Many may have woke up experiencing fatigue, nausea, and headache. If you had too much alcohol the night before you know what this means: hangover.

There are several popular beliefs about how to cope with and overcome hangover. However, before reaching that point, let’s analyze why the body reacts in this way. What is the science behind a hangover?

Alcohol has the ability to inhibit the production of the vasopressin hormone, which reduces the amount of urine. When blocked, it forces the kidney to get rid water reserves quickly. This can lead to a state of dehydration, showing dizziness and stunning. In addition, the typical headache that people feel is because the membrane that covers the brain (dura mater) is contracted due to the lack of water in the body.

But there’s even more. The body spends extra energy by degrading alcohol. As a result, the concentration of vitamin B in the body decreases, according to a report from the University of Oxford. Without said vitamin, you feel tired.

According to the Mayo Clinic (USA), alcohol also increases the production of acid in the stomach and slows stomach emptying. These factors can trigger abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Memory problems, lack of concentration and appetite can be associated with an inflammatory response by the immune system.

Knocking down myths

Unfortunately, cebiche does not cure a hangover. Roberto Piccini, Gastroenterologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma, said to El Comercio newspaper that this deeply rooted habit has the opposite effect.

Pretending to eliminate the hangover with more alcohol is not a solution. This habit only returns the pleasurable effects of these drinks, but the hangover will reappear. Fatty foods cause alcohol to be absorbed more slowly in the digestive tract but do not limit its effects.

Nutritionist María Teresa Zumarán, from the same clinic, recommends eating toasts to avoid heartburn, a bowl of fresh fruits to reduce nausea, and eggs to break down alcohol toxins. Likewise, she says to avoid eating dishes with spices or desserts.

Dr. Roberto Piccini
Gastroenterologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma