Why do we have a hangover ? Explanations and solutions to avoid it

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Who has never woken up the day after a copious evening? watered down, head in a vice, thirsty and weak ? This steamroller that crushes you on your bed (or your carpet, it can happen), c’ is the hangover, or its little scientific name veisalgia.

This unpleasant feeling, which usually occurs 6 to 8 hours after excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, is your body reminding you to order. Throbbing headaches, persistent nausea, overwhelming fatigue: the hangover strikes indiscriminately. But what is behind these unpleasant symptoms ? And above all, how can we prevent or alleviate them ?

The workings of post-festive malaise

A hangover is not just a simple punishment inflicted by our body. It results from a set of complex physiological reactions, triggered by excessive alcohol consumption. First of all, alcohol acts as a powerful diuretic. It causes our body to eliminate more fluid than it absorbs, leading to dehydration that can sometimes be very severe. This loss of water is accompanied by an electrolyte imbalance (an abnormality in the concentrations of essential minerals in the body), disrupting the functioning of our cells.

However, dehydration, contrary to popular belief, is not the main culprit. Indeed, the symptoms of dehydration differ significantly from those of a hangover.

In reality, three major disturbances seem to play a major role in the phenomenon of veisalgia. First, a disruption in the body's natural defenses, followed by deficiencies in essential nutrients, and finally significant oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is when the body produces too much ” waste products ” called free radicals that damage cells because there aren't enough ” shields ” (antioxidants) to neutralize them. These combined factors are thought to explain much of the discomfort felt.

Furthermore, many hangover symptoms are similar to those of hypoglycemia(like what people with diabetes experience on a daily basis). Heavy alcohol consumption, especially over a short period of time, can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, as the body struggles to adapt quickly to this metabolic upheaval. In addition, the breakdown of alcohol by our liver produces a toxic substance: acetaldehyde (also known as ethanal). This compound, even more harmful than alcohol itself, is responsible for many symptoms such as nausea and headaches.

Finally, some alcohols contain congeners, by-products of fermentation. More present in dark drinks like bourbon or tequila, they contribute to intensifying the effects of the hangover. However, according to some research, notably that of the Centre de Traitement en Alcoologie du CHU de Lausanne, it would not be so much the alcohol itself or its degradation products that would be the cause. In reality, the additional substances contained in alcoholic beverages would also weigh in the balance. Methanol, histamine and polyphenols are particularly singled out.

Methanol and its derivatives, specifically formaldehyde and formic acid, are of particular interest. They could explain a large part of the characteristic symptoms of a hangover. This hypothesis would explain why some alcohols, such as wine, brandy or bourbon, which are very rich in methanol, cause more severe hangovers than other drinks. Vodka, gin or white rum, for example, which contain little.

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Remedies: between myths and realities

Faced with this malaise, there is no shortage of miracle cures. However, they are not all equal. Contrary to popular belief, coffee is not the panacea. While it can provide a temporary boost of energy,it may actually worsen dehydration and increase irritability, forget it!

Similarly, when your partner from the night before suggests that you “cure evil with evil” by drinking alcohol again, this is obviously an idea to avoid. This dubious method will only delay and amplify the symptoms.

On the other hand, some solutions are a little more effective. Certain drinks, rich in electrolytes, can help restore the body's water balance. Isotonic drinks for sports, juices of certain fruits or vegetables (beetroot, orange, tomato), coconut water, etc. However, they are not magic wands and will not erase your hangover instantly.

Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can relieve headaches, but be careful not to overdo it to protect your stomach, already severely tested by the aggression of alcohol on its mucous membranes. We also forget about paracetamol, the liver is already being used to eliminate alcohol, the addition of paracetamol, which is also metabolized by this same organ, can overload it and increase the risk of liver damage.

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Prevent rather than healing: the keys to consumption responsible

The best way to fight a hangover is to wait it out or… avoid it. Indeed, Only time allows the body to eliminate the alcohol from the system and clear its head from the fog. This does not ;doesn't stop you from following these few tips to reduce the risks.

First of all, hydration is essential. Alternating between alcoholic drinks and water throughout the evening helps limit dehydration. Eating before and during alcohol consumption slows down its absorption and protects the stomach, because the stomach, full of food, helps to better digest the alcohol and reduce irritation. It also ensures that your blood alcohol level does not rise too quickly, thus reducing the effects of a hangover the next day.

Finally, the rhythm of consumption plays an essential role; chugging back to back has never and will never be a good idea. Limiting your consumption, ideally, to one drink per hour gives the body more time to metabolize the alcohol, thereby limiting the harmful effects the next day.

Hangovers, although very unpleasant, are not inevitable. Understanding their mechanisms allows us to better prevent them and, if necessary, to mitigate their effects. However, keep in mind that alcohol, consumed in excess, can have much more serious consequences than a simple temporary malaise. Of all the psychoactive substances available to us, alcohol remains one of the most dangerous if we do not moderate our consumption. Although widespread and socially accepted, its short-term effects (such as loss of coordination, impaired judgment) and long-term effects (liver disease, cognitive impairment, addiction) are detrimental to health.

• Hangovers are the result of a complex set of physiological reactions, including dehydration and oxidative stress.
• Certain alcohols, such as bourbon, cause more severe hangovers due to the presence of methanol and congeners.
• To avoid hangovers, hydration, moderation and a reasonable rate of consumption are essential.

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