Hair of the Dog: Can Drinking Alcohol Cure Your Hangover?

The idea that drinking alcohol can cure a hangover is a common misconception and lacks scientific evidence to support it. In fact, ingesting more alcohol when already hungover can worsen the symptoms, leading to a prolonged and more severe hangover.

Hangovers are caused by a combination of factors, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, inflammation, and the presence of toxic substances produced during alcohol metabolism. Drinking more alcohol does not address these underlying causes and may even contribute to them.

Here's why drinking alcohol as a hangover remedy is not effective:

1. Dehydration: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing increased urine output and dehydration. This dehydration further exacerbates the symptoms of a hangover, such as headaches, fatigue, and thirst.

2. Congeners: Alcoholic beverages contain various impurities known as congeners. Congeners are thought to contribute to the severity of hangovers. Drinking more alcohol introduces additional congeners into the body, worsening hangover symptoms.

3. Inflammation: Alcohol consumption causes inflammation in the body. This inflammation is linked to many hangover symptoms, including headaches, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Drinking more alcohol can aggravate this inflammation and worsen the hangover.

4. Blood sugar levels: Alcohol can cause a temporary spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a drop. This fluctuation in blood glucose can lead to feelings of fatigue and weakness, contributing to the overall hangover experience.

5. Gastric irritation: Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to symptoms such as nausea and stomach discomfort. Drinking more alcohol can exacerbate this irritation and worsen hangover symptoms.

Instead of relying on alcohol as a hangover remedy, it is recommended to take the following steps to alleviate hangover symptoms:

1. Rehydrate: Drinking plenty of water helps replenish fluids lost due to alcohol's diuretic effect.

2. Electrolytes: Consume foods or sports drinks that contain electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium to restore electrolyte balance.

3. Rest: Getting adequate sleep allows your body time to recover from the effects of alcohol.

4. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve headache and muscle pain associated with hangovers.

5. Avoid more alcohol: Resist the temptation to drink more alcohol as a hangover remedy. It may provide temporary relief but can ultimately prolong and worsen the hangover.

What to Do Acid Reflux at Night Hair of the Dog: Can Drinking Alcohol Cure Your Hangover?