We’ve all been there – the dreaded hangover. For years, we’ve been told that guzzling water is the ultimate hangover cure. But new research throws a wrench into this age-old remedy. While dehydration plays a part, it’s not the sole culprit, and water alone won’t alleviate those agonizing symptoms like nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
To uncover the truth, researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands delved into data from three studies. They divided volunteers into two groups: those who drank alcohol followed by water before bed and those who didn’t. Surprisingly, the next morning, both groups reported similar levels of pain, nausea, and tiredness. Even though the hydrated group felt less thirsty, their hangover discomfort remained unchanged. This study shows that drinking water doesn’t significantly prevent or reduce hangover symptoms.
So, what’s really behind that awful feeling? Dr. Johnny Parvani, founder and chief medical officer of REVIV, explains that dehydration is only one piece of the puzzle. Hangovers are a complex mix of factors, including the body’s reaction to alcohol metabolism and dehydration.
Further research points to the fact that other classic hangover symptoms like headaches are caused by “oxidative stress” and the body’s inflammatory response to alcohol. This inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals, are more persistent than dehydration and thirst.
The bottom line is that there’s no magic cure for a hangover. While we may wish for a quick fix, research shows that hangover symptoms typically fade after eight to 24 hours. Our bodies need time to detoxify from alcohol’s harmful byproducts, replenish fluids, repair damaged tissue, and return to normal function.
So, what can we do to feel better? While a quick shower and a strong cup of coffee may seem tempting, they won’t speed up recovery. The best approach is to focus on easing the symptoms:
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Eat bland foods:
Complex carbs with bland foods like crackers or toast can help settle the stomach and raise low blood sugar levels.*
Get some sleep:
Rest helps combat fatigue.*
Take antacids:
Antacids can soothe an upset stomach.*
Consider over-the-counter medications:
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, consider taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.Ultimately, the best way to avoid a hangover is to limit alcohol consumption or abstain altogether. It’s a simple, but effective way to prevent the misery.
