How does alcohol cause hangovers? - Judy Grisel
TED-Ed・3 minutes read
Hangovers are caused by alcohol disrupting bodily processes, with pure ethanol drinks potentially causing fewer symptoms compared to those with flavoring ingredients like whiskey and red wine. The most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink alcohol in moderation or abstain altogether.
Insights
- Hangovers are primarily caused by the consumption of alcohol, which disrupts multiple bodily processes such as hormone levels, dehydration, neurotransmitter signaling, mitochondrial damage, immune system stimulation, and gastrointestinal irritation.
- The severity of hangovers can be affected by the type of alcoholic beverage consumed, with pure ethanol drinks like gin and vodka potentially leading to milder symptoms compared to beverages containing flavoring ingredients like whiskey, brandy, and red wine. Preventing hangovers is most effectively done by drinking alcohol in moderation or abstaining completely, although consuming water, electrolyte beverages, and carbohydrates can help alleviate symptoms.
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Recent questions
What causes hangovers?
Hangovers are caused by alcohol disrupting bodily processes like hormone levels, dehydration, neurotransmitter signaling, mitochondrial damage, immune system stimulation, and gastrointestinal irritation.
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Summary
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Alcohol Type Affects Hangover Severity Study
- In a 1973 study, 20 volunteers consumed different alcoholic beverages once a week for 8 weeks to determine which drinks cause worse hangovers, with ethanol being the main culprit.
- Hangovers are caused by alcohol disrupting various bodily processes, including hormone levels, dehydration, neurotransmitter signaling, mitochondrial damage, immune system stimulation, and gastrointestinal irritation.
- Hangover severity can be influenced by the type of alcoholic beverage consumed, with pure ethanol drinks like gin and vodka potentially causing fewer symptoms compared to beverages with flavoring ingredients like whiskey, brandy, and red wine. Drinking water, electrolyte beverages, and eating carbs can help alleviate hangover symptoms, but the most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink alcohol in moderation or abstain altogether.
