Alcohol: The Science Behind Dry Mouth, Dehydration & Hangovers

• Alcohol consumption inhibits the release of vasopressin, a hormone crucial for regulating water balance in the body.
• This inhibition causes kidneys to expel more water, leading to dehydration and frequent urination, even while drinking.
• Dehydration from alcohol results in the loss of essential electrolytes, contributing to symptoms like thirst, headaches, dizziness, and hangovers.
• The liver processes alcohol into harmful acetaldehyde, increasing the body's need for water and energy, further burdening a dehydrated system.
• To mitigate dehydration, it's advised to drink water between alcoholic beverages, eat water-rich foods, consume electrolyte drinks for hangovers, and get sufficient rest.

Why It Matters: It explains why alcohol causes dehydration, dry mouth, and hangovers scientifically.