Drinking Alcohol, harm mitigation

This revision is from 2023/08/09 14:20. You can Restore it.

Social death and sobriety and all that. Going to the bar and drinks like adults do and if you had a good night, your home after midnight, each hour after is another level on the good-time meter.

A clean drug that medicates inhibition is not to be found, hoever some candidates have been proposed but mitigation of the situation.

Hangover cause

Shortly after a person starts consuming an alcoholic drink, the liver gets to work. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) metabolizes the ethanol (that's the type of alcohol in alcohol) into toxic acetaldehyde. From there the liver enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) metabolizes acetaldehyde into acetate, a less toxic compound that breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, some alcohol metabolism also occurs in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract and the brain, but the liver does the bulk of the work with its two enzymes.

The problem is: all this takes time and, the next day, the drinker suffers.

The two biggest advice are...

  1. drink plenty of water, before, during and after
  2. take a big full water bottle to bed with you and keep it at arms length.
  3. dose up on vitamins and minerals. Counter the diuretic with antidiuretic such as potassium.
  4. perhaps taurine promotes efficient elimination of acetaldehyde

  1. Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can cause symptoms like thirst, dry mouth, and dizziness.
  2. Electrolyte Imbalance: Alcohol consumption can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, leading to weakness and fatigue.
  3. Acetaldehyde: When the liver metabolizes alcohol, it produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde. This compound is thought to contribute to hangover symptoms, including nausea and headaches.
  4. Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
  5. Disruption of Sleep Patterns: Although alcohol can initially make you drowsy and help you fall asleep, it can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor-quality sleep and fatigue the next day.

It is possible better to consume more water than to persue a natural anti-diuretic. As for foods, herbs, and supplements with anti-diuretic properties, they can help retain water and counteract the diuretic effects of certain substances, but they are not equivalent to prescription medications. Here are some examples:

  1. Watermelon: Watermelon is high in water content and contains potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
  2. Ginger: Ginger has been used traditionally to help reduce excessive urination and promote hydration.
  3. Barley water: Barley water is known for its diuretic balancing effects. It can be made by boiling barley in water and then straining the liquid.
  4. Hawthorn: Hawthorn is an herb that has been used for its potential diuretic-balancing effects.
  5. Nettle: Nettle is believed to have mild diuretic properties while also providing essential nutrients.
  6. Borage: Borage is another herb known for its diuretic balancing effects.

In Search of a Cure for the Dreaded Hangover

  

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