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Hangover: What Happens to Your Body and How to Avoid It

Resaca: Qué Le Pasa a Tu Cuerpo y Cómo Evitarla

A hangover, also known as a hangover or a hangover in some places, is an unpleasant experience that many of us have experienced after a night of excessive alcohol use. While enjoying an occasional glass of wine or beer can be a pleasurable experience, excessive alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on our body. In this blog, we will explore what a hangover is, what happens to your body during a hangover, and how to avoid one.

Man waking up with a hangover

What is a Hangover?

A hangover is the unpleasant physical and mental symptoms you experience after consuming too much alcohol. Symptoms can vary in severity and duration, but generally include:

  1. Headache: A throbbing, debilitating pain often felt throughout the head.

  2. Nausea and vomiting: A feeling of upset stomach that may lead to vomiting.

  3. Fatigue: An extreme feeling of tiredness and weakness.

  4. Dehydration: Dry mouth and throat, as well as a strong desire to drink water.

  5. Sensitivity to light and sound: A decreased tolerance to bright light and loud sounds.

  6. Irritability and anxiety: Mood changes that may include nervousness, irritability, and anxiety.

  7. Concentration problems: Difficulty thinking clearly and concentrating on tasks.

  8. Dizziness and vertigo: Feeling of instability and problems with balance.

What Happens to Your Body During a Hangover?

What happens to your body when you have a hangover scheme

Illustration 1: Source: Independientes Magazine.

A hangover is the result of a number of physical and chemical factors that affect your body after consuming too much alcohol. Here are some of the main processes that occur during a hangover:

  1. Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production. This can lead to dehydration, which causes intense thirst, dry mouth, and other symptoms.

  2. Alcohol toxicity: The liver processes alcohol in the body and turns it into toxic chemicals. These chemicals can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells, contributing to hangover symptoms.

  3. Inflammation: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach.

  4. Changes in chemical balance: Alcohol affects the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can contribute to symptoms such as headache, irritability, and anxiety.

  5. Dilatation of blood vessels: Alcohol can dilate blood vessels, which can cause the characteristic hangover headache.

How to Avoid or Reduce a Hangover

The best way to avoid a hangover is to moderate or abstain from alcohol consumption. However, if you do choose to drink, here are some strategies to reduce the likelihood of having a hangover or make it more bearable:

  1. Drink in moderation: Moderation is the key to avoiding a hangover. Know your limits and don't overindulge. Drinking slowly and alternating with water can help reduce overall alcohol consumption.

  2. Eat before drinking: Eating before drinking can slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and reduce the intensity of alcohol's effects.

  3. Drink water: Alternating between alcoholic beverages and water can help keep you hydrated and reduce dehydration associated with a hangover.

  4. Avoid low-quality alcoholic beverages: Low-quality or high-impurity alcoholic beverages can increase the likelihood of a hangover. Opt for better-quality drinks.

  5. Get some rest: Getting a good night's sleep after drinking can help your body recover more quickly from the effects of alcohol.

  6. Supplements and Medications: Some people find relief by taking supplements such as alpha lipoic acid or over-the-counter medications to reduce hangover symptoms. However, you should consult a health care professional before taking any medications.

Woman drinking water

Prevention is the best strategy

A hangover is an unpleasant consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation or abstain altogether. If you choose to drink, follow the strategies mentioned above to reduce the severity of a hangover. Remember that responsibility and moderation are key to enjoying alcohol without suffering the unpleasant consequences of a hangover. Also, if you struggle with alcohol use, consider seeking help from a health care professional or an addiction counselor. Health and wellness are what matters most.

Written by Ana Saiz

Co-founder of Ganbatte Superfoods

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2 comments

Trinidad Morón

Trinidad Morón

Muy interesante, no sabía cuál era el proceso que seguía nuestro cuerpo cuando bebes al alcohol. Hace mucho que no tengo una resaca, pero las recuerdo con horror 🤦🏼‍♀️ …. He optado por la moderación y disfrutar más el momento … gracias!!

Carmen Mayorga

Carmen Mayorga

Muy buena descripción y consejos para evitar la resaca.

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