Alcohol Dehydration

Alcohol dehydration - also known as a hangover - is a familiar morning after treat for anyone who has ever had too much to drink. Without even considering any of the long-term negative effects of excessive alcohol intake, the impact of a hangover is enough proof of the fact that drinking too much is not healthy.

Alcohol is what's known as a diuretic, which simply means that it causes an increase in urination. That means that the more alcohol a person drinks, the more they will feel the need to go to the bathroom. Need proof? Have a few beers. More urination means quicker water loss, and that is why we get dehydrated when we drink too much. And beer is not the only culprit. All alcoholic beverages have diuretic properties.

Besides boosting the desire to relieve ourselves, alcohol also depletes the body's vital stores of vitamins and minerals. The lack of these important nutrients can send many body functions out of balance. This causes uncomfortable symptoms on multiple levels: headache, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, irritability - all the basics of a hangover.

While there is no one cure for alcohol dehydration or a hangover, there are definitely a couple of things that can be done to decrease the severity of the symptoms. Of course, the best way to avoid a hangover is to avoid drinking alcohol in excess. Because it is not just the alcohol that causes the hangover, it is too much of the alcohol. A great way to reduce the amount you drink is to slow down your pace. In general, the faster we drink the more we drink, so keep that in mind the next time you go out.

Another way to lessen the effects of alcohol dehydration is to continue to hydrate the body while you are drinking. Every couple of drinks, take a break from the alcohol and have a glass of water. This will work to keep your body hydrated throughout a night of heavy drinking. The symptoms can also be held in check by drinking water before going to bed. If you know you had too much to drink, consume as much water as you can when you have finished drinking. It may not be comfortable, but it will replace at least some of the fluids that the alcohol has taken away.

When you wake up with a hangover, the best way to recover is to begin hydration quickly. Stay away from other diuretic beverages - like coffee and tea. Stick with water or Gatorade to replace the lost fluids, vitamins and minerals. And even if your stomach feels sick, you should eat. Food will also help to replenish the important nutrients that the alcohol has depleted from your body. Sleeping it off also works wonders when possible.