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ExpertSpotlight: Why Hangovers Hurt (and Why Almost Everyone Gets Them Wrong)
The hangover is the ultimate party plot twist: a night of celebration followed by a morning of regret. Headache, nausea, fatigue, brain fog, these aren’t random punishments for having fun. They’re your body’s way of saying it’s been busy processing alcohol, which acts as a diuretic (hello dehydration), irritates the stomach lining, disrupts sleep, and triggers inflammation. Even “just a few drinks” can tip that balance, especially when sleep is short and water is scarce. One of the biggest myths is that hangovers are all about dehydration. Water helps, but it’s only part of the story. Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct that contributes to headaches and nausea. It also messes with blood sugar, expands blood vessels, and fragments REM sleep, which is why you can wake up exhausted even after eight hours in bed. Darker drinks often get blamed too; while congeners (chemical byproducts in darker alcohols) can make symptoms worse for some people, quantity and timing usually matter more than color. Then there’s the cure-all folklore: greasy breakfasts, hair of the dog, miracle supplements. Some comfort foods can help stabilize blood sugar, and anti-inflammatory foods may take the edge off, but no remedy truly “cures” a hangover once it’s underway. Time, hydration, light food, and rest remain the most reliable fixes. Prevention, of course, is king: pacing drinks, alternating with water, eating beforehand, and prioritizing sleep do far more than any next-morning hack. Journalists covering health, lifestyle, or New Year’s recovery stories: connect with experts who can explain the real science behind hangovers, what actually works, what’s wishful thinking, and how our bodies respond to alcohol. Whether you’re debunking myths or offering evidence-based tips, expert insight can turn morning-after misery into a smarter story. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com



