The After Effects Of Too Much Alcohol In The System And Tips To Avoid A Hangover

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 How Alcohol can be toxic in the body


Studies say that small amounts of alcohol is good for you, but these studies are inconsistent because the body naturally makes the alcohol in our gastrointestinal tract with the help of fungi from sugars (carbohydrates) in the body which is scientifically a by-product of carbohydrate metabolism.

When engaging in 'party drinking', the alcohol after consumption is sent to the liver. In the liver the alcohol is going to find an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase and this enzyme reacts with the alcohol and converts it acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is more toxic than the alcohol (ethanol) itself, in very high amounts it is poisoning and might kill you. Luckily the liver also produces an enzyme that converts the acetaldehyde  to acetate, and the body detoxifies (the alcohol leaves your system). Acetate is eliminated in the body through a process called oxidation, where the acetate is broken down into water and carbon dioxide. Excess acetate is excreted from the body through the lungs as carbon dioxide, and in smaller amounts through the kidney as urine.

The amount of alcohol drunk in a short span of time contributes to how fast the body can metabolise and detox it. The higher the volume of alcohol, the more it interacts with the rest of the body's organs (through the absorption process: mouth, stomach, intestines, liver, heart, kidneys, lungs and blood). Excessive amounts of alcohol disrupts protein synthesis which means the muscle tissues are less likely to get stronger even when exercising regularly, especially drinking after exercising. 

When large volumes of acetaldehyde are present in the liver, the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase metabolises the acetaldehyde much slower which keep the toxicity levels in the body higher for longer hence getting sick (hangover symptoms: fatigue, weakness, thirst, headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, vertigo, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, irritability, sweating, and increased blood pressure). Until all the acetaldehyde is metabolised into acetate and is excreted from the body, only then the body will start to recover. Hangovers are caused by dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals in the body which are sodium, potassium, phosphate calcium, magnesium, chloride and bicarbonate. Electrolytes are essential for many bodily functions including maintaining proper fluid balance, regulating blood pressure and pH, transmitting nerve signals, contacting muscles and supporting healthy metabolism.

Here are my tips on how to avoid a hangover even when partying hard

  • When ordering drinks also have water and electrolyte drinks like Powerade or Energade with you. While drinking alcohol, drink these liquids in between the alcoholic beverages. An example would be when getting to groove drink a glass of water first before drinking the alcohol, later after having two beers drink an electrolyte drink, then after drinking shots - drink some electrolytes; consume at least two bottles of electrolyte beverages while partying and a bottle of water within that groove period. This practice will lessen the hangover.
  • Order fried chips with a good amount of salt, the potassium of the chips and the sodium chloride of the salt will increase electrolyte intake.
  • Order meat, the phosphate in the meat has electrolytes.
  • Again, drink your electrolyte beverages. 
The morning after parting have fruit like watermelon, bananas, oranges and tomato. After some time have a balanced meal that has dairy, protein and some vegetables. Also drink a bicarbonate solution of water, mix bicarbonate powder with water and drink slowly after it has dissolved first thing after waking up. Remember to also rest to recover faster.

Taking alcohol in large volumes in a short time frame of a couple of hours is hazardous, it is quite toxic, rather have smaller volumes. Sure you are still young but liver damage catches up with you after your 30s. Try not to consume alcohol everyday but sparingly (liver disease is prominent), binge drinking affects other organs too. Even though  the liver regenerates, consistent absorption of alcohol disrupts it's regenerative properties. 

Stay safe and healthy,
With love,
Lerato Lilly

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