A bad hangover usually comes with a variety of symptoms like headaches, fatigue, upset stomach, sweating, nausea, bad taste in the mouth excessive thirst, sensitivity to light etc. This is mainly due to the diuretic effects of alcohol that leaves one dehydrated.
To get over a hangover drinking adequate amounts of water helps. Citrus fruit juices that contain vitamin C also help. To get over the headaches coffee and hot chocolate or ginger tea, tomato juice and mint tea can be taken.
Sugars also reduce the effects of a hangover. Bananas or honey may be a good option. Scientists have claimed that honey can help with a hangover. The Royal Society of Chemistry claim that the fructose in the honey is essential to help the body break down alcohol into harmless by-products.
Dr John Emsley of the Royal Society explained that alcohol is first broken down into acetaldehyde, a substance which is toxic to the body. This is then converted - using fructose - into acetic acid which is then burned during the body’s normal metabolic process and broken down into carbon dioxide, which is breathed out of the body. Honey on toast adds potassium and sodium to the meal which is also helps the body cope with the alcohol.
Dr Emsley said,” The happiness comes from alcohol. The hangover comes from acetaldehyde. This is the toxic chemical into which alcohol is converted by the body and it causes a throbbing headache, nausea, and maybe even vomiting… The hangover disappears as the acetaldehyde is slowly converted to less toxic chemicals.”
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