A hangover sometimes seems like fate's response to the fun of the previous evening or night. But we all understand that this unpleasant condition is a complex physiological phenomenon associated with poisoning of the body with alcohol and its decay products. Fever, chills, dry mouth, sensitivity to noise and light, irritability and trembling in the limbs - all these unpleasant symptoms of a hangover can make the morning after a feast unbearable. However, many people have little idea or simply don’t know what to do when they have a hangover.
Causes of hangover
To solve any problem, you need to understand its true causes. In the case of a hangover, everything is relatively simple, because the effect of alcohol and its breakdown products on the human body has been well studied. So, the main causes of a hangover are:
Poisoning.
Excess alcohol in the blood causes the liver to not cope with the processing process.
Because of this, acetaldehyde remains in the body, an intermediate product that is more toxic than alcohol. Disruption of the nervous system.
Acetaldehyde, which affects it, is also to blame here.
Under its influence, a hangover sufferer experiences discomfort even because of soft light and sounds imperceptible to a healthy person. Lack of vitamins.
Most of the problems are caused by the leaching of magnesium, because, as is known, without it calcium penetrates into the cells, causing them to be overexcited.
This causes particular nervousness. Magnesium deficiency also threatens muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmia and chills. Dehydration.
Alcohol is an effective diuretic, causing symptoms of dehydration in the morning after a feast, such as dry mouth, lethargy and headache.
Zorex
For various types of intoxication, including alcohol poisoning, Zorex is recommended. It is produced in Russia and acts by cleansing the blood of toxins, and not by relieving the symptoms of poisoning, like most other remedies.
Includes:
- sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate;
- calcium pantothenate.
Sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate or unithiol is included in the list of vitally important drugs (vital drugs) and is used for poisoning:
- copper;
- arsenic;
- salts of heavy metals.
The substance began to be used in medicine in the middle of the last century, but it was prescribed intravenously only in hospital settings for severe pathologies, for example, in case of poisoning with cardiotoxic substances or delirious psychosis.
Zorex appeared in the assortment of Russian pharmacies only in 2005. The manufacturer suggested using it in the treatment of hangover syndrome, while the dosage of the drug for oral administration is not prescribed as before (depending on body weight).
The instructions indicate that Zorex can cause side effects in rare cases. However, practice confirms the opposite: patients who took the medication repeatedly experienced an acute allergic reaction and toxicoderma, which was accompanied by:
- increased temperature;
- vomiting;
- itching.
Calcium pantothenate, unlike unithiol, is absolutely safe component - vitamin B5. It accelerates tissue regeneration, normalizes biochemical processes, and also increases the effectiveness of the main substance.
How to treat a hangover: a serious approach
In order to get rid of a hangover, you will have to approach the problem in a comprehensive manner. Of course, you can treat a hangover symptomatically, but you should understand that in this case it may still remind you of itself during the day. In addition, leaving the body in this state is a sign of too frivolous an attitude towards one’s health. That is why you need to deal with each of the problems that alcohol creates for the body. Perhaps, based on your feelings, you yourself will understand what the body requires and what will help you quickly relieve a hangover, but it is better to make sure that all important actions have been completed:
Remove toxins from the body. It is better to use detoxification medications - sorbents. Medications can also be used to restore brain function. Glycine-containing products are best suited. It will not be superfluous to replenish the body’s vitamin reserves. When choosing vitamins, do not forget about magnesium deficiency. The problem of dehydration during a hangover is solved, of course, by drinking plenty of fluids. When getting rid of this trouble, you can kill two birds with one stone if you drink mineral water with lemon juice, kefir, brine and decoctions rich in vitamin C: these drinks will not only restore the body’s water balance, but also replenish its reserves of microelements.
