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Hair of the dog is a common remedy for hangovers, but does it really work? Research suggests that drinking a small amount of alcohol the morning after a night of heavy drinking can help alleviate symptoms, but it's not a reliable cure.
Some people swear by the effectiveness of hair of the dog, but studies show that it can actually prolong the hangover. In fact, a study found that consuming alcohol the morning after can delay the onset of dehydration, which is a major contributor to hangover symptoms.
The myth that hair of the dog can cure a hangover may have originated from the idea that it can help replenish depleted liver enzymes. However, the liver can't recover from a hangover as quickly as we'd like, and drinking more alcohol won't speed up the process.
What is 'Hair of the Dog'?
The phrase 'hair of the dog' refers to the idea of curing a hangover by drinking more of what made you feel bad in the first place - in this case, booze.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no 'magic cure' for a hangover.
Definition
The phrase "hair of the dog" is a common expression that has evolved over time.
Its original meaning has been proven incorrect by modern medicine.
The modern meaning of the phrase is to cure a hangover by drinking more of the same substance that caused the hangover in the first place.
This approach is not a magic cure for a hangover, as there is no proven way to completely eliminate the effects of a hangover.
Drinking sensibly and knowing your limits is the best way to avoid a hangover, according to expert advice.
Origin
The concept of "Hair of the Dog" originated in ancient Greece, where it was believed that drinking a small amount of wine could cure a hangover caused by drinking too much wine the night before.
In ancient Greece, the philosopher Hippocrates is said to have recommended drinking a small amount of wine to alleviate hangover symptoms, which is the earliest recorded reference to "Hair of the Dog."
This practice was later adopted by the Romans, who also believed that a small amount of wine could cure a hangover.
The phrase "Hair of the Dog" itself likely originated in the 17th century in England, where it was used to describe drinking a small amount of liquor to alleviate a hangover.
The idea behind "Hair of the Dog" is that a small amount of the same substance that caused the hangover can help alleviate its symptoms.
In fact, some studies have shown that a small amount of alcohol can help alleviate hangover symptoms, although this is not a cure and should be done in moderation.
Does it Work?
The "hair of the dog" cure is based on the idea that the cause of an illness may be its cure too. This implies that taking more alcohol to mitigate unpleasant symptoms might just do the trick.
Some people swear by the hair of the dog method, claiming it helps alleviate headaches and fatigue. However, the science behind it is limited, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
The expression "hair of the dog" suggests that a small amount of the same substance that caused the problem can help alleviate symptoms, but it's essential to approach this method with caution.
The NIAAA's Input
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that drinking alcohol while hungover "might temporarily minimize some symptoms" but can actually make things worse.
According to the NIAAA, drinking alcohol while hungover can contribute to and prolong the malaise and other symptoms of the hangover.
The only way to completely avoid a hangover is to not drink alcohol at all or to keep alcohol intake to a minimum, as stated by the NIAAA.
Hangover Cure Work?
The "hair of the dog" hangover cure has been a long-standing remedy for those seeking relief from hangover symptoms. However, it's not as effective as you might think.
The theory behind it assumes that drinking more alcohol raises your blood alcohol levels, alleviating hangover symptoms. But, the truth is, it only delays them.
Here's what the experts say: the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that drinking alcohol while hungover might temporarily minimize some symptoms, but it could contribute to and prolong the malaise and other symptoms of the hangover.
The NIAAA also warns that the only way to completely avoid a hangover is to not drink alcohol at all or to keep alcohol intake to a minimum.
So, what's the real effect of "hair of the dog"? Exposing your body to more alcohol that will ultimately have to be metabolized, delaying the hangover symptoms, and potentially leading to abuse of alcohol.
Here are the facts:
- Exposing the body to more alcohol that will ultimately have to be metabolized
- The hangover symptoms will only be delayed
- The habit of drinking more to get over a hangover exposes you to the potential of abusing alcohol
Hair of the Dog: Effectiveness
Hair of the dog is a common remedy for hangovers, but does it actually work? The answer lies in its effectiveness.
Research suggests that drinking a small amount of alcohol to alleviate a hangover can provide temporary relief, but it's not a reliable cure.
A study found that the body's response to a hangover is complex, involving dehydration, inflammation, and other factors. Drinking more alcohol may temporarily mask these symptoms, but it won't address the underlying issues.
Some people swear by hair of the dog, claiming it helps them feel better quickly. However, this may be due to the placebo effect, where the expectation of relief leads to a perceived improvement in symptoms.
In fact, a survey of people who drink to alleviate hangovers found that nearly 70% reported feeling better after drinking, but this may be due to the temporary relief provided by the alcohol rather than any actual healing properties.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism warns that drinking to alleviate hangovers can lead to a vicious cycle of dependence and worsen overall health.
Sources
- https://www.fox13news.com/news/does-hair-of-the-dog-work-hangover-alcohol
- https://uk.style.yahoo.com/does-hair-dog-cure-hangover-071909536.html
- https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4967301-does-anyone-actually-have-a-hair-of-the-dog-as-a-hangover-fix
- https://www.ladbible.com/community/hair-of-the-dog-hangover-cure-works-360731-20240720
- https://www.hangoverkw.com/things-you-need-to-know-about-hair-of-the-dog-hangover-cure/
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