Can You Become Immune to Hangovers?
The scientific consensus suggests that it's not possible to become completely immune to hangovers. The severity and frequency of hangovers can vary based on individual factors, but no one is completely immune.
What is a hangover?
Most people who consume alcohol have probably experienced a hangover in their lifetime. A hangover is a common condition which occurs after heavy alcohol consumption, when the alcohol concentration in the blood approaches 0 [1, 2, 3, 4].
A key factor contributing to a hangover is the production of alcohol metabolites, substances produced as your body breaks down alcohol. These metabolites then cause unpleasant symptoms which we know accompany hangovers such as nausea and headache [1].
Another factor contributing to a hangover is the alternation of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical molecules that transmit signals in the brain. An important one related to a hangover is glutamate. When the balance of the neurotransmitters is disrupted, they lead to symptoms like mood changes and cognitive impairment [1, 5].
Inflammation also plays an important role in hangovers. Interestingly, alcohol consumption can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. This is showcased as fatigue or muscle ache [1, 4].
In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. As mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, when they don’t function properly, they can lead to symptoms like fatigue and weakness [1].
When we are hungover, we are also typically dehydrated. This is another common cause of hangovers as alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning that it evokes urination. This then can lead to dehydration and causes symptoms like thirst, dizziness, and lightheadedness [3, 6].
Lastly, alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and poor concentration the next day [3, 6].
Is My Immune System Active Whilst Being Hangover?
Research suggests that indeed the immune system plays a role in the genesis of alcohol hangovers. However, the relationship is not straightforward but rather complex [7].
Interestingly, people who self-identify as drinkers and experience hangovers frequently, have been found to have a significantly poorer self-reported immune function, compared to those who are hangover-resistant [7]. This may suggest that the immune system is active during hangovers.
However, it does not seem that the severity of a hangover is associated with immune functioning. This means that while the immune system is active, its perceived functioning may not directly influence the severity of hangover symptoms [8].
Further, people who are hangover-sensitive, have reported a significant reduction in their immune fitness following an alcohol day compared to hangover-resistant drinkers [9]. This again further supports the idea that the immune system is active and compromised during hangover.
To conclude, the immune system is definitely active during a hangover and its functioning and productivity may be lower than usual. However, more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between alcohol consumption, hangovers, and immune function.
Can You Become Immune To Hangovers?
Although it would be nice to become immune to hangovers, it is not as straightforward. While some individuals claim to be “hangover immune”, and may experience fewer hangover symptoms despite their large alcohol consumption. These people report only mild drowsiness-related symptoms, such as tiredness and sleepiness and the classic symptoms of hangover like headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and stomach pain do not apply to them.
However, that does not necessarily mean that they are immune to hangovers in the traditional sense of being immune. Research has shown that hangover-resistant drinkers do experience a significant reduction in immune fitness after consuming alcohol, similar to hangover-sensitive drinkers. However, the reduction in immune fitness among hangover-sensitive drinkers is significantly more pronounced compared to the hangover-resistant group [9]. Also, there is a relationship between the individuals who claim to be hangover-resistant and their estimated blood alcohol concentration. Meaning, that the greater their estimated blood alcohol concentration, the less likely they claim to be hangover-resistant. This suggests that even those who consider themselves resistant to hangovers may experience them at higher levels of alcohol consumption [11].
In conclusion, while some individuals may experience fewer hangover symptoms than others, this does not necessarily mean they are "immune" to hangovers. The most effective way to avoid the symptoms of an alcohol-induced hangover is to practice abstinence or moderation [12].