When you wake up with the nasty headache and debilitating nausea of a hangover, you may be willing to try almost anything to get rid of the symptoms. Among the endless hangover remedies out there, you might be tempted to try "breaking a sweat" last night's alcohol.
And while this theory may seem foolproof, there is no real evidence to support exercise as a hangover cure. In fact, it can leave you worse. So before going to the park or training at home and putting yourself at risk, this is all you should know.
Hangover Symptoms
If you've had too many drinks or shots, you may experience a hangover the next day. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula for the number of drinks you can have without feeling sick the next day. Therefore, drink safely and in moderation.
Hangovers usually last about 24 hours and begin when your blood alcohol level begins to drop to zero. Depending on how much you drank, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, headache and muscle pain, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and altered mood , among others.
As a diuretic, alcohol causes more frequent urination, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is usually combined with symptoms such as extreme sadness, dry mouth, or dizziness. That is why it is important to stay hydrated while you drink alcohol when you get home.
Can exercise eliminate symptoms?
From detox shakes to spinning classes, there are countless mythical hangover remedies. But just as green juice doesn't undo a night of drinking, there is no solid research to support the alcohol "sweat" theory, according to a November 2013 study published in Clinical Liver Disease.
The reason some people may feel better after exercising with a hangover probably has more to do with the positive effects of the exercise itself . Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down neuronal function and affects mood and emotions. Even the aftermath of a hangover can make you feel more stressed or anxious.
However, exercise is the opposite extreme. Physical activity causes your body to release ndorphins (your body's natural pain relievers), which help improve your mood and can help reduce stress and / or anxiety. Not to mention, exercise can also help reduce inflammation in the body, another hangover symptom.
Risks of exercising with a hangover
So while your sweat session may seem like it cured your hangover, only the general benefits of exercise are likely to positively affect your body. But before you put on your shoes and go for a run, it's important to consider some of the potential risks of exercising with a hangover.
In most cases, dehydration does not extend beyond a dry mouth and perhaps a little lightheadedness. But when you combine sweating and exercise, the effects of dehydration become riskier.
Fluids help regulate body temperature and blood pressure. In some cases, dehydration can cause blood pressure to drop , which can lead to dizziness or fainting.
Additionally, exercising with a hangover can also lead to injury . When you have a hangover, it is common to experience fatigue, dizziness, or increased sensitivity to light. You are also likely to experience problems with dexterity and concentration . Therefore, it is no wonder that you are a little more clumsy and that you are not in the best time to lift heavy things or operate cardio machines.
However, you can do some movement (like walking) for sure, but it is best to skip a high intensity training session. Go for low-impact exercises that you can even do at home. Yoga or Pilates are great options, as they don't make you sweat too much, they emphasize relaxation, and they generally have a slower pace.
