What is a hangover?

The common hangover includes some or all of the following:

• Headache
• Poor sense of overall well being
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Trembling
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Trouble concentrating
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weakness

The most common symptoms are headache, fatigue and dehydration.

Other than the number of drinks consumed, hangovers can be made worse by drinking on an empty stomach, lack of sleep, increased physical activity while drinking, poor health, etc.

Here are some hangover myths/facts:

• Hair of a dog - myth
• Burnt toast - myth
• Black coffee - myth
• Fried or fatty foods - myth
• Eggs - fact
• Bananas - fact
• Water - fact
• Fruit juice - fact
• Painkiller - fact (if non-caffeinated and acetaminophen-free)
• Over-the counter-remedies - fact (if it is a carbon based product)
• Time - fact

The best way to avoid a hangover, is of course, not to drink alcohol. There were some researchers who found the following regimen that minimizes the symptoms of a hangover.

• Eat a full meal before drinking
• Drink a glass of water before drinking
• Take multi-vitamins before drinking
• Drink in moderation
• Drink a glass of water after every alcohol beverage
• Take two aspirin and a full glass of water before bed
• Take two more aspirin and a full glass of water in the morning
• Take another multi-vitamin in the morning
• Eat breakfast in the morning

Credits

http://www.howstuffworks.com/