Hangover misery can be awful.
For a long time, it has been believed that gulping down water would reduce its intensity.
New research, however, indicates that this remedy may not be as effective as you believed.
The study says while dehydration is only part of the problem, drinking water won’t help you with its unpleasant symptoms like nausea, headaches and fatigue.
Let’s take a look.
Can drinking water cure hangovers?
No.
To learn more about the connection between hangover symptoms and dehydration, researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands examined data from three studies.
The volunteer boozers were split into two groups: those who drank alcohol and then drank water before turning in for the night, and those who did not.
Remarkably, the next morning, both groups reported similar levels of pain, nausea, and tiredness.
Even though the hydrated group reported feeling less thirsty, their level of hangover discomfort remained unchanged.
The results show that drinking water does not significantly prevent or lessen the effects of a hangover, either during or after drinking.
The study claims that alcohol dehydration results from activating the hormone system that controls blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte balance.
The next day, thirst is a common symptom that results from the loss of water and electrolytes caused by this hormonal stimulation.
Dr Joris Verster, lead author of the study, explained that dehydration is not the primary cause of hangover symptoms.
“The more you drink, the more likely you are to get a hangover. Drinking water may help against thirst and a dry mouth, but it will not take away the misery, the headache and the nausea,” he said.
What’s behind the hangover?
Dr Johnny Parvani, founder and chief medical officer of REVIV, was quoted by the New York Post as saying that dehydration is only one part of the experience; hangovers are caused by a combination of impacts on alcohol metabolism and dehydration.
Research also indicates that the other classic hangover symptoms brought on by “oxidative stress” and the body’s inflammatory reaction to alcohol are more persistent than thirst and dehydration.
Significant discomfort is brought on by the body’s inflammatory response to alcohol, and headaches and other symptoms are partly caused by oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals.
Is there a cure for hangover?
No.
The study emphasised that at this time, there is no scientifically proven, readily available remedies for hangovers.
In fact, data and academic research concur that hangovers tend to worsen with advancing age.
Research indicates that as we age, our liver function deteriorates and becomes less effective at metabolising alcohol.
Alcohol levels rise in the bloodstream as we lose muscle mass and the body’s water content falls at the same time.
What can be done to feel better?
There’s no real way to speed up recovery, despite what some may say about coffee and showers. After eight to 24 hours, hangover symptoms usually fade away. Your body needs to detoxify from alcohol’s harmful byproducts, replenish fluids, repair damaged tissue, and return to normal functions and activity.
For those seeking comfort, cutting back on alcohol consumption or giving it up completely is the only guaranteed method to prevent a hangover.
Have complex carbs with bland foods, such as crackers or toast.lessening nausea and raising low blood sugar levels.
Get sleep to counteract fatigue.
To aid with stomach settling, take antacids.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, consider taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as per Cleveland Clinic.
With inputs from agencies
