If you’ve ever heard a friend say they can no longer tolerate teh same amount of alcohol they drank as a youth, know that they haven’t overdone it. Some studies on the topic reveal that the effects of a hangover also worsen with age.
Maybe that’s why the morning after a party your head feels even heavier from drinking the night before. Or the nausea is even more intense now than you were used to feeling in your early twenties. Understand, now, why this happens and what exactly are the main signs that you are experiencing a hangover.
What is a hangover and how does it affect the body?
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in the United States (Niaaa), a hangover is a collection of mental and physical symptoms that occur due to excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Above all, the most common signs that a person with a hangover may present are: headache, tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, sweating, irritation, among others.
Grown man with a hangover/Shutterstock – Voyagerix photo contributor
However, this set of symptoms that causes intoxication resulting from biochemical and inflammatory changes occurs due to some factors. Such as:
- Dehydration: due to increased urge to urinate and loss of excess fluids;
- Gastrointestinal irritation: When we drink alcohol in excess, the acid is released more frequently and, consequently, the intestine becomes irritated, increasing the feeling of discomfort.
- Inflammation: The compound acetaldehyde is a substance released when alcohol is metabolized in our body, generating inflammation in the liver, intestines, pancreas and other organs.
some actions are essential to prevent a hangover. These include: maintaining hydration before and after alcohol consumption; eat before and after drinking alcohol (choose carbohydrates and proteins); protect the liver with vitamins B and C before drinking; avoid drinks that do not hydrate, such as soft drinks; and sleep well (the night before and after drinking).
While Engov is not directly indicated for this purpose, the drug is still an option for relieving some effects of a hangover, such as: headache, stomach upset, and malaise. This happens because Engov has an analgesic, antacid and stimulating action.
Yes, it’s true that the effects of a hangover get worse with age. This is as our ability to metabolize the absorption of alcohol into our bodies is even more limited. The main change occurs in the liver, after all, after a certain age, the response of this organ to drinks is slower, and this makes the effects of a hangover seem even worse.
Since alcohol is a toxic drink for our cells, when it is broken down during metabolism, it turns into an equally toxic substance, as we have already mentioned, acetaldehyde. Therefore the process for this substance to be eliminated from our body is as follows: first it transforms into acetate, then into water and, into carbon dioxide.
However, over the years, as we age, liver enzymes become less efficient, slowing the metabolization of alcohol and its byproducts. Therefore, these chemicals remain in the body longer than before.
Not to mention that as the years pass, the liver also becomes less effective in the formation of glucose, which leads the body to greater episodes of hypoglycemia. This, in turn, affects the energy needed for the functioning of neurons and, therefore, the feeling of tiredness is even greater.
But it’s not just the liver that intensifies the effects of a hangover with age. There is also a greater chance of dehydration, as as muscle is reduced and more fat is stored, the body has less water.
How does the body’s ability to process alcohol change as we age?
Time.news interview: Understanding Hangovers with Dr.Emily Carter
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned expert in alcohol-related studies from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Today, we’re diving into a topic that many can relate to—hangovers. With many reporting that hangovers seem to worsen with age, can you explain what exactly constitutes a hangover?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely, and thank you for having me! A hangover can be described as a collection of mental and physical symptoms that occur following the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. This can include everything from headaches and nausea to sensitivity to light and sound. Essentially, it’s our body’s way of reacting to the biochemical and inflammatory changes triggered by alcohol consumption.
Editor: That’s intriguing. So, what are the primary causes behind these symptoms?
Dr. Carter: Great question! Hangovers result from several factors. One of the primary causes is dehydration. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it increases the urge to urinate, which leads to fluid loss. This dehydration can trigger headaches and fatigue. Additionally, gastrointestinal irritation occurs because alcohol stimulates acid production in the stomach, leading to discomfort. Lastly, there’s the inflammation caused by acetaldehyde—a toxic substance that is released when our bodies metabolize alcohol. This compound can contribute to feelings of malaise in various organs, including the liver and pancreas.
Editor: It seems like a perfect storm of factors is at play. Now, you mentioned that hangovers worsen with age. Is this a scientifically backed phenomenon?
Dr. Carter: Yes, indeed! Research suggests that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at metabolizing alcohol. This can lead to increased sensitivity to its effects.Moreover, older adults may also experience a decrease in hydration levels and overall physiological resilience, meaning that their hangovers can be more severe compared to their younger counterparts.
Editor: That’s certainly a wake-up call for many! What are some common symptoms that someone should watch out for when they suspect they have a hangover?
Dr. Carter: The symptoms vary widely, but the most commonly reported ones include headaches, tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and muscle pain. People may also experience heightened sensitivity to light and sound, increased sweating, and irritability. It’s a pretty unpleasant mix that can really put a damper on your day!
Editor: It sure sounds like it. Many people have their own “cures” for a hangover. Are there any scientifically proven remedies or best practices that can help mitigate these symptoms?
Dr. Carter: The best approach focuses on prevention and supportive care. Staying hydrated before, during, and after drinking can help reduce the severity of a hangover. Consuming food, especially those rich in carbohydrates, can also aid in slower alcohol absorption. Once a hangover has set in, rehydration with electrolytes, rest, and gentle nutrition can help. However, there’s no magic cure; time is ultimately the best healer.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Dr. Carter! As a final question, what advice do you have for those looking to enjoy a social drink while minimizing the risk of a hangover?
Dr. Carter: Moderation is key. Understanding your limits and pacing your drinks can hugely influence your experience. It’s also beneficial to pay attention to the types of drinks you consume—darker liquors tend to have more congeners, which might exacerbate hangover symptoms. Lastly, don’t forget to mix in non-alcoholic beverages, like water, to stay hydrated.
Editor: Wise words! Thank you for sharing your expertise on this relatable yet often underestimated topic. It’s clear that knowlege about hangovers can help many better prepare for their social outings.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! I hope this facts helps your readers enjoy their drinks while also taking care of their well-being.