Why drinking lot of water won’t help hangover: New study
Photo: Why water won't help with a hangover (freepik.com)
There is a common belief that drinking a lot of water after a night of drinking can counteract the effects of a hangover, but experts say it does little to help with hangover symptoms, according to a University in the Netherlands.
What the research indicates
Using data from three studies, scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands concluded that dehydration is not the sole cause of a hangover, meaning that drinking water has a limited impact on recovery.
In the study, hangover symptoms were tracked in individuals who drank water before bed compared to those who did not. The results showed that those who drank water experienced less dehydration but reported the same levels of pain, nausea, and exhaustion as those who avoided water.
Researchers concluded that drinking water during or immediately after a drinking session is ineffective in preventing a hangover. Additionally, there was no evidence that drinking water after a hangover reduces the severity of symptoms.
Dr. Parwani explained that hangovers are a clinical condition marked by a combination of effects from alcohol metabolism and dehydration. He noted that this confirms that hangovers involve more than just dehydration.
According to the review, dehydration is caused by the loss of water and electrolytes through the activation of the hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte balance. Meanwhile, the characteristic effects of an alcohol hangover result from oxidative stress and the body’s inflammatory response to alcohol consumption.
Dehydration causes thirst, a common symptom the next morning, but studies show that thirst and dehydration are relatively short-lived. However, other alcohol-related pains typically persist throughout the day.
Scientific data also indicate that hangovers worsen over time. Research shows that with age, liver function declines, the body has less water, and muscle mass decreases. This may lead to higher concentrations of alcohol in the blood, resulting in more severe hangovers the next morning.
Also read, a nutritionist explains whether olive oil really cures a hangover.
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