Hangover
The cause of a hangover is drinking too much alcohol!
Dehydration is responsible for the effects of a hangover. Alcohol encourages water loss from the body, as it is a diuretic. This results in thirst, headaches and the feeling of continual dizziness. Nausea, vomiting and indigestion are caused by alcohol irritating the stomach lining.
A tiring night out - followed by a lack of sleep means you'll feel tired the following morning.
How to avoid a hangover
Before you go out:
- Eat a good fatty meal.
- Drink a glass of milk.
- Eat a good fatty meal.
- Drink a glass of milk.
While you're drinking:
- Alternate water or non-fizzy soft drinks with alcoholic ones.
- Avoid fizzy drinks.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, not in excess.
- Alternate water or non-fizzy soft drinks with alcoholic ones.
- Avoid fizzy drinks.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, not in excess.
Before going to sleep:
- Drink lots of water or a sports drink.
- Take vitamin C or pure orange juice.
- Eat toast.
- Walk in the fresh air.
- Drink lots of water or a sports drink.
- Take vitamin C or pure orange juice.
- Eat toast.
- Walk in the fresh air.
How can I avoid a hangover?
Avoid dehydration, protect the stomach lining and take it easy with the alcohol you drink.
Before you go out, eat a good meal. On this occasion only, a fatty one is beneficial as fat is digested slowly and will protect the stomach from the irritating effects of alcohol. A glass of milk also protects the stomach and slows the absorption of alcohol.
While you're out, try alternating water or non-fizzy soft drinks with alcoholic ones. Avoid fizzy drinks as they increase the amount of alcohol getting into the bloodstream.
Substances called congeners found in wine and spirit colourings intensify the effects of a hangover and irritate the stomach lining. This is why white wines and clear spirits such as vodka are said to cause fewer hangovers.
A Walk home in the fresh air after a night out can help to reduce the effects of a hangover. If you can't manage this, though, take a taxi home or get a lift from someone who has not been drinking.
Before you go to bed, make yourself drink at least a pint of water and some orange juice - vitamin C speeds up the metabolism of alcohol by the liver. Eat some toast, too - a lack of sugar is responsible for that wobbly trembling feeling and it will help to settle your stomach too. A sports drink is a convenient alternative.
How can I get rid of my hangover?
It's best to plan ahead and have a few things close to hand. If you're feeling queasy, antacid liquid or tablets will settle your stomach, as will a cup of ginger or chamomile tea. Ibuprofen or paracetamol will relieve your headache. Anti-sickness tablets may come in handy.
Once again, water, vitamin C (fruit juice or tablets) and some toast are the best things to take. Eggs are also good as they're packed with cysteine, which is said to mop up the destructive chemicals that build up in the liver when it's metabolising alcohol.
