Causes of Hangover

A hangover is the group of unpleasant symptoms that follow heavy drinking, usually once alcohol has mostly left the blood. It has no single cause. Several effects of alcohol act together.

What happens in the body

• Dehydration: alcohol increases urination, so the body loses fluid and salts. This adds to thirst, headache and dizziness.
• Acetaldehyde: the liver turns alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that is then broken down further. Its build-up may add to nausea and flushing.
• Inflammation: alcohol triggers inflammatory signals that can cause tiredness and aching.
• Stomach irritation: alcohol raises stomach acid and can irritate the lining, causing nausea and pain.
• Low blood sugar: alcohol can lower blood sugar, adding weakness and shakiness.
• Poor sleep: alcohol breaks up sleep, so you wake unrefreshed.
• Congeners: substances in darker drinks such as whisky and red wine may make a hangover worse than clear drinks do.

What raises the chance

Drinking quickly, drinking on an empty stomach, mixing drinks, little sleep, smoking and a family history all play a part. Hangover severity does not match the amount drunk exactly, and some people get one after only a little alcohol.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda calls the state of intoxication madatyaya and links it to aggravated pitta. This is an interpretive framework and not a proven explanation.

Key point

A hangover is a sign that the body has been stressed by alcohol, not something that can be avoided by a trick.

Before your appointment

Note how much and what you drank, over how long, and your symptoms. List any medicines or supplements taken, how often hangovers occur, and any past liver, stomach or heart problems. Be open with your doctor about alcohol use, since this helps them advise you safely.