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What really helps with hangovers?
Dec 8, 2024
Dr. Sally Adams, an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Birmingham and an alcohol researcher, shares her insights into the science of hangovers. She explains the physiological and psychological symptoms and debunks common myths surrounding hangovers. The discussion explores various remedies, including new wellness products like Miracle and SureShot, questioning their effectiveness based on scientific evidence. Sally emphasizes the importance of hydration and nutrition while clarifying that no single cure exists for hangover relief.
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Quick takeaways
- Hangovers result from a combination of psychological and physiological symptoms influenced by factors like acetaldehyde and inflammation, not just dehydration.
- Current wellness products to alleviate hangover symptoms, while marketed as effective, lack robust scientific backing and serious research compared to intoxication studies.
Deep dives
Understanding Hangovers: Symptoms and Causes
A hangover is described as a combination of psychological and physiological symptoms that occur after alcohol consumption, often when blood alcohol levels are at zero. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, low mood, and impaired reaction times. The hangover experience is not solely due to dehydration; several factors contribute, including the toxic byproduct acetaldehyde that results from the body metabolizing alcohol and inflammation caused in the digestive system. These physiological responses to alcohol also affect neurotransmitters, leading to feelings of anxiety and mood changes the following day.
