Are you still hungover? Try these tips to beat the aftereffects of alcohol

It is a universally known truth that alcohol consumption is injurious to health. Studies have shown that consuming alcohol, even in small quantities, could cause severe health problems like cancer. However, alcohol has become an inevitable item for celebrations and social gatherings. Hangover, meanwhile, is a group of unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms that can occur after drinking too much alcohol. This could cause discomfort not only for the person who had consumed alcohol but also for the people who interact with him/her.

You begin to feel a hangover a few hours after having alcohol. The intensity of the hangover may change depending on the person as well as the amount of alcohol consumed. Things might get out of hand if you have more than one drink in an hour. Interestingly, it would take at least an hour for a single peg of alcohol to get absorbed into the body.

Symptoms
Anxiety, depression, anger issues, insomnia, slowness, fatigue, headache, redness in eyes, feeling discomfort due to loud sound and harsh light, increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, excessive sweating, dehydration, shivering and excessive saliva are some of the common symptoms of hangover. The intensity of these symptoms depends on the number of drinks that you have had. Besides, the overall health and other factors may also determine the severity of a hangover.

For some, a single drink is enough to cause the above symptoms. But some others may not show any signs of a hangover even after getting drunk. Alcohol consumption causes dehydration, imbalance of electrolytes, stomach problems, inflammation, low blood sugar and broken sleep. The signs of a hangover intensify when the blood alcohol level reaches zero. Meanwhile, a hangover may last a day or a few hours.

Here's how on treat hangover
Self-treatment is possible by understanding the amount of alcohol consumed and by observing other symptoms. Although many ways to treat a hangover exist, most have no scientific backing. Moreover, some of them could even be dangerous. For instance, a hangover cannot be alleviated by drinking alcohol again. Consuming more alcohol will only increase the intoxication level in the body. Eating food that is rich in complex carbohydrates and is less spicy and sour is the best way to manage your hangover. This would regulate the low blood sugar levels and ease nausea.

Drinking lots of water, fruit juices, and other liquids that do not contain alcohol will keep your body hydrated. Sleeping will give sufficient rest to your body. Taking an antacid would ease the stomach discomfort. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines could cure the headache and muscle pain. However, make sure to take these medicines moderately as it could disrupt the functioning of the intestines. Hangover symptoms are likely to disappear within 8 – 24 hours. Some people think that hangover symptoms could be treated quickly by drinking coffee or taking a bath. But, a hangover doesn’t go away soon, as it takes time for the brain and body to return to normalcy.

Can you fight hangover?
It is possible to fight a hangover by taking care of a few things.
1) Reduce the amount – The symptoms of a hangover would be mild if you drink less
2) Drink slowly – Carbonated beverages like champagne should be enjoyed slowly, as the carbon dioxide bubbles in it can speed up the absorption of alcohol into the blood while preventing oxygen absorption
3) Choosing the right alcohol – Varieties that contain fewer congeners, which are chemical constituent that gives distinctive taste, smell or colour to alcohol, could be chosen

4) Keep your body hydrated – Make sure to drink lots of water while consuming alcohol. This will keep away dehydration, which worsens a hangover
5) Eat nutritious food—Eating nutritious food slows down alcohol absorption. Keeping your stomach full before drinking alcohol could also reduce absorption.
6) Self-control – It is important to control yourself while drinking. Do not drink more than one drink in an hour.

When do you need medical assistance?
The person who experiences a hangover should be rushed to a nearby hospital if symptoms like low breathing rate, sudden drop in body temperature, extreme vomiting, bluish or pale skin and epilepsy are noticed. Do not hesitate to seek medical assistance or professional help in case of alcohol addiction, severe withdrawal symptoms or when hangover and addiction adversely affect one’s career and life.

Is hangover dangerous?
A hangover can sometimes cause more danger than merely an unpleasant feeling. One is unable to think properly when he/she is hungover. It affects their reasoning abilities and causes muscle discord. Hangover gives you a false feeling of bravado and ‘inspires’ you to do risky things you wouldn’t dare otherwise. For instance, driving while hungover may be dangerous and even result in fatal accidents. There is also a risk of getting wounded if you do physical work.