What is a hangover
A hangover is the colloquial name for a symptomatic complex that develops after heavy drinking. In a healthy person without addiction, the condition disappears on its own after a maximum of a day from the moment the manifestations develop. A hangover should not be confused with withdrawal symptoms: the former can be called part of the latter. For a healthy person, everything is limited to a hangover. For an addict, a hangover is an integral part of withdrawal, which lasts up to several days in a row and creates unbearable sensations. Forces a person to take up the bottle again.
Relieving a hangover after binge drinking is an important measure that will prevent repeated binge drinking and the development of complications. The only truly effective method of correction is professional detoxification. It can be done at home or in a hospital.
Little secrets
There are a few little tricks to keep in mind while drinking and the morning after. They do not get rid of a hangover on their own, but they alleviate it and speed up the recovery process. It won’t hurt to take them into account if a hangover is especially painful for you.
So, here's what helps with a hangover:
Avoid rum, whiskey, tequila and vermouth.
If you are not a connoisseur of elite alcohol or specifically mentioned drinks, it is better to avoid drinking them, because they contain related substances that require processing.
They load the enzyme system, causing even more acetaldehyde to remain in the body. Drink more water.
When drinking alcohol, remember to drink plain water or at least soft drinks to minimize morning dehydration.
It’s also a good idea to bring a good snack. Water procedures.
A contrast shower, a warm bath with essential oils and a visit to the sauna will speed up the body's detoxification processes, while rubbing with cold water and ice compresses will help invigorate and relieve headaches.
Good dream.
A good night's sleep will help get rid of a hangover.
Of course, you should go back to bed after completing all the actions related to detoxification. Vitamin B6.
If things are not waiting for you, and there is no time to sleep, bad breath can worsen the situation. You can easily get rid of it by taking two ampoules of vitamin B6 diluted in half a glass of water.
Alka-Seltzer
The most famous hangover cure is Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets, which promise quick relief from headaches and other symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
The composition contains only three active components:
- aspirin;
- lemon acid;
- sodium bicarbonate.
Aspirin has a pronounced analgesic effect, it thins the blood and reduces intracranial pressure. The fast-soluble form helps the component act faster, so a person feels better within one hour of taking the medicine.
Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda, which reduces the risk of side effects from the action of acetylsalicylic acid on the gastric mucosa. And citric acid is included as an antioxidant and a component that enhances the effect of other substances in the drug.
Alka-Seltzer has been in production for more than 90 years, and the recipe itself was created in 1928, when the director of a large pharmaceutical company in the United States accidentally learned that the staff of a local newspaper was successfully fighting the seasonal cold epidemic with a mixture of aspirin, soda and lemon juice. Three years later, a medicine with a similar composition went on sale, but its ability to eliminate hangover symptoms brought it real fame.
The manufacturer does not recommend taking it if:
- allergies;
- hemophilia;
- damage to the upper gastrointestinal tract;
- pregnancy.
Side effects are rare and are usually associated with exceeding the permissible dose or ignoring contraindications.
The root of the problem
As we have already found out, the main cause of a hangover is intoxication, that is, poisoning of the entire body. Getting rid of the symptoms will alleviate the overall condition, but will not help get rid of the hangover completely. That is why you need to take the choice of sorbents seriously, because they can cure a hangover by eliminating its main cause. Today there are much more effective and modern drugs. An example of a combination of quality, novelty and effectiveness is the drug Polysorb.
Polysorb is a new generation absorbent. It is taken orally as a suspension. The sorption capacity of the drug is 300 mg/g (Historical background, principles, methods, means of efferent therapy, physico-chemical and medical-biological characteristics of the silica sorbent Polysorb. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. Lutsyuk N.B., Ph.D. Associate Professor Kevorkov N.N. Materials of the scientific-practical conference. Perm, 1994.)
Of course, the quality of this drug also determines the speed of its action - you can feel the effect within four minutes after taking the drug. (Historical background, principles, methods, means of efferent therapy, physico-chemical and medical-biological characteristics of the silica sorbent Polysorb. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. Lutsyuk N.B., Candidate of Medical Sciences; Associate Professor Kevorkov N.N. Materials of the scientific-practical conference. Perm, 1994.)
