It’s Chinese New Year and while the party last night was out of this world, you woke up this morning with a pounding headache. Your friend, who was at the same party and downing the same amount of alcohol (possibly even more), woke up energised and refreshed. How perplexing is that?
It has become painstakingly obvious to you by now that everyone has different reactions to alcohol, which explains why some experience nightmarish hangovers and others don’t.
Take men and women, for instance. Research has shown that men tend to have a higher tolerance level to alcohol compared to women. Men are believed to have a higher percentage of water in their bodies, which helps dilute the alcohol they consume. Therefore, they tend to stay sober for longer compared to women.
Generally, excessive amounts of alcohol in your body affects your central nervous system and interferes with brain chemicals. The symptoms of a hangover include fatigue, headache, a queasy stomach, dry mouth and a compromised immune system.
If you’ve just about had it with pesky hangovers, the following suggestions might help you kiss hangovers goodbye for good:
- Pace yourself and avoid consuming too much alcohol in the first place. Why not take the opportunity to enjoy the company of your friends rather than drink like there’s no tomorrow.
- Also remember to consume water or non-alcoholic beverages in between each glass of liquor or beer you drink;
- Opt for beer or clear liquors, such as vodka and gin. Avoid red wine if possible as it contains tannins, a compound that triggers headaches in some people;
- Eat a good meal before heading out the door. The food of choice is steak or pizza as fatty foods help slow down the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol;
- If you throw up after consuming too much alcohol, it is best to down a bottle of water or a sports drink, to minimise dehydration and replace lost electrolytes.
While alcohol is known to help certain people fall asleep faster, too much (especially before bedtime) can instead interfere with sleep, leaving you more tired than ever upon waking up.
If hangover symptoms persist, consider seeking medical advice.
DoctorOnCall is Malaysia’s first online clinic that allows chat, phone, and video calls directly with a registered Malaysian doctor at www.doctoroncall.com.my
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoroncallMY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoroncallmy
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained here with other sources, and review all information with your physician. Please do not disregard professional medical advice or delay treatment because of something you have read here. FMT is not responsible and liable for any damage caused through information obtained here.
—