What To Know
- Although evolution has enhanced our ADH4 enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase 4) by stabilizing a mutation in our genome, making it 40 times more efficient at detoxifying alcohol initially, this does not shield us from its effects.
- The complex web of physiological effectsAlcohol’s vasodilatory effect causes a sensation of heat after initial sips but ultimately cools the body faster.
- The market offers numerous “anti-hangover” remedies like vitamins supposedly boosting liver function or probiotics claiming to “capture” alcohol before entering blood circulation—none scientifically proven effective yet exist beyond paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief.
When your head reminds you of last night’s excesses. Does the quality of the drink affect the pain? Are there science-approved remedies? Can a hangover be prevented?
the ancient roots of hangovers
Hangovers, or “veisalgia” as scientists call them, have been around much longer than wine and other fermented beverages. In fact, 10 million years ago, our ancestors may have consumed fallen fruits that were potentially rotten and thus laden with alcohol. While this consumption offered caloric benefits due to ethanol’s 7 kcal/g compared to just 4 for carbohydrates or proteins, it also came with drawbacks: alcohol makes you merry at first… then sick.
the body’s struggle with alcohol
Our bodies aren’t well-adapted to alcohol consumption, and it remains toxic. Although evolution has enhanced our ADH4 enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase 4) by stabilizing a mutation in our genome, making it 40 times more efficient at detoxifying alcohol initially, this does not shield us from its effects.
- Upon ingestion, alcohol quickly passes from the stomach to the intestines and into the bloodstream.
- It affects all organs, including the brain and liver.
- The body signals poisoning through nausea and vomiting, which can escalate to an alcoholic coma in severe cases.
moderate excess: what really happens
In less severe but more common cases of “moderate excess,” alcohol stimulates dopamine secretion in the brain, causing initial euphoria before sedative effects induce characteristic drowsiness. This often results in restless sleep followed by a painful reminder of overindulgence upon waking up.
The liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol into acetaldehyde and then acetate—both still toxic compounds for our bodies. Alcohol also disrupts vasopressin production, an antidiuretic hormone regulating kidney activity. The body uses large amounts of water to eliminate these toxins, leading to dehydration—a major headache cause.
the complex web of physiological effects
- Alcohol’s vasodilatory effect causes a sensation of heat after initial sips but ultimately cools the body faster.
- It disrupts blood sugar levels and neurotransmitter secretion while triggering an inflammatory response—all contributing to headaches.
busting myths about hangovers
No matter how fine the wine is—even “natural” wines—hangovers occur because it’s not sulfur causing them; it’s fundamentally about alcohol. Some people may be particularly sensitive to sulfites or histamines found in certain wines with lower sulfite content.
strategies for relief: what works?
If excess couldn’t be avoided, are there relief strategies? Foods or medicines that can help?
- A light diet helps ease liver strain.
- Rehydrating with herbal teas aids recovery but won’t perform miracles on headaches.
The market offers numerous “anti-hangover” remedies like vitamins supposedly boosting liver function or probiotics claiming to “capture” alcohol before entering blood circulation—none scientifically proven effective yet exist beyond paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief.
Caution: These medications carry hepatotoxic risks—do not further harm your liver! Above all else avoid treating symptoms using more liquor—it may seem temporarily soothing but only worsens matters ultimately.
