Rob Hobson elaborated on how drinking habits, coffee and pain relievers affect hangovers.
British nutritionist Rob Hobson has dispelled popular myths about alcohol in society.
For example, many believe that mixing alcoholic beverages intoxicates faster and leads to a stronger hangover the next day.
This is not the case, according to Hobson.
“Your body cannot differentiate a glass of wine from a pint of beer. If you’re mixing your drinks, it’s likely you’re just drinking more than you usually would, hence the horrendous hangover the next day,” said the nutritionist.
The order in which the various types of alcohol are consumed are also irrelevant.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that neither the type nor the order of alcohol consumption significantly affects the intensity of the main symptoms of a hangover, such as thirst, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain.
According to Rob, pain relievers taken at night after drinking alcohol will not save you from a morning hangover.
“While painkillers can help relieve the headaches and muscle aches associated with hangovers, their effects wear off after 4 hours or so. Therefore, it makes no sense to take them before you go to bed. If you’re really suffering the following day, try ibuprofen over paracetamol as the latter may interfere with liver function,” said the expert.
In addition, Hobson debunked the myth that strong coffee helps to sober up.
The drink does stimulate the nervous system and may help relieve fatigue, but it does not increase the rate at which alcohol is cleared from the body.
He further added that “Drinking on an empty stomach causes a more rapid rise in blood alcohol levels, meaning you will quickly feel the effects. It’s easy to do, especially if you’re going for drinks straight from work.”
If you want to “help you travel home safely after the office drinks, make sure to eat something before hitting the bar, even if it’s just a supermarket sandwich en route.”
He recommended:
“Electrolyte sachets may be a good option before you go to bed after a drinking session to help rehydrate, and make sure to pick up a bottle of water for your train journey home.”
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