It should be noted that Polysorb has a minimum of contraindications. It is not absorbed into the blood, and the location of its effect is limited to the intestines, for the mucous membrane of which it is also completely harmless. In case of poisoning and allergic reactions, Polysorb is prescribed even to children and pregnant women.
succinic acid
Succinate, obtained by distilling amber, is used in complex therapy. For alcohol intoxication, the remedy is effective due to its enzymatic action: a similar result can be obtained by taking cucumber or cabbage pickle.
In the pharmacy the medicine can be found under the following trade names:
- Remaxol;
- Limontar;
- Cytoflavin;
- Antipohmelin.
In its pure form, the product is sold under the name “Succinic acid”, and in other preparations succinate is combined with other components: citric acid, riboxin, nicotinamide, etc.
Tablets combat the following problems:
- intoxication (poisoning) – toxins are neutralized and eliminated naturally;
- hypoxia – succinate reduces the cells’ need for oxygen, so your health improves significantly;
- decreased general tone - the medicine helps to quickly return to active life.
The acid is effective for mild to moderate conditions. The tablet can also be taken to prevent alcohol post-intoxication. But in case of severe poisoning, succinate will not improve the condition, so it can only be used as an additional remedy in a hangover drip.
Succinic acid is contraindicated for:
- hypertension;
- stomach ulcer;
- allergies to succinate;
- urolithiasis;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding
The popularity of succinate is explained by its cost: the price of one package starts from 10 rubles.
Application
In order to get rid of a hangover, Polysorb must be used for two days. It is necessary to calculate the dose based on the weight and age of the person suffering from a hangover. Treatment should be accompanied by drinking plenty of fluids. Prudent people can make their morning after a feast easier in advance, because Polysorb is an effective hangover preventative. You just need to take it in advance.
History of the influence of alcoholic beverages
The day before you had a good walk, and in the morning the whole world revolves around you, causing an irresistible desire to lie down and die. Congratulations, you have alcohol intoxication!
This “pleasant” state is experienced differently by different people. The perception of the dose of alcohol depends on the health of the body, age, gender and the presence of special enzymes that can effectively break down alcohol.
Some peoples on our planet do not have such an enzyme at all, since alcohol-containing drinks have not been used in their culture for thousands of years. As a result, evolution did not provide for the presence of special protection against alcohol intoxication - there was nothing to protect against.
How do northern peoples drink?
Such peoples include the Indians of North, Central and South America, the peoples of the Russian North, the Eskimos and other small nations of Alaska and Canada. Having no natural protection from alcohol, they became drunk en masse and died out in entire tribes, being captured by the “fire water” and white invaders.
The Russian people, thank God, have such a protective mechanism. True, in women it is much less pronounced than in most men. This is why female alcoholism is most often not treated - addiction quickly takes over the woman’s body.
Russians discovered vodka relatively recently; there were no such strong drinks in Rus'. They drank pleasant drinks made from natural ingredients - mead, beer, liqueurs and liqueurs made from naturally fermented berries and herbs. The percentage of alcohol in such drinks was low and did not affect health when consumed in moderation.
Stories about total Russian drunkenness appeared only with the penetration of vodka and other strong drinks from Western Europe. Their fortress played a detrimental role in the health of the nation. It was then that we obviously became acquainted with the signs of a real hangover that literally knocks you off your feet.
Fun without consequences
Of course, we are all aware of the harm alcohol can cause to the body. But sometimes everyone wants to relax in a fun company. After this, it is important to alleviate as much as possible the possible consequences of intoxication and dehydration. It’s better to prevent them with proper prevention and moderate alcohol consumption.
Buy Polysorb in the online pharmacy of your city.
Alcoclean
The modern drug Alkoklin alleviates the symptoms of hangover syndrome by activating the natural processes of neutralizing ethyl toxins.
The product includes:
- arginine glutamate;
- lemon acid;
- glycine.
