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If you’re all about that nightlife you gotta be prepared for that early morning hangover.
For all the youth out there, you may be able to party all night. I can respect that. But that hangover is gonna catch up with you whether you like it or not. You gotta prepare for these things as you get older.
After a really bad hangover, it’s easy to say you won’t binge drink ever again. But… we all know that doesn’t turn out so well.
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Why Does Alcohol Cause a Hangover?
Interestingly enough, there actually isn’t enough scientific understanding on the topic. However, we do know enough to understand how it interferes with your body.
The moment alcohol enters your bloodstream it starts to mess with your normal bodily functions. Firstly, it hits the pituitary gland (which is responsible for creating hormoes to keep you hydrated). Yeah, dehydration is a bitch.
Your kidneys don’t deal with it too well either. They can usually absorb drinks pretty easily. Alcohol, on the other hand, makes them pretty lazy. The liquid passes by and goes straight to your bladder. You know, instead of to your organs, which is what should be happening.
That’s generally why you get a headache. Your brain is giving your organs a little bit of water to help them, yanno, function. No big deal. Not to mention the increase in gastric acid, and intestinal/pancreatic secretions which causes you to throw up. You get the picture – it fucks you up big time.
But What Alcohol is the Worst?
These symptoms are worsened if you drink anything over 30 proof, so you’ve gotta be careful. Avoid congeners at all costs. What are congeners, you ask? During the fermentation process congener is a byproduct. It contains many aspects that shape the flavour and aroma of some really good booze. It’s possible to filter them out but you can see why some wouldn’t want to.
Generally speaking, dark drinks contain more congeners. Well, no more ‘Wine Mom’ future for me then.
A Dutch study found that cogeners were responsible for the most hardcore hangovers. According to current research, bourbon is the worst, containing an approximate 37 times more congeners than vodka.
Basically, stay away from the brown liquors. Furthermore, mixing booze with carbonated drinks can actually increase your blood alcohol level. Drinks with sugar can dehydrate you and overwhelm your liver, making you drunker than intended. Sorry to spoil your fun!
Speaking of the dark side of alcohol, actor John Goodman has opened up about his past addiction.
