An NHS doctor shared the common reason for a hangover as he urged people to avoid them on New Year’s Day. Dr Karan Raj also shared tips on how to recover from the headache
Happy New Year, dear readers!
If you’re clutching your head, chances are you enjoyed a wild night out. It’s no shock that ringing in the New Year often comes with the unfavourable ‘morning after’ effect – yes, we’re talking about hangovers, and January 1 is infamous for them.
Whether you knocked back a few pints with pals or kept things low-key at home, the odds are your beverage count was higher than usual. But fear not, an NHS doctor shared his advice on combating that gnawing headache to start your 2025 on a high note.
NHS sensation Dr Karan Raj, who has won over a whopping 5.3million fans on TikTok, stripped down the reasons behind our hangover woes, explaining dehydration is the primary culprit.
In his viral post, which snagged a mighty 20,100 likes, he quizzed followers: “Why do we get hangovers?” The answer might sting a bit, as he bluntly stated: “For starters, you probably shouldn’t have had that much to drink in the first place.
“More alcohol = more dehydration. The more you drink, the more you pee, the more dehydrated you’re going to become, hence that throbbing headache.”
Drilling into the hangover mechanics, Dr Karan shares: “Alcohol causes your digestion to slow down, it also causes your stomach to empty more slowly. Slower food digestion = more stomach acid. Increased stomach acid – more nausea and sickness.”
And he didn’t stop there, adding: “Alcohol also causes your blood vessels to dilate adding to that headache of yours. Remember, hydrate to stay great.”
So if you’re trying to recuperate this morning, reach for that H2O to soothe the after-effects of last night’s celebrations.
The NHS warned a hangover headache is usually a sign of dehydration caused by excessive alcohol consumption. As we head into January, it’s vital to keep an eye on your drinking habits.
Symptoms of a hangover include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sickness
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vertigo
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Increased blood pressure
Whether you’re gearing up for another night out or planning a big weekend bash, both men and women should not regularly exceed 14 units of alcohol per week. If you do consume 14 units in a week, it’s recommended to spread this over at least three days.
For advice on alcohol consumption, or you’re worried about someone you know, visit DrinkAware.com for help. Alternatively, call the Drinkline national alcohol helpline on 0300 123 1110.
