Information AboutHangover |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT HANGOVER | |
| alcohol abuse | |
| drinking culture | |
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A hangover () describes the sum of unpleasant physiological effects following heavy consumption of drugs and liquor, particularly Alcoholic Beverage s. The most commonly reported characteristics of a hangover include Headache , Nausea , Sensitivity To Light and noise, Lethargy , and thirst. Hypoglycemia , Dehydration , Acetaldehyde Intoxication , and Vitamin B12 deficiency are all theorized causes of hangover symptoms. Hangovers usually last 1 to 4 hours,Erowid.org Erowid Alcohol Vault: Effects although some have been reported to last 48 to 72 hours after alcohol was last consumed.Federal Aviation Administration. Pilot Safety Brochure SYMPTOMS An Alcohol hangover is associated with a variety of Symptoms that may include Dehydration , Fatigue , Headache , Nausea , Vomiting , Diarrhea , Weakness , elevated Body Temperature , Hypersalivation , difficulty concentrating, Anxiety , Irritability , sensitivity to light and noise, erratic motor functions, and trouble sleeping. Many people will also be repulsed by the thought or taste of alcohol during hangover. The symptoms vary from person to person, and occasion to occasion, usually beginning several hours after drinking. It is not clear whether hangovers affect Cognitive abilities. CAUSES Hangovers are multi-causal. after consumption of alcohol. Alcohol's effect on the stomach lining can account for nausea. Because of the increased NADH production during metabolism of ethanol by the Enzyme s Alcohol Dehydrogenase and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase , excess NADH can build up and slow down Gluconeogenesis in the Liver , thus causing Hypoglycemia . Another factor contributing to a hangover are the products from the breakdown of ethanol via liver enzymes. Ethanol is converted to Acetaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, and then from acetaldehyde to Acetic Acid by the enzyme Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase . Acetaldehyde (ethanal) is mildly toxic, contributing to hangover. These two reactions also require the conversion of NAD+ to NADH. With an excess of NADH, the Lactate Dehydrogenase reaction is driven to produce lactate from Pyruvate (the end product of Glycolysis ) in order to regenerate NAD+ and sustain life. This diverts pyruvate from other pathways such as gluconeogenesis, thereby impairing the ability of the liver to supply glucose to tissues, especially the brain. Because glucose is the primary energy source of the brain, this lack of glucose contributes to hangover symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, mood disturbances, and decreased attention and concentration. There are various nervous system effects: the removal of the depressive effects of alcohol in the brain probably account for the light and noise sensitivity. In addition, it is thought that the presence of other alcohols (such as Fusel Oil s), by-products of the Alcoholic Fermentation also called Congener s, exaggerate many of the symptoms (cogeners may also be zinc or other metals added primarily to sweet liqueurs to enhance their flavor); this probably accounts for the mitigation of the effects when distilled alcohol, particularly Vodka , is consumed instead. The amount of Congeners in the drink may also have an effect. Red wines have more congeners than white wines, and some people note less of a hangover with white wine. Some individuals have a strong negative reaction to red wine called Red Wine Headache that can affect them within 15 minutes after drinking a single glass of red wine. The headache is usually accompanied by nausea and flushing. In alcohol metabolism, one molecule of ethanol (the primary active ingredient in alcoholic beverages) produces 2 molecules of NADH , utilizing Vitamin B12 as a coenzyme. Over-consumption of ethanol may cause vitamin B12 deficiency as well. POSSIBLE REMEDIES There is debate about whether a hangover might be prevented or at least mitigated. There is currently no known proven mechanism for making oneself sober short of waiting for the body to metabolize ingested alcohol, which occurs via oxidation through the liver before alcohol leaves the body. A four page literature review in '' British Medical Journal '' on hangover cures by Max Pittler of the Peninsula Medical School at Exeter University and colleagues concludes: "No compelling evidence exists to suggest that any conventional or complementary intervention is effective for preventing or treating alcohol hangover. The most effective way to avoid the symptoms of alcohol induced hangover is to practice moderation."Max H Pittler, Joris C Verster, Edzard Ernst Interventions for preventing or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomised controlled trials BMJ 2005;331:1515-1518 (24 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7531.1515 Potentially beneficial remedies
Chlormethiazole--no hangover effect but not an ideal hypnotic for the young ''Postgrad Med J''. 1979 Mar;55(641):159–60.
Rosiglitazone relieves acute ethanol-induced hangover in sprague-dawley rats ''Alcohol Alcohol'' 2006 May-Jun;41(3):231-5. Epub 2006 Mar 22
Possibly ineffective remedies
Propranolol for the treatment of the alcoholic hangover ''Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse''. 1987;13(1-2):175–80.
Common Folk Remedies The universality of hangovers has led to a great deal of home remedies, preventions and cures, many of which are variations on each other and often connecting with the more scientifically derived remedies above. The list is endless but common examples include:
ETYMOLOGY The term hangover was originally a 19th century expression describing unfinished business – something left over from a meeting – or ‘survival.’ In 1904, the meaning "after-effect of drinking too much" first surfaced.Online Etymology Dictionary Hangover Frank Kelly Rich On the Cuff & Under the Table: The Origins and History of Drinking Words and Phrases Modern Drunkard Magazine SEE ALSO REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
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