WHEN you open your presents tomorrow, the last thing you want for Christmas is a hangover – but millions of us will be nursing them come Boxing Day.
Across the UK, 250 MILLION pints of beer will be drunk over the holiday period — not to mention the fizz and sherry poured out on Christmas Day, with most people saying they have had their first drink before midday.
GettyMillions of us will be nursing Christmas hangovers come Boxing Day[/caption]
But what does that booze do to your body and mind, and why do some of us get hangovers and others do not?
Addiction expert Dr Radu Iosub tells Sun on Sunday Health what is really going on when you suffer the day after drinking.
Dr Iosub, consultant psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Bristol, says: “Even a single episode of excessive alcohol consumption can cause a hangover — and drinking over several days during party season, will increase the likelihood and severity of hangover.”
We all know that foggy feeling, but symptoms extend beyond a woolly mouth and fuzzy head.
He says: “Physical symptoms include fatigue, headache, muscle aches, thirst, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tremors and sweating.
“Psychological symptoms include mood distractions, especially low mood, anxiety and irritability, reduced concentration, poor sleep and dizziness.
“You don’t need to consume copious amounts and have a high level of alcohol concentration in your bloodstream in order to get a hangover.
“Recent research shows that the slower alcohol is metabolised and eliminated by your body, the higher the severity of hangovers.”
Here, we put hangover questions to Dr Iosub.
Why do we get hangovers?
GettyIt’s more than just alcohol that contributes to your hangover and its severity[/caption]
“Some of the contributing factors are thought to be associated with the direct effect of alcohol on your body and mind — such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar, gastrointestinal issues and disruption to sleep and biological rhythms.”
Does it make a difference what you drink?
“Scientists have found that it’s not just the alcohol in your drink that contributes to a hangover.
“Congeners — chemical compounds from the fermenting and distilling process — can make a hangover worse.
“They’re higher in dark coloured drinks such as red wine and rum.”
Why do some people get hangovers and others do not?
Up to one in five people is said to be resistant to hangovers.
Studies found women suffer worse than men due to lower levels of body water, higher levels of fat which retains alcohol, and lower quantities of the enzyme which breaks down booze.
Dr Iosub says: “The more you drink over a longer period directly relates to the risk of getting a hangover.
“Evidence suggests symptoms are most severe among heavy and chronic drinkers.
“But some people experience a hangover after only a few drinks — and some heavy drinkers will not experience hangovers at all.”
Age, weight, metabolism and your body’s inflammatory response all make a difference.
What is the best way to cut back on drinking – and hangovers – at parties?
GettyTry to pace yourself while enjoying Christmas parties[/caption]
“Socialising during Christmas is an essential aspect of our culture,” says Dr Iosub.
“If you are prone to hangovers try to decide how much you’ll drink before the party, stick to a set number and pace yourself.”
He also recommends alternating alcoholic drinks with water to keep hydrated.
And don’t drink on an empty stomach.
He says: “Eating before drinking will slow down alcohol absorption — although it won’t remove the risks of harm and a hangover if you drink too much.”
Can you treat or cure a hangover?
GettyThe best thing to do to fight a hangover is to keep well hydrated[/caption]
The NHS recommends sugary drinks to deal with the shakes and vegetable broth to top up vitamins but many opt for a hair of the dog solution.
The doctor says: “It might seem like a temporary fix but drinking more will only prolong the hangover.
“There’s a lack of proven treatments or remedies — despite demand from those experiencing the effects.
“The best thing to do is keep well hydrated, rest and avoid stress or overstimulation.
“Taking over-the-counter pain relief and easy-to-digest foods that are gentle on the stomach can all ease the symptoms.”
What is the difference between alcohol poisoning and a hangover?
It can be hard to distinguish between a hangover and more serious alcohol poisoning but Dr Iosub says the timing of symptoms makes the distinction.
Dr Iosub says: “Hangovers generally start when alcohol levels in your body, called blood alcohol concentration, begin to drop, and symptoms peak when it returns to zero.
“They may continue for up to 24 hours afterwards which is why people feel unwell the next day.”
Alcohol poisoning begins within minutes or a few hours of starting to drink. Dr Iosub says: “Symptoms can get progressively worse.
“Initially, a person might display confusion, slurred speech and impaired coordination.
“They may develop nausea and vomiting, body temperature may drop or breathing may become rapid and shallow.
“As alcohol levels rise, the person might become unconscious or unresponsive, progressing to seizures, due to the impact of alcohol on the brain.
“In very severe cases of alcohol poisoning breathing can become slow, irregular, or even stop, leading to life-threatening situations.
“If you regularly drink large amounts — 14 units is the recommended weekly amount — it may be time to reconsider your relationship with alcohol.
“Addiction creeps up on you, and can happen to any of us.
“So enjoy the festive season, but take time to think about how much you’re drinking and why.
“If your drinking habits have become harmful, then it’s always wise to seek medical support.”
To understand more about drinking go to drinkaware.co.uk.