Hangovers are the result of a combination of factors including genetics, size, type consumption of alcohol and much more. While the exact causes of hangovers are not entirely understood, several factors contribute to the iconic post night out symptoms.
Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and leads to fluid loss. This is why when we drink, we often have to use the bathroom more. Dehydration is a major contributor to many hangover symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, and dizziness.
Electrolyte Imbalance: As a consequence of dehydration, there can be an imbalance in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes are important for maintaining proper bodily functions, and their imbalance can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and other symptoms. This is why so many of our clients get our Hangover IV Drip that is full of electrolytes and other vitamins and minerals to help your body recover faster.
Acetaldehyde: When your body metabolizes alcohol, it goes through a process in which it is broken down into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance. Acetaldehyde is responsible for some of the unpleasant effects of alcohol, including nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Inflammation: Alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation in the body, which can affect various systems and contribute to hangover symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
Interrupted Sleep: While alcohol might initially make you feel drowsy and aid falling asleep, it can disrupt the sleep cycle. This can result in poor-quality sleep and lead to grogginess, fatigue, and irritability the next day.
Vasodilation: Alcohol can cause blood vessels to expand, which might contribute to headaches and even migraines in some individuals.
Congeners: Congeners are substances produced during the fermentation and aging process of certain alcoholic beverages. Darker alcoholic drinks like red wine, whiskey, and brandy tend to have higher levels of congeners. These substances can contribute to hangover symptoms and make them even worse. This is why some types of alcohol create worse hangovers than others.
It's important to note that individual responses to alcohol and hangovers can vary widely. Factors such as genetics, the type and amount of alcohol consumed, personal health, hydration, and overall tolerance to alcohol can influence the severity of hangover symptoms.
The most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether. If you do choose to drink and experience hangover symptoms, here at Instadrip Nursing we offer several different IV drips from our most popular Hangover IV that helps with a wide variety of hangover symptoms to our Migraine and Upset Stomach IVs that help with nausea and headaches.
