Drinking coffee may provide temporary relief from a hangover, but it’s not a cure. Here’s what happens:
Caffeine’s Effects: Caffeine in coffee can help alleviate some hangover symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and drowsiness by stimulating the central nervous system, improving alertness, and reducing the perception of symptoms.
Hydration: Since dehydration is a major factor in hangovers, coffee may help increase fluid intake, but it’s not a substitute for water or electrolyte-rich fluids.
Pain Relief: Caffeine can temporarily relieve headaches and muscle aches, which are common hangover symptoms.
Limitations of Coffee for Hangovers: Dehydration: Coffee can lead to dehydration due to its diuretic effects, which can worsen hangover symptoms if not balanced with adequate water intake.
Blood Sugar and Stomach Issues: Excessive caffeine consumption can upset the stomach and lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, potentially exacerbating nausea and fatigue.
Not a Complete Solution: While coffee may provide temporary relief, it doesn’t address the underlying causes of a hangover, such as alcohol’s effects on the body, and it doesn’t speed up the recovery process.