Managing Your Hangover: Causes and Cures for Faster Recovery

By Dr. Avni Mahiji

After a night of heavy drinking, it is likely that you will wake up with a series of symptoms including dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue. The question is, what causes you to feel this way, and what steps must you take to get back on your feet?

There are many theories about the causes of hangovers and how to cure them, but the truth is that hangovers are primarily caused by dehydration. Because alcohol is a diuretic, it causes the body to get rid of necessary fluids and nutrients. It is dehydration that leads to a negative reaction within the body. The side effects of a hangover usually begin several hours after drinking has ceased, and the symptoms can often last the entire day, as your body attempts unsuccessfully to get rid of the byproducts of metabolizing alcohol (metabolites).

There are several ways to get your body back on track in the midst of a hangover. Since you have lost a great deal of fluid, you must stay hydrated in order to maintain your electrolytes. In addition to water, Poweraid, Vitamin Water, Gatorade, and Pedialite are often effective in restoring the body’s fluids. The salt and sugar in these drinks helps the body to absorb water more effectively, which is important for hydration, especially if vomiting has occurred. Additionally, it is a good idea to take a supplement with milk thistle, which will help support your liver, allowing it to process the alcohol and eject toxins faster. The longer your body takes to process alcohol the longer your hangover lasts. Taking milk thistle before you drink will help shorten the length of your hangover.

Painkillers can also be a fast fix, but frequent drinkers should avoid Tylenol, which can damage your liver, as well as Aspirin and Ibuprofen, which can irritate the stomach lining and occasionally cause bleeding. A better option for immediate relief might be an all-natural Reshi powder or supplement, which will off-set your headache.

Sleeping a hangover off is often a great approach, as sleep helps your body regenerate to cure itself from the hangover. Therefore, the amount of sleep you get will directly affect how you feel when you wake up. Sleeping as your body metabolizes the alcohol consumed during last night’s festivities will certainly make you feel better, especially if you make an effort to stay hydrated once you wake up.

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