Photo Credit: Anton Danilov[/caption]Hangovers are often seen as a natural consequence of drinking too much. But did you know that as many as 30% of people are naturally resistant to hangovers? And for others, even a single drink can cause a hangover. This disparity in hangover occurrence may confuse you until you understand the anatomy of a hangover.
What Is a Hangover?
A hangover is the experience of adverse physical conditions after consuming alcohol. For some people, as long as they drink in moderation, there will be no hangover. Others might have a hangover after one drink if they are sensitive to impurities.
Hangover Symptoms
The symptoms of a hangover and the severity of symptoms may vary depending on an individual's tolerance for alcohol and the amount of alcohol consumed. Generally, people with a hangover will experience any one or several of the following:
- headache
- nausea
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- light sensitivity
- dehydration
- fever
- aversion to the smell or taste of alcohol
What Causes a Hangover?
There are two possible reasons that a drinker may experience a hangover. First is the dehydration due to increased urine production. Drinking a lot of water during or after your alcohol consumption can help to reduce the likelihood that you'll have a hangover.
However, water won't help if the hangover is caused by certain preservatives and impurities that are present in your drink. These chemicals may be present due to the fermentation process or as a method of enhancing the flavor of the drink you choose. If the toxins are causing your hangover then exercising can increase the rate at which your body detoxes.
Hangovers are no fun, but if you know how to prevent them or reduce their duration, they can become nothing more than a simple annoyance after a night out.