A hangover is the broad term for various physical and mental symptoms that sometimes occur after alcohol consumption. There are many different ways to prevent hangovers. Prevention is key, because once you have a hangover, there's almost nothing that will make it better besides simply waiting until the hangover is gone.
The most common hangover symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and a general feeling of uneasiness.
There are many other symptoms of hangovers, including:
Hangovers typically last anywhere from several hours to a day or more depending on the individual and the amount of alcohol consumed. Factors such as sleep, hydration, using other substances, and other factors also affect the duration of a hangover.
There are several things you can do to help prevent a hangover:
The most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation. This means limiting the amount of alcohol you consume.
Drinking water or non-alcoholic beverages will prevent dehydration. This is vital to preventing hangovers since most hangover symptoms are exacerbated by dehydration. Try to drink a glass of water before drinking, between each alcoholic drink, and after drinking.
Eating a meal before drinking can help to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Eating while you drink can also help to slow the absorption of alcohol.
Congeners are chemical byproducts of fermentation that are found in certain types of alcohol, such as whiskey and red wine. These can contribute to the severity of a hangover.
Allow your body to recover by taking a break from drinking alcohol for a day or two.
Not getting enough sleep or poor quality of sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of a hangover.
Some studies have suggested that taking certain vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin C and vitamin B6, can help to reduce the severity of a hangover.
There is no surefire cure for a hangover, but there are several things you can do to alleviate the symptoms:
Drink water or electrolyte-rich beverages to help replenish fluids lost through alcohol consumption.
Eating a meal that is high in carbohydrates can help to boost your blood sugar levels, which can be low after a night of drinking.
Allow your body to rest and try to get as much sleep as possible.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help to alleviate headaches and muscle aches.
Some natural remedies, such as ginger and honey, are said to help alleviate symptoms of a hangover.
Research suggests that taking certain vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, can help to reduce the severity of a hangover.
Drinking a cup of coffee or tea can help to alleviate fatigue, reduce headaches, and improve your mood.
Overall, it's worth mentioning that drinking too much can lead to many different serious health issues, so it's important to drink responsibly.