Alcokline belongs to the group of hepatoprotectors - drugs for protecting and restoring the liver. The active substance stimulates the production of an enzyme that converts the toxic half-life product of ethyl alcohol into safe substances , and also prevents its inhibition. Thanks to this, the body copes with intoxication faster, and a person is much less likely to encounter complications of poisoning.
Arginine also helps:
- protection of the central nervous system from the toxic effects of alcohol;
- destruction of free radicals;
- eliminating hypoxia.
Citric acid makes the medicine more effective, and glycine reduces side effects from the stomach and duodenum.
When taking Alkoklin, it is necessary to take into account that the drug can increase the production of insulin, and immediately after taking the medicine, mild nausea is often encountered, which does not require treatment and goes away on its own.
You should not take this medicine if you:
- elevated temperature;
- acute mental disorders;
- renal functional failure;
- pregnancy and lactation (no data on possible effects).
The product is available in tablets, powder, and oral solution.
Advice from a narcologist
Experienced narcologists still advise contacting a clinic so that withdrawal from binge drinking can be as painless and quick as possible. In fact, in a hospital setting, recovery from binge drinking will actually be faster , because firstly, the patient is limited in movement, as a result of which he cannot purchase alcohol, and secondly, the hospital is a complex therapy and not only , aimed at quick and easy withdrawal from both light and heavy drinking.
However, if you decide to go out on your own, then follow the following recommendations of modern narcologists:
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent your body from becoming dehydrated;
- If you are constantly vomiting, take an antiemetic;
- Reduce the dose slowly so as not to cause damage to the nervous system and psyche, especially if the binge was prolonged;
- To carry out self-detoxification, drink any enterosorbent;
- If you have severe pain, be sure to take a pain reliever;
- Take sleeping pills if you can't sleep.
In the first three days you should not play sports , take a shower (with the exception of a contrast shower), or visit the steam room. To reduce cravings for alcohol, you can take glycerin diluted in water in a ratio of 1:3. Pay attention to vitamin complexes to make the exit even easier.
Is it possible to get a person out of binge drinking without his knowledge?
The alcoholic himself makes the decision whether to quit drinking or not. Therefore, without his positive answer, you are unlikely to be able to do anything. If you want to motivate the patient to make an independent decision to quit binge drinking, then try to follow the following recommendations:
- Don't make a fuss or shout. A person who is intoxicated will most likely not understand and you will only ruin your relationship with him. It doesn’t matter who you help: just maintain etiquette and distance.
- Make sure the person can sleep. Give him a sleeping pill or a sedative, let the apartment be quiet and calm. When the patient wakes up, try talking to him again.
- Manipulations to get a person out of a binge can only be carried out when he has a hangover syndrome.
In fact, a lot depends on how well you understand the situation in which the person finds himself. Only your compassion and cool mind will help him get out of the hole he has fallen into.
If you yourself are an alcoholic and are now reading this article, then in order to make it easier for you to work with yourself, be sure to enlist the support of your family and remember once and for all how much influence alcohol has on your life. An extra dose can be a completely wrong turn: you risk not only losing your health, but also your life. Therefore, take all measures to ensure that your binge drinking never happens again.
Why is beer worse than vodka?
A hangover after beer can be very pronounced, which often causes genuine surprise to the person experiencing it for the first time. After all, it contains little ethyl alcohol, but many useful bioactive substances, including the entire group of B vitamins. Beer is constantly advertised on TV and on billboards; it is presented only from the positive side.
It is the refreshing, pleasant taste of an intoxicating drink that usually causes a hangover. Control over what you drink is reduced - where there is one bottle, there are five. A liter of beer contains about 100 g of pure ethanol. It would seem that this is not much, but the situation is aggravated by its other components. Hops, malt, and yeast are considered universal conductors of ethanol and stimulate its complete absorption by internal organs. And the acetaldehyde obtained as a result of its metabolism immediately causes a powerful blow to the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain.
