Hangover CausesWhat's the main cause of your hangover? You of course! You got way too drunk, mixed your drinks, you didn't eat before going out.. What this does to you is not so simple because it's down to a combination of factors. Get our free newsletter for beating hangovers for good!
1. Metabolites & ToxinsThe side effects of your liver’s breakdown and the processing of alcohol result in the presence a number of toxins, notably one called acetaldahyde. These toxins are easily dealt with by your liver in smaller quantities. However when more alcohol is consumed, more acetaldehyde is produced, which means there is an excess of it in your body which your liver has not been able to deal with.The toxin is what is considered to be the main contributor to the general 'bad' feeling around your body when you're hungover. You need to 'mop up' excess alcetaldehyde in order to counter this. 2. DehydrationAlcohol is a diuretic, which means that it accelerates the process which expels liquid from your body and thus dehydrates you by making you urinate regularly all night. If the liquid is not replaced, your brain shrinks, causing it to hurt your head. Your brain needs fluid too, and when its fluid is taken away by your body to help rid you of the toxins, it hurts!Read more about diuretics and dehydration
here.
3. Depletion of vitamins and mineralsWhen you visit the toilets 37 times in one evening, along with the water excretion many minerals and vitamins previously extracted by your body that are required to keep feeling human and fit are expelled from your body.A reduced level of vitamins and certain minerals, also known as electrolytes, exacerbates your already throbbing head pains, especially on top of the presence of dehydration and the acetaldehyde. You may also feel weak and have a 'hangover cold': a slight blocked nose, as a result of this. Many people who have partied and drunk alcohol days in a row report they catch a cold or an illness shortly thereafter due to the reduced performance of their immune systems and lack of quality sleep.
4. CongenersCongeners are chemical impurities which are to be found in certain alcoholic drinks as a by product of the alcohol fermentation process. The presence of certain congeners can make a big difference to the type of bad head you have.It may help to have an awareness of what drinks contain more congeners. As a general rule, higher quality alcoholic drinks are less likely to give you a next day headache compared to supermarket brand table wine and low cost brandy and beer. Drinking clearer drinks such as lighter coloured beer and vodka tends to give less of a hangover. However, rum and tequila are clear and are still capable of giving you bad headaches. Read our
tips
to understand what to mix and what is best to avoid when out drinking. Otherwise,
read on about more causes of hangovers
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