Another common symptom of dehydration caused by alcohol consumption is dizziness and lightheadedness, which can increase the risk of falls and other accidents. After a night of drinking it’s important to make sure you rehydrate. Stoutz says the best way to hydrate is to alternate alcohol and water while you’re drinking.
Alcohol Is Slowly Metabolized by the Body
If you’re consuming more alcohol during the holiday season, you’re not alone. Social drinking is just part of the holiday package — and homemade cocktails, wine, and champagne all deserve a spot in your celebrations. Alcohol dehydration cures abound, but before you trust old wives’ tales or the hair of the dog, read on.
How to counteract alcohol-induced dehydration
Despite its essential role, our body’s water balance can be easily upset, particularly by the consumption of alcohol. It’s important to note that the severity of alcohol dehydration depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and the individual’s body composition. A person who consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time is more likely to experience severe dehydration than someone who drinks moderately over a longer period of time.
Alcohol and your body: What happens
There’s less air pressure, so alcohol enters your bloodstream even more rapidly. If you’re drinking at altitude, you should probably start out with less alcohol than usual. Remember to listen to your body, prep with hydration minerals (aka electrolytes), and never drink does alcohol dehydrate you on an empty stomach. “It’s important to replenish fluids after drinking, or better yet, while drinking,” Sternlicht says. “If you are looking to find a drink that is less dehydrating, try choosing ones that you would enjoy over a longer period of time,” Richardson says.
- Pre-mixed isotonic sports drinks are becoming increasingly popular and are marketed as a health-promoting source of electrolytes to support optimal hydration.
- ADH stands for antidiuretic hormone (also known as vasopressin).
- And Redditors have recently been sharing heartbreaking stories of the worst parenting they’ve ever witnessed.
Just remember to follow the NHS recommendation to have them in moderation. In some cases, such as during pregnancy or if you have certain health conditions, the NHS advises limiting your caffeine intake even more. While water is one of the best drinks for hydration, drinking plain water without electrolytes can worsen dehydration. Avoid pre-mixed https://ecosoberhouse.com/ sports drinks and instead opt for a sugar-free electrolyte powder formulated with a potassium-to-sodium ratio of around 1,000 milligrams of potassium and 40 milligrams of sodium. Pre-mixed isotonic sports drinks are becoming increasingly popular and are marketed as a health-promoting source of electrolytes to support optimal hydration.
Cane Sugar Only
