Hangovers can manifest in a number of ways, but medically, it happens when a person drinks more alcohol than what their liver can process at a time. Although there is no hard-and-fast rate of drinking beyond which triggers a hangover but is estimated that the liver can process –
- 12 ounces of beer in an hour
- 5 ounces of wine in an hour
- A single shot of 80-proof liquor in an hour
Although there are no scientifically-backed cures to treat a hangover, one can follow hangover prevention methods to lessen the blow. Also, one must remember that if you want to prevent a hangover or lessen its impact, the right time to act is before and while you drink.
Avoid Congener-rich Drinks
Those who know about the chemical compound of alcoholic drinks know that Ethanol is the main ingredient in them. When Ethanol is created with sugar-fermenting yeasts, another compound forms known as ‘Congeners.’ These chemical compounds are toxic in nature and composed of Methanol, Isopentanol, and Acetone.
If you consume drinks having an extreme level of congeners, you have a greater chance of having a hangover. Moreover, the likelihood of having a hangover with a larger intensity and frequency will also be there.
High amounts of congeners can be found in alcoholic drinks like whiskey, cognac, tequila, and Bourbon whiskey. Similarly, on the other hand, there are colorless drinks like vodka, gin, rum, etc., which have considerably low amounts of toxic chemicals. Therefore, if one simply avoids these drinks, the chances of getting a hangover will decrease.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water and keeping yourself hydrated can help reduce some of the primary symptoms of hangovers. Alcohol is diuretic in nature, meaning it will make you urinate frequently. Thus, this often leads to dehydration, and your body’s fluids get urinated within a short time.
Although dehydration does not contribute to hangovers, it can still bring symptoms like headache, fatigue, lethargy, dry mouth, etc. But the good thing is that avoiding this state is easy just by drinking plenty of water or a non-alcoholic beverage. Remember to keep yourself hydrated between drinks or before going to bed.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
Eating nutritious food the following day or before bed is a renowned way of preventing hangovers. It mitigates hangover symptoms. How?
Well, hangovers sometimes lead to lower blood sugar levels – hypoglycemia. In fact, people having low blood-sugar levels should strictly avoid alcoholic drinks in the first place. Hypoglycemia leads to weakness, fatigue, and headache – all of which are symptoms of a hangover. Therefore, never forget to eat a nutritious diet before and after your drinking session.
Get Rid of Hangovers with IV Therapy
IV Therapy, also known as IV (Intravenous) Hydration Therapy, is one of the best treatment options to boost your body’s lost immunity. It is a process of infusing essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to replenish lost nutrients and fluid from the body.
IV Therapy has received a lot of appreciation as a popular way to deal with hangover-induced dehydration. The person undergoing it will receive essential fluids directly into their bloodstream to ensure a fast recovery.
Wrapping Up
It is essential to work on hangover prevention because of how frustrating the symptoms can become. Those who are more prone to getting hangovers should avoid alcoholic drinks further.
Photo by Ahtziri Lagarde on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
