After a skinful, the day after the night before can leave you questioning if it was all even worth it. The hangover is a sacrifice we sometimes make to enjoy ourselves a little too much, but can CBD now provide the cure for the hangover?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for that hangover cure, everyone has their own tips and tricks to get them through it. From a munch on some bread to a mid-noon siesta, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction on what works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what is the best cure for a hangover, and can CBD help? If you\u2019re looking for a natural remedy then using CBD for that headache and alcohol shakes could be the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re here to jump into the science of the hangover, outlining the symptoms, cures, research, and answering the question \u2018how can CBD help hangovers?\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It sits beside many other cannabinoids that have also been identified, such as THC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THC, CBD, and the other cannabinoids all work with the body\u2019s systems to bring a bounty of beneficial effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), in particular, has receptors that directly interact with these compounds throughout the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CBD is a non-psychoactive element, unlike THC, which has given it a much smoother route with licences and laws compared to its psychoactive sibling. Now, legal CBD products can be found almost anywhere across Europe, the Americas, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we look at what CBD can do for hangovers, first, we need to find out what they are. A hangover is not directly caused by alcohol itself but is instead the body trying to flush out the toxins that come with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this process the kidneys go into overdrive, increasing urination and causing the dehydration (or diuretic effect) that makes us feel the full force of those hangover symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alcohol also activates a region of the brain fittingly called the \u2018vomiting centre\u2019, making you want to empty your stomach to prevent more toxins from entering. This can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, and nausea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what are the main symptoms of a hangover?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As mentioned, dehydration is in fact the main reason you\u2019re feeling a little worse for wear after a drink and is probably why you\u2019re suffering from headaches<\/strong>, dizziness<\/strong>, and thirst<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another symptom of hangovers is the anxiety<\/a> that comes after a drink, commonly known as \u2018hangxiety\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alcohol can lead to increased anxiety in some people, with one study<\/a> published in 2012 finding that 7.4% of those suffering a hangover experience anxiety as a post hangover symptom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caused by stomach irritation and increased acid from the alcohol, it is linked to symptoms including nausea<\/strong>, vomiting<\/strong>, and diarrhea<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alcohol affects the body\u2019s electrolyte balance, which can lead to headaches<\/strong>, irritability<\/strong>, and fatigue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alcohol can inhibit the effectiveness of your immune system, increasing the risk of nausea<\/strong>, a decreased appetite<\/strong>, and an inability to concentrate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drinking limits the production of sugar in the body, causing fatigue<\/strong>, dizziness<\/strong>, and irritability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blood vessels dilate when drinking which is linked to headaches<\/strong> and the typical rosy cheeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drinking prevents high-quality sleep and can cause you to wake up throughout the night, making you feel drowsy the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alcohol, like other drugs, can leave us with withdrawal symptoms after a heavy drink. Though it isn\u2019t advised, the science does back the idea a next day bev might make you feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be aware, though, that this could only be making the hangover symptoms even worse further down the, now very wobbly, line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned, the biggest enemy that stands between you and a great Sunday morning is dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping yourself hydrated couldn\u2019t be easier, and is obviously key to combat the symptoms of dehydration, so don\u2019t forget to drink water during the night out and have some ready the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carbs can counteract some of the symptoms such as the fatigue and headaches that come when the brain doesn\u2019t have enough fuel, so make food a pit-stop whenever you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s true that bread really can help the hangover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chemicals called congeners can cause more intense hangovers and tend to be found in darker drinks such as red wine, bourbon, and whiskey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you\u2019re normally wild for whiskey but worried about the next day, take inspiration from Darth Vader and think about your place on the dark side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clear liquors such as vodka and gin contain much lower congener concentrations (if any at all) and are linked to reduced hangover symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t want to waste the day feeling dazed, the stimulant effects of caffeine can help with sleepiness and give you the needed kick into action. Keep in mind coffee can also dehydrate the body, so don\u2019t forget the fluids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diet strikes again, and it\u2019s advised that you consume food and drinks that are high in zinc and B vitamins. Those who do so generally report significantly reduced hangovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From athletes<\/a> to dementia<\/a>, the benefits of CBD are beginning to hit the limelight for many conditions. To have a look at some specifics, pop over to our other blog posts<\/a> for more info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is CBD good for a hangover? Does CBD cure a hangover? Will CBD oil help with a hangover? We\u2019re here to answer these questions, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the best benefits CBD can bring for a