How to Manage a Hangover

A hangover is a group of unpleasant signs and symptoms that occur upon waking up after drinking too much alcohol the night before. Hangovers usually lead to poor work/ school performance and increased irritability leading to conflict. The general rule is that the more alcohol a person drinks, the higher the possibility of developing a hangover the following day, however, each person’s limits before developing a hangover will vary. Moreover, not all persons will develop a hangover from drinking.The severity of hangovers will vary per person. Most hangovers will resolve on their own, but there are ways to alleviate the signs and symptoms. Causes of Hangover In some cases, one alcoholic beverage is enough to result to a hangover, whereas others may drink heavily and not trigger a hangover. Hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol but the following factors may add to the problem leading to the symptoms, which will be discussed later: Alcohol as a diuretic will cause the body to produce more urine à may lead to dehydration Alcohol as an activator of an inflammatory response from the immune system à may trigger agents that may lead to certain symptoms Alcohol as an irritant of the stomach lining àincreases stomach acid production and slows stomach emptying Alcohol expands blood vessels Alcohol decreases blood sugar Alcohol reduces sleep quality Alcohol may contain certain ingredients that may contribute to hangovers such as, congeners Signs and Symptoms of Hangover                 The unpleasant signs and symptoms from hangovers are usually evident, which include: Thirst Dizziness and light-headedness Headaches and sometimes, migraines Muscle aches Decreased appetite Nausea with or without...