A Hangover’s Severity Can Depend on Type of Drink

Even those with modest drinking habits can find themselves having one too many come the holiday party season. So it’s wise to remember that whatever its form--as cocktail, champagne aperitif, wine or after-dinner brandy--alcohol is a drug.

As with any drug, its effects largely depend on the amount consumed, with too much causing the dreaded hangover. Cures for this morning-after malady are the stuff of legends and quackery; the only fail-safe way of avoiding a hangover is through prevention.

But, that said, the choice of drink can lessen the symptoms.

Port, brandy, whisky, dark rum, sherry, strong cider, red wine, strong dark ale and strong lager are rich in congeners--chemical byproducts of the fermentation process--that give alcoholic drinks their various tastes and aromas. Known to dilate blood vessels in the brain, congeners are largely responsible for the headaches experienced after a night on the town. Clear spirits such as vodka, gin and white rum along with white wine, light ale and lager contain significantly fewer congeners and are less likely to spark a sore head.

Contrary to popular belief, headaches are rarely due to dehydration as most alcoholic drinks are themselves a source of fluid. A 12-ounce glass of beer, for instance, counts as one alcoholic drink and quite clearly also provides 12 ounces of fluid. Should four beers be consumed, about 48 ounces of fluid will have been drunk and, although alcohol is mildly diuretic in nature, the body will still be well hydrated. The dry mouth often experienced after drinking alcohol (again, blame the congeners) will, however, feel better with a tall, cool glass of water.

Surprisingly, the concept of the “hair of the dog”--having another alcoholic drink to shake off hangover symptoms--does have some scientific rationale. Alcohol is broken down in the liver by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. Because the enzyme’s production is stimulated by alcohol, having one drink can increase its presence and help clear alcohol remaining in the body.

To tackle nausea on waking, reach for a cup of ginger tea. The volatile oils in ginger soothe linings of the digestive tract and restore normal movements of the digestive system, which are disturbed through excess alcohol. Peppermints can ease spasms of the digestive system, and chamomile tea can balance digestive secretions and calm the stomach.

Meanwhile, fruit or fruit juice can ameliorate feelings of shakiness and light-headedness caused by alcohol’s lowering of blood sugar.

If you do know that you are going to be drinking more than usual over Christmas, attempt to do so with a degree of moderation. Pace yourself, by having a glass of water for every glass of alcohol, and drink with food. And remember, prevention is most definitely preferable to a cure.

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Amanda Ursell, a dietitian and nutritionist, is a London-based freelance journalist. Her column appears twice a month. She can be reached at amanda@ursell.com.