Most of us know all too well the consequences of over indulgence. A hangover can be extremely inconvenient, incapacitating at times. But what is really happening to your body? What is a hangover?
The Kidney / Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland plays a huge role in the way we regulate the amount of water our body needs to function properly. Located at the base of the brain, the gland is responsible for releasing antidiuretic hormone, or ADH, which makes it way to the kidney. One function the kidney has is to monitor the amount of water we have in our body and decide whether we need to store or release bodily fluid. When your brain recognizes dehydration the pituitary gland will release increased amounts of ADH. The increased amount of ADH communicates to the kidney to retain water and reabsorb it back into the body. Alcohol inhibits the release of ADH by the pituitary gland. As a result, the body water our kidney would typically retain is released. This leads to the dehydration symptoms we often experience after a night of drinking. Aside from water, alcohol also causes increased release of glucose, sodium, and potassium. These are essential components to brain function and muscle coordination.
The Liver
The liver is responsible for processing the nutrients we intake from food or drink. Using a sort of quality control process, enzymes in the liver identify and process toxins which are than expelled from the body as need be. The problem is that our liver can only process and expel so many toxins. When we over consume our liver cannot keep up. It is when this backup occurs that these extremely harmful toxins become free to enter the blood stream. When harmful toxins are circulating in your bloodstream they contribute to symptoms like headache and nausea.
Hangover Development
- The inability to retain water causing severe dehydration
- The increased release of glucose, sodium, and potassium
- The inability to rid your body of harmful alcohol toxins
A hangover can be dramatically reduced with the assistance of IV hydration therapy. 61Five can help you re-hydrate in as little as 30 minutes. Multivitamin additives can help replenish essential vitamins your body loses when alcohol is consumed. Lastly, nausea and pain medication can be administered to treat the remaining symptoms from being hungover.
61Five Health & Wellness has opened the first IV hydration clinic in Nashville. Hangover recovery is possible and a lot more affordable than you might think. Click here to see our pricing and schedule your appointment today!
