As New Year's Eve approaches, it is appropriate to delve into the science
of hangovers. What makes you feel so terrible after an evening of excess imbibing of alcoholic beverages? Well, for one thing it's the dehydration. But it's also a lot of other things. Lots of terrible chemical things happen inside a body that's been drinking.
Heart: Heart rate increases, possibly as a result of alcohol interfering with the body's nervous system. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to cardiomyopathy - damage to the heart muscle.
Liver: Alcohol cannot be stored in the body and so is broken down in the liver. In this two-step process, alcohol is turned into acetaldehyde, which then becomes acetate. However, this process is slow - one unit of alcohol is metabolised every hour. It is widely believed that acetaldehyde may contribute to the misery of the hangover, as accumulation in the blood causes rapid pulse, sweating, skin flushing, nausea and vomiting. Some people lack a molecule that breaks down this compound and become ill soon after drinking. Further, alcohol metabolism leads to an accumulation of fatty compounds in the liver and lactic acid in the body fluids. These inhibit glucose production, leading to low blood sugar.
Body temperature: Ever felt a bit hot under the collar when you're suffering with a hangover? Alcohol may interfere with the production of hormones that control the 24-hour body clock, leading to body temperature being abnormally high.
Stomach: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and delays it emptying, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Kidneys: Alcohol affects the hormones that control water balance in the body. As a result, the kidneys fail to reabsorb water and the body becomes dehydrated.
Intestines: The intestines begin to work faster after alcohol is consumed and food and liquid take less time to pass through. The ability to absorb water out of the stools is also impaired, leading to diarrhoea.
Pancreas: Production of digestive juices is increased, leading to upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
As for hangover cures, most doctors cited in the article from The Times say just drink lots of water, take aspirin and go back to bed. The best way to avoid a hangover is to eat a big meal before drinking and limit how much you drink. Of course, if you're determined to tie one on on New Year's, be sure you have a designated driver or the number of a taxi service in your handbag.
