Happy New Year to all our readers!
If you’re clutching your head this morning, chances are you’ve had a bit of a wild night. But with great celebrations often come the less welcome hangovers, especially notorious on New Year’s Day.
No matter if you were out with friends or had a quiet one at home, it’s quite possible you indulged in more drinks than necessary. Now, an NHS doctor shared his tips for alleviating that pounding headache and getting your new year off to a stellar start.
Dr Karan Raj, who amassed a whopping 5.3 million followers on TikTok, explained the primary cause of hangovers: dehydration. In a viral post that attracted over 20,100 likes, he posed the question: “Why do we get hangovers?”
He advised: “For starters, you probably shouldn’t have had that much to drink in the first place. More alcohol = more dehydration. The more you drink, the more you pee, the more dehydrated you’re going to become, hence that throbbing headache.”
Delving into the science of hangovers, Dr Karan said: “Alcohol causes your digestion to slow down, it also causes your stomach to empty more slowly. Slower food digestion = more stomach acid. Increased stomach acid – more nausea and sickness.”
To wrap up, he noted: “Alcohol also causes your blood vessels to dilate adding to that headache of yours. Remember, hydrate to stay great.”
He suggests that guzzling plenty of water the next morning could be the key to easing your hangover woes.
According to the NHS, a throbbing headache after a night of drinking is typically a sign of dehydration caused by excessive alcohol consumption. As we head into January, it’s vital to keep an eye on your alcohol intake.
Symptoms of a hangover include:
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Sickness
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Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vertigo
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Increased blood pressure
Whether you’re gearing up for another round tonight or planning a big weekend bash, men and women should not regularly exceed 14 units of alcohol per week. If you do consume 14 units in a week, it’s recommended to spread this out over at least three days.
For advice on alcohol consumption, or you’re worried about someone you know, visit DrinkAware.com for help. Alternatively, call the Drinkline national alcohol helpline on 0300 123 1110.