Hangover Headache: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
A hangover headache is a common symptom of drinking too much alcohol. It can be a throbbing sensation or a feeling of tightness in the head. While it may be tempting to reach for over-the-counter painkillers, there are other options to help alleviate your hangover headache. Let's take a look at what causes this type of headache and what you can do to get rid of it.
Causes of Hangover Headaches
Hangover headaches are caused by dehydration, which is why they tend to occur after heavy drinking sessions. Alcohol dehydrates the body and reduces the amount of water available in the brain. This leads to an increase in pressure within the brain and causes the familiar throbbing sensation we know as a hangover headache.
Another cause for hangover headaches is low blood sugar levels, often caused by consuming sugary drinks or eating high-sugar foods while drinking. Low blood sugar levels can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and even nausea — all of which can contribute to your hangover headache.
Remedies for Hangover Headache Relief
The best way to get rid of your hangover headache is to rehydrate your body as quickly as possible with electrolyte-rich fluids such as sports drinks or coconut water. You should also try to avoid sugary drinks like soda or juices and instead opt for plain water or herbal teas which will help replenish lost fluids without adding more sugar into your system. Eating light meals that contain complex carbohydrates will also help raise your blood sugar levels back up again and reduce your risk of further dehydration.
If you’re still struggling with pain after trying these remedies, then it might be worth taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce inflammation and relieve any lingering pain from your hangover headache. However, you should always talk with a doctor before taking any medication — especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding — as these medications may have adverse side effects on certain people.
Hangovers are never fun but luckily there are some simple steps you can take that may help reduce that dreaded throbbing sensation in your head caused by dehydration or low blood sugar levels due to heavy drinking sessions. Rehydrating with electrolyte-rich fluids, eating light meals containing complex carbs, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers (if necessary) are just some of the ways you can lessen the severity of your hangover headache so that you can feel better faster! However, as always when taking any kind of medication it’s important to speak with a medical professional beforehand just in case it could interact negatively with any existing conditions you may have.
