Hangover After Alcohol: What Really Helps and What Is Just a Myth

A hangover is the unpleasant state on the day after drinking alcohol: headache, tiredness, thirst, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light, inner restlessness and irritability are among the typical signs. It arises from the interplay of several effects of alcohol – above all loss of fluid, disturbances in metabolism, irritation of the stomach and poor sleep. There is no reliable remedy; the only dependable protection is to drink less alcohol or none at all. This guide explains how a hangover arises, what can ease it, which home remedies are overrated, and when a trip to the doctor makes sense.

What lies behind the hangover?

Alcohol has a diuretic effect and causes the body to excrete more fluid and important minerals via the kidneys. The resulting lack of fluid and minerals explains many hangover symptoms such as headache, thirst, dizziness and exhaustion. In addition, the body breaks down alcohol via several intermediate stages, some of which themselves have a burdening effect on the organism before they are converted further.

Sleep also suffers noticeably: alcohol may make it easier to fall asleep, but it disturbs recovery in the second half of the night, so that one is less rested the next morning. In addition, alcohol irritates the stomach lining, which promotes nausea. Further factors come into play: accompanying substances in dark spirits, very sweet mixed drinks, little or no food, nicotine, as well as individual differences in alcohol breakdown all influence how severe the hangover turns out. How strongly someone reacts is therefore very variable – and cannot be magicked away with a miracle cure.

What can ease the hangover

The most effective thing is not to drink much in the first place. Anyone who does drink alcohol can cushion the consequences somewhat with a few habits:

• Drink enough water before, during and after the alcohol, to counteract the loss of fluid.
• Do not drink on an empty stomach; a filling meal slows the absorption of the alcohol.
• Slow the drinking pace and repeatedly work in a glass of water between alcoholic drinks.
• Avoid very sweet or heavily mixed drinks and nicotine, since both can intensify the symptoms.
• The next day, have light food, something salty like a broth, and sufficient fluid.
• Get enough sleep, take it easy and allow your body to rest.

These measures bring no guaranteed result, but help many people to make the day after a little more bearable. The effect remains limited, however, as long as a lot was drunk overall – the amount is the decisive factor.

It also helps to keep an eye on your own pace and not to let yourself be pushed into drinking along. Anyone who consciously works in alcohol-free drinks automatically drinks less alcohol over the evening and thus prevents the hangover. The choice of drinks also plays a role: very sweet mixed drinks tempt you to drink faster and more, because the alcohol is less noticeable in them. Good sleep in a quiet, well-ventilated room additionally supports recovery. And the next day the rule is: give your body time, drink plenty and refrain from heavy physical exertion until you feel fit again.

What is just a myth

Plenty of advice circulates around the hangover that does little good. A so-called hair of the dog in the morning merely postpones the symptoms and additionally burdens the body, rather than helping. Fatty food before drinking does not prevent a hangover either, but at most delays the absorption of alcohol. Coffee does make you more alert, but does not compensate for the loss of fluid and can additionally irritate the stomach. And no home remedy and no preparation can appreciably accelerate the breakdown of alcohol – for that the body simply needs time, because it breaks down alcohol at a largely fixed pace. Anyone who knows these myths spares themselves unnecessary disappointment and false expectations.

When to seek medical assessment?

An ordinary hangover is unpleasant, but temporary and eases over the course of the day. Medical help, on the other hand, is called for in the case of very severe, persistent vomiting, confusion, disturbances of consciousness, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia or other signs of alcohol poisoning – here every minute counts, and when in doubt you should definitely call the emergency number. Anyone who regularly experiences hangovers, drinks frequently or heavily, needs alcohol in the morning, or has the feeling of no longer being able to control their consumption well, should discuss the matter openly with a doctor or a counselling centre. A frequent hangover is always also a signal to honestly reconsider one's own alcohol consumption.

The liver and its task

The liver is centrally involved in the breakdown of alcohol and does quite a lot in the process. It benefits above all when it is relieved – that is, from regular alcohol-free days, a balanced, vegetable-rich diet, sufficient movement and a healthy body weight. Certain nutrients play a role for the liver: according to the authorised EU claims, choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function. Such nutrients support normal body functions, but are no free pass for more alcohol and undo no hangover. They can accompany a healthy lifestyle, but not replace it. By far the most effective protection for the liver remains a moderate handling of alcohol, combined with a balanced diet and sufficient movement. Anyone who regularly builds in alcohol-free days relieves not only the liver but often also improves sleep, concentration and general well-being.

How long does a hangover last?

A hangover usually sets in some hours after drinking, often the next morning, and as a rule eases on its own within about a day, once the body balances out fluid and minerals and the metabolism recovers. How long and how severe it turns out depends above all on the amount drunk, the individual breakdown, sleep and fluid intake. More rest, plenty of water and light food shorten the subjective discomfort, but do not accelerate the actual breakdown of alcohol.

The honest interpretation is important: a hangover is not a trifle that can be avoided with the right trick, but the consequence of a strain on the body. Anyone who suffers more frequently and more severely from hangovers usually drinks more than is good for the body. Alcohol-free days, smaller amounts and conscious, slow drinking are therefore the most effective prevention. Anyone who notices that alcohol is taking up an ever greater space will find confidential support at a doctor or recognised counselling centres.

Honestly interpreted

There is no reliable remedy against the hangover – neither a home remedy nor a preparation can accelerate the breakdown of alcohol. Water, rest and light food make the day after more bearable, no more. The only sure way to prevent a hangover is and remains to drink less alcohol or, best of all, none at all. A regular hangover is a clear warning signal to look critically at your own consumption. Food supplements can supplement a balanced diet, but do not replace it and do not treat any illnesses. This text serves as information and does not replace medical advice.

Suitable products

If you would like to accompany the liver within the framework of a balanced diet with targeted nutrients, Scheunengut offers the Leber Intenso Complex with choline, milk thistle and artichoke. Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function; milk thistle and artichoke are plant-based ingredients that are traditionally used. The preparation is understood as an accompaniment to a conscious lifestyle with moderate alcohol consumption, a balanced diet and regular alcohol-free days – not as compensation for too much alcohol. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does a hangover arise?

Above all through loss of fluid and minerals, burdening breakdown products of alcohol and disturbed sleep. These effects together explain the headache, thirst, nausea and exhaustion on the day after.

What helps best against a hangover?

The most effective thing is to drink little or no alcohol. If it has happened, plenty of water, rest, sleep and light, slightly salty food help to make the day more bearable. There is no miracle cure.

Can you accelerate the breakdown of alcohol?

No. Neither coffee nor home remedies or preparations appreciably accelerate the breakdown. The body simply needs time for it. A hair of the dog only postpones the symptoms and additionally burdens the body.

Does fatty food help against the hangover?

Fatty food before drinking at most delays the absorption of alcohol, but does not prevent a hangover. It makes more sense not to drink on an empty stomach and to slow the drinking pace.

When should I see a doctor with hangover symptoms?

In the case of very severe, persistent vomiting, confusion, disturbances of consciousness or breathing, get medical help immediately. Anyone who frequently experiences hangovers or can hardly control their consumption should also seek medical advice.