Weekends and hangovers are perhaps a perfect match. A night with the squad and a couple of drinks after a long week of work is fun and relaxing. However, what follows next isn’t very desirable. The vomitings, migraine, dehydration, aches, etc., the symptoms of hangovers are endless. If you’ve tried everything, from home remedies to synthetic medication for headaches to cure a hangover, but had no luck, then here’s a piece of good news. CBD may be a perfect solution to cure hangovers. Yes, the non-psychoactive compound present in cannabis and hemp that help alleviate various physical and psychological conditions can also help treat hangovers. Several anecdotal evidence indicates that CBD can help lessen the usual symptoms, making you feel better after a long night of cocktails.
From oil tinctures to edibles and bath bombs, CBD products are available in many forms. And if you are a vegan, then companies also manufacture Lazarus Naturals products that are 100% gluten-free and GMO-free. Let’s see how CBD can help treat a weekend hangover.
Dehydration and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
We all know that alcohol causes dehydration because it is diuretic in nature. Alcohol consumption makes you pee more than usual and causes loss of fluids. Consuming more cocktails and drinks after peeing will create a cycle and ultimately lead to dehydration the next morning. Alcohol consumption also causes gut inflammation and triggers irritable bowel syndrome. So, if you experience any symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation after drinking, you’re sensitive to alcohol. CBD (cannabidiol) is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It helps alleviate any inflammations in the body caused by alcohol by regulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Moreover, consuming CBD with alcohol does not cause any side effects as well.
Nausea and Vomiting
Here’s a common symptom of hangover that you may have experienced post-few shots of tequila during a weekend. Vomiting and nausea are the results of inflammation along the stomach lining caused by alcohol. It slows down the movement of the contents present in the stomach, moving towards the small intestine, and also produces excess acid than required. That’s when CBD’s antiemetic (anti-vomiting and nausea) properties help. CBD helps immensely in reducing gastritis inflammation, stomach pain and ultimately alleviate nausea and vomiting. The National Cancer Institute stated that CBD helps reduce vomiting and nausea (usual side effects of chemotherapy) among cancer patients. Through proper regulation of cannabinoids, CBD eliminates the nausea feeling and helps relax.
Anxiety and Depression
Many people use CBD as medication to treat psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety, thanks to its anti-anxiety properties. Experiencing depression and anxiety triggered due to alcohol-induced symptoms and increased cortisol levels after a night of drinking is usual. CBD binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, acting as an external cannabinoid. It then reduces cortisol levels and helps alleviate depression and anxiety. It also alters the mood by interacting with the serotonin receptors creating a pleasant disposition. With lower effects of depression, stress, and anxiety, your mind stays calm and therefore feels relaxed the next morning.
High Blood Alcohol Levels
Alcohol toxicity or alcohol poisoning is a result of binge drinking. Consuming large amounts of alcohol quickly in a short period will lead to higher blood alcohol levels and is dangerous. High blood alcohol (BAC) level impairs cognitive functions and motor controls. That explains the slurry speech, inability to walk steadily, etc., after heavy drinking. CBD is efficient in reducing blood alcohol (BAC) levels. Alcohol toxicity also leads to cell damage, and CBD also helps in preventing any such damage. Your liver breaks down alcohol and converts acetaldehyde into an acid, which then enters the bloodstream. There is an immediate need to eliminate such toxins as acetaldehyde causing adverse effects on the body in such situations, and CBD may help eliminate them.
Headache
Here’s another crucial symptom of a hangover. Alcohol and headache are a perfect match, just like hangovers and weekends, mainly for people suffering from migraines. Alcohol consumption triggers two types of headaches, one in which the headache kicks in immediately after its consumption within a few minutes. And the other kind where the headache starts after a few hours. CBD’s ability to alleviate migraines is similar to that of vomiting and nausea. The potent anti-inflammatory nature prevents any migraines caused after alcohol consumption. Migraines are also a result of a health condition known as endocannabinoid deficiency (EDCD). CBD boosts the anandamide levels, regulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Therefore it helps treat endocannabinoid deficiency (EDCD).
Tips to Avoid Severe Hangovers
Here are some generalized tips to avoid severe hangovers after alcohol consumption.
- Drink slowly: The first and foremost thing is to avoid drinking alcohol in rounds within a short period.
- Drink responsibly: Binge drinking is one of the causes for a severe hangover the next morning with the symptoms mentioned above. It is better not to have more than one drink in an hour.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach: Ensure that you have a proper meal at least a few hours before consuming alcohol and never drink on an empty stomach.
Final Thoughts
CBD (cannabidiol) offers several therapeutic benefits when consumed in proper doses. It is efficient in treating hangovers by eliminating its symptoms. However, make sure to buy premium quality CBD products with low to no THC content to steer clear of any side effects of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).
