The phenomenon of the resaque: more than a simple morning discomfort
Every week, millions of people in the world face that unpleasant drunken companion called Dlaw, a reaction that goes beyond a simple discomfort of the next morning. Actually, this condition, which especially affects men, results from an intricate chemical ballet that our body performs every time we eat alcohol and other toxic.
A journey through the liver: from the drink to metabolism
When we lift a drink, a fascinating process occurs in our body: that cup not only goes directly, but first crosses a processing center called a liver. This organ acts as a filter, transforming substances such as alcohol into compounds that our body can manage better. The key variable in this process is the ‘liver metabolization’, which decomposes alcohol in less harmful parts.
The paper of the liver in alcohol toxicity
Surprisingly, the liver does not produce an enzyme that directly neutralizes alcohol. Instead, it makes it a acetaldehyde, a much more aggressive and toxic compound. Only later, in a second step, this acetaldehyde is transformed into acetic acid, a harmless metabolite. The dynamic is not simple: while the process occurs, the presence of acetaldehyde in the blood can be up to 30 times more harmful than the alcohol itself.
Why did we get so fast and cost us so much to get out of it?
The speed with which the body absorbs alcohol in the intestines far exceeds the liver speed to metabolize it. On average, a person can absorb approximately 300 ml of beer or a glass of wine per hour. If Subone is taken several glasses in a short time, the body will have to battle for hours to eliminate those toxic substances.
And if the intake is done with an empty stomach, that absorption becomes a much more efficient process, leading to a more intense and fast poisoning. Therefore, eating foods rich in protein or sugars before or during intake can slow this process and reduce the harmful effects.
Of the effects on the head and body: how alcohol alters us
From a small dose, alcohol begins to alter our mind, acting as a stimulant for neurons and giving us a feeling of euphoria. But as your blood concentration rises, we notice that coordination, attention and trial begin to fail. From inappropriate comments to dangerous actions, everything becomes more likely.
At very high levels, neurons are completely intoxicated, making the nervous system enter into a state of inhibition, unable to function logically. In extreme cases, this can climb to the coma, or in fatal situations, death.
The hangover: when the party ends with unpleasant discomfort
After hours of chemical battle, the expected (or feared) time comes: the hangover. It is like a reminder that our body still fights the substances we ingest, especially when blood alcohol levels are reduced to zero, but damage persists.
The discomfort is explained by three internal wars: the toxicity of acetaldehyde, hypoglycemia and dehydration. Acetaldehyde, in particular, is a silent enemy, which can be present up to 30 times longer than alcohol and damages the body’s cells, generating generalized inflammation.
What about our brain and our body during the hangover?
The nervous system, punished by toxins, generates a dream of poor quality and feeling of exhaustion. In addition, alcohol inhibits the production of a key hormone called ADH, responsible for regulating the amount of water we eliminate, which explains why one ends up urinating until it is in a kind of pure water after a night of drinks.
Minimizing damage: tips to handle the hangover
The best strategy to avoid a championship hangover is to moderate the amount of alcohol in a short period. For example, limiting about four glasses in two hours helps the liver have enough time to process and eliminate toxins.
Eating before drinking, preferably with proteins and carbohydrates, also helps reduce absorption speed. Thus, we are one step ahead of discomfort.
Throughout the night, staying hydrated with water or isotonic drinks can make a difference, both in prevention and recovery. And, of course, avoid miraculous remedies and trust hydration and rest, that pair of infallible allies when the party ends.
