The Truth About Hangovers

So we all love to go out but happens to our body during the Hangover. Here’s is the truth about hangovers

We’ve all been there. The never ending dry mouth, The headache sent from hell, The sulking in one’s own self pity, Yes, it’s the all feared hangover.

Considering the painful aftermath of binge drinking, it’s surprising to note that one out of four adults in the UK binge drinks 4 times per month, consuming at least 8 drinks per binge. Perhaps this is partly due to the heavy promotion of alcohol in mainstream commercialism of recent times.

So here is the truth about hangovers and why they happen…

So what is exactly  happening to our body during a hangover that causes the insistent headaches, sickness and constant tiredness? Many would likely claim the culprit of these symptoms to be dehydration, and while this may be a part of the equation, studies suggest other significant factors are at play.

• Your Stomach & Intestines Are Inflamed

Alcohol directly irritates the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation of the stomach lining (i.e., gastritis) and delayed stomach emptying, especially when beverages with a high alcohol concentration  are consumed.

• Your Brain Is Hungry

Because alcohol leads to a condition known as fatty liver, the buildup of lactic acid usually follows, which can slow and decrease glucose production in the blood. Also, not eating sufficiently enough due to feeling sickness can also stop glucose production.

Because glucose is the primary energy source of the brain, hypoglycemia can contribute to hangover symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and mood disturbances.

• Your Brain Is Sending The Wrong Sleeping Signals

Although it’s known as a depressant, alcohol actually has counter-active sedative effects on the brain. Alcohol actually stimulates a stimulant in the brain whose job is to keep us awake. However, when our alcohol blood-levels reach zero (i.e., hangover time), our body reacts by overproducing this stimulant, resulting in broken sleeps as well as stomach irritation.

• You Are Thirsty & Depleted

It’s a no brain-er that alcohol increases urination. Alcohol inhibits hormone release from the pituitary gland, a hormone which normally causes the kidneys to reabsorb water and electrolytes, therefore instead of being reabsorbed, it’s eliminated in the urine. Sweating, vomiting and diarrhea also commonly occur during a hangover, and these conditions can result in additional fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances.

SO….. now you know the truth about hangovers and what it can do to your body maybe this month go out a little less than usual or simply change your drink for a water in between alcoholic beverages.