Some people enjoy having a glass of wine each evening. Others are social drinkers and grab a few beers with friends. Alcoholic beverages can contribute to having a good time, but they also affect your body in the morning.
You’ve experienced headaches, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, and similar symptoms. These are dehydration symptoms that contribute to feeling hung over. Here is a detailed guide on how these alcoholic drinks dehydrate you and how to rehydrate effectively.
How Does Alcohol Dehydrate Your Body?
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes you to use the restroom more frequently than usual. Due to alcohol’s diuretic characteristics, your urine output will be higher than your drink consumption. Enjoying several beers or glasses of wine can result in significant fluid loss, leading to dehydration.
Alcohol also lowers vasopressin production. That hormone restricts your urine output by motivating your body to preserve water. Alcohol interferes with nutrient absorption, including vitamins like folic acid and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Does Alcohol Dehydrate Muscles, Skin, and the Brain?
Alcoholic beverages tend to have an overall dehydrating effect. Some studies show it can increase oxidative stress and adjust hormone levels to cause acne while negatively impacting aging signs. In the long run, alcohol could negatively affect cognitive functions and mental health.
Tips to Avoid Alcohol Dehydration
Prevention is the best cure, so it’s best to avoid alcohol dehydration in the first place. Here are some tips on how to avoid it:
- Stick to a healthy diet. If you load nutrients before you drink, you’ll have generous storage available even when consuming alcohol.
- Don’t forget to hydrate. Remember to alternate a glass of water between your alcoholic beverages. Drinking enough water and staying hydrated is imperative to avoid those negative symptoms in the morning.
- Don’t go over your limit. Some people can handle five beers, while others feel the alcohol effects after just one. Everyone is different; understand your limitations and stop drinking when you feel uncomfortable.
- IV therapy in Green Bay is a quick and efficient method to restore energy and get a vitamin boost after consuming alcoholic drinks.
How to Deal with Alcohol Dehydration:
Drinking water is the fundamental way to hydrate, so consume sufficient amounts before, during, and after you drink alcohol. Here are a few additional measures you can take if you are experiencing alcohol dehydration symptoms.
Drink a Sports Drink Filled with Electrolytes
Electrolytes deliver nutrients and water to the areas your body needs them the most. That’s why sports drinks loaded with electrolytes are a good idea after drinking alcohol.
Eat Vitamin and Protein-Rich Food
You might not feel hungry when experiencing a headache or feeling woozy. However, eating breakfast after a night out is crucial. Whip up some eggs and bacon to get that nutrient boost that will help you recover quickly.
Get Some Physical Exercise to Get the Adrenaline Going
The primary idea of physical activity is to boost your metabolism. Some light exercise allows your body the chance to process alcohol faster. It takes more time to process alcoholic beverages than water, but exercise can be a great way to speed things up.
Grab a Cup of Coffee
If a cup of coffee is a treasured aspect of your morning ritual, keep that. Coffee can increase your alertness and deliver an energizing effect. Just keep in mind the fact that coffee, like alcohol, is a diuretic, so keep a glass of water on hand.
Allow Yourself to Recharge
There isn’t a magic wand that can make alcohol dehydration symptoms disappear instantly. Allow your body to rest and recharge after a big night out. Whether it’s some extra sleep or a leisure activity, don’t overstress yourself after a night of alcoholic beverages.
Final Thoughts
The more you consume alcohol, the higher your chances of experiencing dehydration symptoms. The crucial tip is to pause and allow your body to recover if you recognize dehydration effects. Be conscious of your alcohol consumption in the future. Limiting use to an amount that makes you feel comfortable, and consuming enough water during and after drinking alcohol can help you avoid feeling those side effects again.