Hangover Cure - When Prevention Works Best
One of the most important issues to look at when considering how to cure a hangover is to first look at the underlying causes. Being aware of these and acting before they become problematic is the easiest way to avoid a hangover but failing that the best hangover cure is to address and eliminate the causes discussed below.
Alcohol is considered a diuretic. Diuretics can cause dehydration as they promote the kidneys to produce urine. Alcohol reduces the body’s production of ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) leading to increase fluid losses through the increased passing of urine.
Alcohol is a Diurectic which Increases Urination
This partly explains why excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration. And dehydration, along with lack of quality sleep and other effects of alcohol on the body are part of the reason we can develop a hangover. Although obviously you cannot change the fact you didn’t sleep well at least by hydrating quickly as possible you are able to eliminate one cause so you’ll be well on the way to curing that hangover.
If excessive consumption has resulted in feeling ill and lead to vomiting, then much like gastro and other illnesses, dehydration can also result.
As we push towards a 5% decrease in hydration and beyond you can start to experience the following symptoms of dehydration:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Appetite Loss
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Discomfort
- Muscle Cramps
- Increased Thirst
- Loss of Focus
- Reduced Urine Output
- Seizures (in Extreme Cases)
Best Prevention Strategy
The most sensible approach to avoid dehydration is to limit alcohol consumption and drink responsibly. Drinking water before, during and after alcohol consumption can also assist avoiding dehydration.
Whilst you will experience increased urination whilst drinking alcohol, the day after when you recognise your dehydration, you will likely find yourself with reduced urine volume and frequency with a very dark colour. As you re-establish yourself to a hydrated state you will notice a return to normal frequency and your urine should return to being lightly coloured or clear, which may also align with you feeling a bit better.
Use SOS Hydration booster for the ultimate hydration kick
Consuming an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like SOS allows the body to absorb fluids 3 times faster than water alone due to the interaction of a small amount of glucose and the electrolyte sodium aiding fluid absorption into the blood stream.
Hydrating prior to consuming alcohol, prior to going to bed and upon waking with SOS can limit the dehydration effect alcohol will have on the body and help you to be well on the way to that hang over cure.
Please view our other information pages to find more information on What is Dehydration, What are Electrolytes and Electrolyte Imbalance. Or for more information on SOS Hydration specifically visit our Science and Benefits pages.
What Happens to Your Body as You Dehydrate?
Hangover Cure! When Prevention is the Best Strategy
