Why do we get headaches the day after getting drunk?
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Ethanol(the compound that gets you drunk) is turned into a different compound called acetaldehyde in your body by a certain type of protein called an enzyme. This new compound, acetaldehyde, is thought to be responsible for the “hangover” effects of alcohol. Even though your body has essentially inactivated the alcohol’s drug effects by changing its chemical structure, the new compound is actually far more toxic to your body than alcohol. This toxicity results in the common hangover symptoms such as headaches and nausea. Additionally, being well hydrated allows your body to more easily flush out this toxic compound when you pee, which is why it’s commonly said that staying hydrated helps to prevent a hangover.
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