Why drinking water won’t cure your hangover: new research

There’s a persistent belief that drinking water after a night of drinking can counteract the effects of too much alcohol, but experts say it does little to prevent the fresh inferno of a hangover.

Using data from three studies, researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands concluded that dehydration is not the only cause of a hangover – meaning that drinking water has a limited effect on the body’s recovery.

The review tracked the hangover symptoms of alcoholics who drank water before bed versus those who did not. The results showed that those who drank water felt less dehydrated, but experienced the same degree of pain, nausea and exhaustion as those who chose to forgo H.₂O.

The researchers concluded that drinking water during or directly after a drinking session is ineffective in preventing hangovers. Further, drinking water after the onset of a hangover has not been shown to alleviate the severity of symptoms.

Dr. Johnny Parvani, founder and chief medical officer of REVIV, previously told The Post, “A hangover is a clinical condition characterized by a combination of effects from alcohol metabolism and dehydration,” supporting the claim that a hangover includes, but is not limited to. until dehydration.

According to the review, dehydration is caused by the loss of water and electrolytes due to activation of the hormonal system that regulates blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance. Meanwhile, the characteristic effects of an alcohol hangover are the result of oxidative stress and the body’s inflammatory response to alcohol consumption.

Dehydration causes thirst, a common morning-after symptom, but studies show that thirst and dehydration are relatively short-lived. However, other drinking-related pains tend to last throughout the day.

According to lead author Dr Joris Verster from Utrecht University, the relationship between drinking and punishment is direct, “The more you drink, the more likely you are to have a hangover. Drinking water can help with thirst and mouth dry, but it will not remove the misery, headache and nausea.”

The review concludes “that hangover and dehydration are two common but independent consequences of alcohol consumption.”

Anecdotal evidence suggests that hangovers get worse over time.

Research shows that as we age, our liver function declines, our bodies hold less water and we lose muscle mass. This can mean that a higher concentration of alcohol remains in our bloodstream and a stronger hangover awaits us the following morning.

Despite a clear demand and serious consumer needs, there is currently no commercially proven, scientifically proven hangover treatment.

While abstinence from alcohol is your best defense against its crippling effects, a nutritionist recently offered her foods and drinks to offset the effects of overindulgence.