rkcstr
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Hangover advice? Don't drink! Or at least use moderation 
Anyway, as others have said, a hangover is a combination of the effects of dehydration and toxic metabolites from the break down of alcohol. Primarily it is thought to be acetaldehyde that is the cause. Acetaldehyde can react to produce free radicals, which cause havoc in surrounding tissues. The body typically has defenses against free radicals, which can get used up with metabolism of alcohol, which allows them to affect the body.
Alcohol metabolism can also deplete reserves of cofactors needed for the reactions in general metabolism as well, meaning your body has a tough time with it's normal energy production.
Replenishing fluids is primarily the thing to do since it will relieve the dehydration and also dilute the metabolites. Drinking fluids is a good step, but most severe hangovers will cause you to vomit it up before you absorb much. So, drinking small amounts over time (like a sip every few minutes) will be more effective. And, as Mohrenberg pointed out, IV fluids would work great since you're bypassing the gut altogether and putting fluids straight in the blood. But, if you can't do that, something that has electrolytes to aid in absorption (like Gatorade) will work best.
Sugars like glucose (corn syrup) and fructose (fruit sugars), commonly combined in something called "high fructose corn syrup", can help relieve nausea and boost energy as well. That's why some people may have had their mom give them "flat" pop (decarbonated sugary drinks) when they're sick.
You can also try some anti-emetics like motion sickness pills (ie Dramamine) or can even try Benedryl, which has similar but more weak effects. Cannabinoids (ie marijuana) similarly can help with nausea. They have an appetite-stimulating effect, but unless you have doctor friends who can give you Marinol (prescription THC) or live in a region with no legalities, it is a little riskier of a solution.
Anyway, as others have said, a hangover is a combination of the effects of dehydration and toxic metabolites from the break down of alcohol. Primarily it is thought to be acetaldehyde that is the cause. Acetaldehyde can react to produce free radicals, which cause havoc in surrounding tissues. The body typically has defenses against free radicals, which can get used up with metabolism of alcohol, which allows them to affect the body.
Alcohol metabolism can also deplete reserves of cofactors needed for the reactions in general metabolism as well, meaning your body has a tough time with it's normal energy production.
Replenishing fluids is primarily the thing to do since it will relieve the dehydration and also dilute the metabolites. Drinking fluids is a good step, but most severe hangovers will cause you to vomit it up before you absorb much. So, drinking small amounts over time (like a sip every few minutes) will be more effective. And, as Mohrenberg pointed out, IV fluids would work great since you're bypassing the gut altogether and putting fluids straight in the blood. But, if you can't do that, something that has electrolytes to aid in absorption (like Gatorade) will work best.
Sugars like glucose (corn syrup) and fructose (fruit sugars), commonly combined in something called "high fructose corn syrup", can help relieve nausea and boost energy as well. That's why some people may have had their mom give them "flat" pop (decarbonated sugary drinks) when they're sick.
You can also try some anti-emetics like motion sickness pills (ie Dramamine) or can even try Benedryl, which has similar but more weak effects. Cannabinoids (ie marijuana) similarly can help with nausea. They have an appetite-stimulating effect, but unless you have doctor friends who can give you Marinol (prescription THC) or live in a region with no legalities, it is a little riskier of a solution.
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