hangover

While some laugh when they hear the word hangover – it may not be as much of a laughing matter as you’d think (unless you’re talking about the movie which was hilarious). Whether hanging out for another college night, hitting happy hour with some co-workers, or just having one nice drink to take off the edge, we’ve all been there. Most of us have woken up with text messages that we didn’t realize we sent, phone calls that we regret, and the killer hangover that almost seems endless. While most people have experienced a hangover, few know the cause-and-effect of drinking – scientifically speaking. They really don’t understand what’s happening to their brain and how their bodies respond, they just know that they don’t feel well. By reading this article, you’re going to understand exactly what happens you when drink alcohol and you’re going to feel like a scientist with this crazy knowledge.

When getting intoxicated, you feel a nice buzz or tickle within your cerebral cortex by certain chemicals in the alcohol. Ironically enough, the very same chemicals are what gives you that excruciating headache in the morning.  This all happens through a chain of events.

The Short Answer

First, your body breaks down to metabolize the alcohol into acetaldehyde which is turned into acetate. Acetate (which is actually very similar to vinegar) is then processed into a neurochemical that is called adenosine. What are these chemicals? Acetaldehyde is toxic to your brain and adenosine dilates blood vessels in your brain. The presence of these chemicals results in an excruciating headache. That is your short answer with how you get a pounding headache after a few too many drinks.

The Surprising Facts About Having a Hangover

Unfortunately, a lot more bad happens after that. Alcohol or the consumption of it, can also result to a drop in your blood sugar, resulting in less energy or power in your brain. In other words: when your blood sugar is low, your brain cells cannot create enough energy to function properly. This results in you thinking much slower and making it much more challenging to solve basic problems.

The Cure for a Hangover

How does one make it on the road to recovery? Your best bet is to eat high fiber carbohydrates like oatmeal which will slowly raise your blood sugar. Be sure to also drink lots of water to combat dehydration and also sip a coffee to help fight the effects of adenosine.

Now you’re smarter, wiser, and can make better decisions. This calls for  a celebration – shall we drink to it? Want to learn more? There is a ton of research on the web – although they make it way more complicated.

By Daniel

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