It's a symptom of immoderation…the aptly named hangover occurs after excessive alcohol consumption. What follows is a rough night and wake up and some very unpleasant symptoms. What exactly are they referring to? Here are our answers.
A hangover is a form of alcohol poisoning. While symptoms may vary from person to person, they generally include fatigue, feeling weak, thirst, headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, abnormal sweating, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and noise. Or even anxiety and/or irritability…
Physiologically, this excessive alcohol consumption leads to mild dehydration. Because alcohol inhibits the release of vasopressin, a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. What is its mission in this context? Sending signals to the kidneys, telling them to retain fluid. As a result, urination increases, causing slight dehydration. Hence, feeling thirsty, tired, or even having a headache.
Unwanted molecule
At the digestive level, excessive alcohol intake irritates the stomach lining and thus increases the secretion of stomach acid, which may lead to nausea and discomfort in this area. Finally, a molecule called acetaldehyde also plays some very nasty tricks. Under the influence of alcohol, it is produced mainly in the liver, contributing to inflammation of the latter but also to inflammation of the pancreas, brain and even the gastrointestinal tract.
The National Academy of Medicine warns in its dictionary that “acetaldehyde is a highly toxic compound that is thought to play a major role in the development of liver disease in heavy alcohol consumers. Its odor is perceptible on the breath of the person who has consumed it.” A large amount of alcoholic beverages.