hangover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n CBD can help nausea and vomiting thanks to the \u2018vomiting centre\u2019 we mentioned earlier being in part regulated by the endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB1 receptors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Serotonin and opioid systems of the body also play their part, and research<\/a> suggests CBD has anti-nausea effects by activating serotonin receptors in the brainstem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This lowers the release of serotonin and blocks the sensation of nausea and urge to vomit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dreaded hangover anxiety, or \u2018hangxiety\u2019, is a real fear that leaves some unable to leave the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where CBD comes in, as it acts with the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) and the serotonin 5-HT1A receptors to regulate fear and anxiety-induced behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The calming effects of CBD also appear to benefit the bedroom, specifically to increase total sleep time and REM sleep latency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of the hangover and are often caused by inflammation, which perfectly matches the power of CBD as it\u2019s an effective anti-inflammatory, and could be great in aiding that hangover recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More than just joints, as our ECS has receptors all over the body the benefits aren\u2019t limited to one area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Needing a productive power boost? Then CBD can help, as studies<\/a> suggest it interacts with dopamine receptors that have a direct impact on memory and focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It could also improve reflexes, response time, and general brain function. So, if you have CBD for your hangover, there\u2019s really no excuse for letting a few Netflix episodes slip into your to-do list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking past just the hangover, CBD can also be great for helping with longer-term issues that can come from alcohol. For example, CBD reduces cravings and can reduce the pleasure in the brain that comes with certain drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early results show that CBD can also help with withdrawal symptoms and control liver damage, acts as an antioxidant and can protect cells from toxicity by reversing the process in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more details, take a look at our blog post on CBD and alcohol<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every aspect of CBD studies is on the move, so it\u2019s important to keep up to date on the facts and figures. Though a great deal of research still needs to be done, the early results look promising in many fields and provide the evidence for CBD\u2019s claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research in the British Journal of Pharmacology<\/a> shows the role of CBD in interacting with the serotonin and opioid systems to bring anti-nausea effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the study, \u201cconsiderable evidence demonstrates that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2016 study<\/a> in Translational Psychiatry demonstrates the interaction between CBD and dopamine receptors, which are known to influence memory and focus and in humans and animals. Also, in this example alleviating the symptoms of schizophrenia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This 2010 comparative study<\/a> backs the claim that the congeners present in darker drinks make for a more severe hangover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2019 study<\/a> backs claim on the benefits of using CBD treatment to aid anxiety and sleep (among other ailments), pointing towards the calming effects in the central nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2015 review<\/a> on CBD and the regulation of fear and anxiety-induced behaviours. Although it points the lack of research, it states that \u201ccurrent evidence indicates CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2011 study<\/a> in the Journal of Psychopharmacology researching CBD and anxiety relief for SAD sufferers. It found CBD can reduce anxiety in SAD and related this to its activity in limbic and paralimbic brain areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How much CBD to cure a hangover? As a newbie to CBD, it can be difficult to know the dose, but the rule of thumb is start small and build up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adjusting for weight, a low dose for someone who\u2019s 45kg could be around 10mg, and someone 110kg would require around 25mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, for whatever reason you\u2019re taking CBD, the dose also depends on the severity of symptoms. Using CBD for a hangover, it\u2019s recommended to take a low to medium dose, and increasing that if you really feel it needs it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With CBD products they all enter the body at different speeds, so if you\u2019re looking for a more quick fix then CBD drops<\/a> will give you the faster reaction you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gastrointestinal effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Electrolyte imbalance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Immune system effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dilated blood vessels (vasodilation)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Difficulty sleeping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Top 6 hangover cures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Hair of the dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Drink fluids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Eat carbohydrates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Avoid darker-coloured alcoholic drinks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Drinking tea or coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. B Vitamins and zinc<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How CBD can help with a hangover<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reduced nausea & vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reduced anxiety & improved sleep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Relief from inflammation and headaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Improved concentration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the benefits of CBD for alcoholism?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What does the research say?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to use CBD for a hangover<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why use Hempika CBD products?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n