What people get wrong about hangovers
Life Kit: Health
Deep Dive
What is the medical term for a hangover and what does it mean?
The medical term for a hangover is 'visalgia,' which combines the Greek word for pain and a Norwegian word meaning uneasiness following debauchery. It reflects the discomfort and unease experienced after excessive drinking.
Why does alcohol cause hangovers?
Alcohol causes hangovers primarily due to its metabolite, acetaldehyde, which the body produces when breaking down alcohol. Acetaldehyde leads to symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Additionally, alcohol disrupts sleep, causes dehydration, and affects blood sugar levels, all contributing to hangover symptoms.
What are some common misconceptions about hangover cures?
Common misconceptions include the belief that pregame vitamins, party patches, or super hydration packets can prevent hangovers. There is no evidence to support these claims. The only effective way to reduce hangover symptoms is to drink less alcohol.
Why does alcohol cause anxiety the day after drinking?
Alcohol binds to GABA receptors in the body, which help calm the nervous system. When alcohol is cleared from the system, there is a rebound effect, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety. This is known as 'hangxiety' and can occur even after moderate drinking.
What is the CAGE questionnaire and how does it help assess alcohol use?
The CAGE questionnaire is a tool to assess alcohol use. It stands for: C (Cut back), A (Annoyed), G (Guilt), and E (Eye-opener). Answering 'yes' to two or more questions indicates a significant risk of problematic drinking. It helps individuals reflect on their drinking habits and consider making changes.
What are some strategies to manage hangover anxiety?
Strategies include staying hydrated, consuming electrolytes, eating nourishing foods, and engaging in activities that boost dopamine, such as spending time with friends or practicing mindfulness. Preparing mentally and physically before drinking can also reduce the severity of hangover anxiety.
Why do darker liquors like bourbon and brandy cause worse hangovers?
Darker liquors contain higher levels of congeners, chemicals produced during fermentation that give alcohol its taste, smell, and color. Congeners are linked to more severe hangovers, making drinks like bourbon and brandy more likely to cause intense hangover symptoms.
What is the only sure way to prevent a hangover?
The only sure way to prevent a hangover is to abstain from alcohol. While factors like hydration and food can mitigate symptoms, the only guaranteed method to avoid a hangover is not drinking.
- Hangovers affect everyone differently.
- There's no single definition of a hangover, intensity and symptoms vary greatly.
- Factors influencing hangovers include age, weight, gender, ethnicity, family history, nutritional status, smoking, mood, health conditions, and medications.
- Approximately 25% of people who drink to intoxication don't experience hangovers.
Shownotes Transcript