While coffee is often touted as a quick fix for hangovers, science reveals it’s not the magic cure many believe it to be. Hangovers are complex, influenced by individual genetics, metabolism, and various factors like the type and amount of alcohol consumed. Coffee, with its diuretic properties, can exacerbate dehydration, a key culprit of hangover symptoms. Experts like Dr. Mary Claire O'Brien from Wake Forest University School of Medicine note that caffeine can worsen dehydration and other symptoms like nausea and headaches. Caffeine's ability to constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure can intensify headaches, while its stimulant effects can amplify the shakiness and tremors associated with hangovers. Additionally, drinking coffee alongside alcohol doesn’t help prevent hangovers either. The body processes alcohol and caffeine differently, so while caffeine might temporarily make you feel more alert, it won’t speed up alcohol metabolism and could mask your intoxication, leading to potentially higher alcohol consumption. Medical experts suggest remedies like hydration, sleep, and vitamin B6 instead of relying on coffee. Ultimately, moderation in alcohol consumption is the best preventive measure against hangovers.
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