Minding Your Liquor: Tips To Help Prevent A Dreaded Hangover

We all know that excessive drinking is bad for our health. In moderation alcohol has some health benefits and we can get away with feeling pretty normal the next day. But overdo it and you could be in for a pounding headache, a run to the toilet and a general uneasy feeling. The best hangover prevention of course, is abstinence. If you are going to indulge, there are some before, during and after drinking tricks to prevent or minimize alcohol’s negative effects.

Alcohol is both a tonic and a poison; with it is safe to say that alcohol is both a tonic and a poison. On the plus side it relaxes us, acts as a social lubricant and has mild protective benefits for the cardiovascular system. 

Drinking should always be done responsibly and mindfully and although it is never recommended to over-indulge, some of us invariably do and it helps to know how to manage your health should you go over the edge.

How Does Alcohol Make Us Ill?

Alcohols effects can be seen in various parts of the body, all of which contribute to the overall feeling of having a hangover. The parts affected include:

The Effects Of Alcohol On The Digestive System

The reason we feel the effects of alcohol so fast is because it is absorbed directly through the mouth and stomach lining into the bloodstream. Alcohol, especially when taken in excess or on an empty stomach burns and irritates the lining of our digestive system, which can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting.

The Effects Of Alcohol On The Brain

Alcohol is essentially a depressant rather that a stimulant. It depresses brain function resulting in relaxation and less inhibitions but also loss of coordination, slurring of speech, memory lapses and even complete blackouts at high levels.

The Effects Of Alcohol On The Kidneys

Alcohol is a diuretic and causes dehydration through water loss. You might find that heavy drinking causes you to urinate more and if you don’t replace your fluids, dehydration can set in fast. 

The Effects Of Alcohol On The Endocrine System

Alcohol directly causes the pancreas to secrete more of the hormone insulin, which in turn lowers our blood sugar. This is why we often feel really hungry after drinking. Low blood sugar is also part of the reason for headaches and the general feelings of shakiness and fatigue the day after.

The Effects of Alcohol On The Liver

Our liver is a detoxification organ and since alcohol is a toxin, when we binge we tend to put the liver under stress. This can result in a general queasy feeling after drinking and can also contribute to some of the gastro-intestinal effects since the liver has major roles in digestion. Over time, excessive drinking can also damage the liver through oxidative stress, inflammation and upsetting the bacterial flora in our digestive systems.

See Also: Alcohol Effects On The Body

Nutritional Effects Of Alcohol

Our nutritional status also suffers after we drink alcohol and especially over time when bingeing is regular. There is a pronounced loss of B complex vitamins (especially the vitamins thiamine and vitamin B6). Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium also decline.