After a drunken evening, it is possible, on waking, to feel nauseous, to vomit, to have headaches, pasty and dry mouth, to feel great fatigue, tremors, dizziness... these are the most common hangover symptoms. Alcohol, through its diuretic action, causes a state of dehydration which, combined with the toxic effects of alcohol and its metabolites, contributes to the symptoms of a hangover.
Why is alcohol said to be a diuretic?
A diuretic is a substance that increases urinary excretion (diuresis). Blood is filtered by the kidneys and water and liquid wastes from the body are eliminated in urine. In the body, antidiuretic hormone plays a major role in regulating water excretion. It allows the kidneys to reabsorb water, that is to say to keep it in the body, thus reducing the volume of urine.
Alcohol inhibits the release of antidiuretic hormone. A reduced level of this hormone prevents the reabsorption of water in favor of an increased production of urine: alcohol is a diuretic.
Why is alcohol dehydrating?
There is water loss and slight dehydration of the body due to the diuretic effect of alcohol, and this can be accentuated by the side effects of overconsumption of alcohol such as sweating, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Thirst, weakness, dryness of the mucous membranes, dizziness are symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration and are often observed during a hangover. A headache on waking, for example, is a sign of brain dehydration.
The dehydrating effect of alcohol is more marked with strong alcoholic beverages. Indeed, the diuretic response to alcohol is directly related to the alcoholic concentration. This suggests that strong alcoholic beverages (≥ 13.5%, wine and distilled beverages) may cause more dehydration than weak alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer). Contrary to what one might think, beer is not more diuretic than wine, it is simply that there is more liquid absorbed in a beer.
Dehydration from alcohol can also be accompanied by a loss of minerals.
Other effects of a hangover
The metabolism of alcohol in the body generates reactive species, free radicals, which increase oxidative stress on cells and induce inflammation. This oxidative stress and the inflammatory state of the body are involved in the hangover mechanism and contribute to its symptoms.
Certain minerals or trace elements have anti-oxidant or anti-inflammatory properties and are said to relieve hangover symptoms. This is the case of zinc, manganese and magnesium.
Zinc contributes to immune function and has a strong antioxidant action; manganese also protects cells against oxidative stress thanks to its antioxidant effect. Magnesium also has an antioxidant action but it also helps to limit muscle cramps and reduce fatigue encountered during alcohol consumption.
Moreover, these minerals and trace elements can become insufficient due to a lack of dietary intake or heavy alcohol consumption.
Good hydration
In a person dehydrated after consuming alcohol, the manifestations of dry mouth, feeling of intense thirst and headaches will be amplified. Maintaining hydration helps alleviate hangover symptoms.
Hydrate yes, but not in any way!
A few tips for staying hydrated:
- Avoid acidic drinks such as orange juice: When drinking alcohol, the body experiences acidosis. To avoid upsetting the stomach, it is therefore preferable to compensate for water loss with non-acidic, and therefore non-irritating, drinks.
- It is best to stay hydrated while drinking alcohol: having a glass of water between each glass of alcohol will reduce the overall amount of alcohol consumed, counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol with water and help the body to eliminate excess alcohol
- Consuming soft drinks after drinking alcohol can reduce alcohol-induced dehydration
The number 1 advice to avoid all these inconveniences remains to have a moderate alcohol consumption.
Anti-hangover remedy: Hydratis
If you forgot to drink throughout the evening, Hydratis can help you optimize water absorption, prevent dehydration and morning headaches .
Indeed, Hydratis pastilles allow water to be better absorbed by the body and thus to have an accelerated hydration. In addition, thanks to its formulation rich in mineral salts, such as magnesium, as well as in trace elements such as manganese and zinc, they improve the body's protective mechanisms and prevent and relieve the symptoms of a hangover. . It is a real metabolic support that is put to the test when drinking alcohol.
To hydrate the body optimally after a boozy evening, we advise you to dissolve two Hydratis tablets in a large glass of water in the evening before going to bed and to take them again in the morning.