Hangover: myths and truths about it –

Drinking too much is not healthy. But if you happen to step out of line, it’s good to know: there is no solution capable of eliminating alcohol from the organism at once, avoiding post-night out symptoms. Popular recipes can alleviate nausea and headaches, but nutrologist Tamara Mazaracki, from Rio de Janeiro, and hepatologists Mônica Viana and Tércio Genzini, both from São Paulo, warn: not all of them work.

Why is it bad to drink on an empty stomach?

With no other food in the stomach to digest, the body absorbs the drink quickly, making you feel the effects of alcohol in the first few sips. So, always eat something light (a slice of wholemeal bread with turkey breast, for example) before drinking and, if possible, during. But avoid spicy snacks along with the drink, as pepper irritates the stomach lining, worsening a common symptom when you exaggerate the number of drinks: gastritis the next day.

Does taking a spoonful of olive oil before and after drinking ease a hangover?

Yes, especially extra virgin olive oil. Rich in essential fatty acids, it protects the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol, in addition to lining the stomach mucosa, reducing the absorption of alcohol. Other oils with this potential: coconut, macadamia and avocado.

Why should I drink water with my drink?

Water dilutes the concentration of alcohol, softening its power to dehydrate the body. The ideal is to intersperse the drink with sips of water, consuming at least one glass.

Good quality alcoholic drinks don’t give you a hangover?

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Inferior quality drinks tend to have a lot of coloring or ingredients that enhance the effect of alcohol, intensifying the symptoms of a hangover: headache, nausea, mental confusion… But worse than a bad drink is exaggerating the dose, exceeding the amount of alcohol that the liver is able to process.

Do hangover remedies work?

They can relieve nausea or a headache. But they are not able to speed up the liver’s process of eliminating alcohol toxins.

Coffee or cold bath cut the effects of alcohol?

These are strategies that stimulate the central nervous system, subtly reducing the feeling of sluggishness and tiredness. Coffee also helps to reorganize the mental confusion caused by drinking.

Does mixing drinks make a difference?

Yes, the more types of drinks you mix, the worse the hangover will be. Avoid this type of alchemy, especially with distillates (whiskey, cachaça, vodka), which have a high alcohol content.

Does drinking one more drink in the morning cure a hangover?

A hangover is a sign that the liver is not coping with the drink consumed the night before. Drinking more will only make the situation worse.

Why do I sometimes get sick even after drinking a little?

Women are less resistant to alcohol (much less than men). In PMS, because of hormonal changes, this limit is even lower and you don’t need to reach the end of the first glass to feel the effects of the drink.

The next day, should I eat little?

After abusing the drink, it is important to detoxify the organism with a light diet, based on greens, vegetables and, especially, fruits. Fructose accelerates the metabolism of alcohol and the elimination of toxins. It is also good to drink plenty of water, coconut water, tea and juice.

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Does exercising relieve post-night slump?

Moving the body increases circulation, speeding the elimination of alcohol toxins. But take it easy on the intensity so you don’t get even more dehydrated, and drink plenty of fluids.