessive alcohol consumption can help too. The hangover symptoms of headache and light and sound sensitivity arise from acute magnesium deficiency.

A research journal revealed that consuming the extract of the prickly pear cactus fruit at least five hours prior to the consumption of alcohol significantly reduces the nausea, dry mouth and resultant anorexia. The extract inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators. Tolfenamic acid and vitamin B6 significantly lower symptoms like nausea, irritation and thirst. Chlormethiazole lowers blood pressure and relieves the unpleasantness of fatigue and drowsiness. Chlormethiazole benefits however, include unpleasant nasal symptoms. Rosiglitazone is also being considered as a remedy for the alleviated symptoms of an ethanol-induced hangover. The effect is derived due to the induced ALD2 expression.

N-acetylcysteine is also being studied extensively to effectively relieve and prevent symptoms of hangover, scavenging acetylaldehyde. The extract of artichoke and sarsaparilla is also known to eliminate veisalgia. These plant extracts have to be administered in the right combination to release the required complex of polyphenols, flavonoids and phytosterols. It is the combination that is effective in reducing the symptoms of a hangover. Eggs and water are also effective in replenishing the lost moisture. The home based remedies for a hangover resulting from the excessive consumption of alcohol includes the intake of a lot of water and fresh fruits and vegetables, raw – as in salads. The best and most effective remedy is implementing a healthy lifestyle. It helps to ensure moderation, especially in the consumption of alcohol and eat dry, starch based snacks while drinking.