I figured after #girlsweekend I definitely had to write about how a hangover is caused! After drinking lots of ethanol (wine, Tito’s sprite and lime juice), we were all exhausted from the amazing memories we made!
Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is an organic compound with the formula C2H5OH. It is the intoxicating part of alcoholic beverages. When we drink alcoholic beverages, it is metabolized in the liver through a process using alcohol dehydrogenase. Through this process the effects of the ethanol are we what we perceive as a hangover like dehydration, nausea, changes to sleep and other symptoms! Alcohol dehydrogenase is used in a process that uses a coenzyme to break down ethanol into acetaldehyde. Our bodies breaks down acetaldehyde to acetate which helps with the positive effects of moderate alcohol consumption.
By drinking alcoholic beverages, we become dehydrated having to urinate more and usually by drinking more alcohol and less water. It is also possible that alcoholic beverages have other ingredients in them that can cause negative effects. These ingredients form during fermentation and can cause a harsher hangover. You are found to have a more difficult hangover after drinking bourbon or whiskey versus vodka due to the higher concentration of the fermentation byproducts found in the darker beverages.
To avoid a hangover, I always say try to drink water between each drink so you are rehydrating yourself. It is not guaranteed whatsoever but it has helped me. I also try to drink a large glass of water before bed and one when I wake up. I make it a point to eat a decent meal before drinking and enough after so my stomach isn’t empty. These are my tricks of the trade!
I try not to drink too much alcohol but we did this weekend as a group and it was fabulous!! I have a planned post talking all about girls weekend so stay tuned for that!!
Til then,
Z
