Why you have a Hangover and are Pretty Much Stuck with it | Bob's Blitz

Why you have a Hangover and are Pretty Much Stuck with it

Back in Alcohol Withdrawal Volume 22, Number 1, 1998 Alcohol Hangover: Mechanisms and Mediators; Robert Swift and Dena Davidson wrote: "Hangovers are a frequent, though unpleasant, experience among people who drink to intoxication. Despite the prevalence of hangovers, however, this condition is not well understood scientifically. Multiple possible contributors to the hangover state have been investigated, and researchers have produced evidence that alcohol can directly promote hangover symptoms through its effects on urine production, the gastrointestinal tract, blood sugar concentrations, sleep patterns, and biological rhythms. In addition, researchers postulate that effects related to alcohol’s absence after a drinking bout (i.e., withdrawal), alcohol metabolism, and other factors (e.g., biologically active, nonalcohol compounds in beverages; the use of other drugs; certain personality traits; and a family history of alcoholism) also may contribute to the hangover condition. Few of the treatments commonly described for hangover have undergone scientific evaluation."

We personally go with one 12 ounce glass of water for every beer, shot, or glass of wine that you down. 4 OTC Advils before you get drunk. And something with electrolytes and salt...like fruit juice and salt. Actually we usually wind up with just the Advil and awakening very, very thirsty. Poster below can be clicked for full size image.


Dr. Smith and crew concluded: "In summary, hangover is a complex state that probably cannot be understood by a unitary explanation. Understanding the hangover condition, however, will lead to a better comprehension of the physiological effects of alcohol and the adaptive responses that alcohol engenders."

Go read the entire study. It is quite good.

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