Alcoholic Rebound Effect – Learning More Everyday

I am aware that when I do not drink, the desire, the need, the craving for alcohol arises about the same time every day, between 5:00 and 6:00 pm.  Having spent today observing the effects of last night’s alcohol consumption, I am keenly aware that, in my  body, alcohol produces anxiety.  The following is from the blog, The Healthy Drinker by James Maderios.

The chemical processes involved in a hangover are various and complex, but the culprit linked to post-party fatigue is a lack of glutamine.

 

Glutamine is an amino acid stored primarily in the muscles and lungs. It is an abundant stimulant in the body, used most often in aiding the immune system and purging excess amounts of ammonia in the body. When it comes to hangovers, though, it is the production of glutamine that wreaks havoc

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Alcohol inhibits the production of glutamine once it enters the bloodstream. This in itself is not a bad thing; it is when the body tries to play catch-up that creates fatigue. Glutamine production revs up after the partying is done and the partier is in bed. The bonus glutamine stimulates the brain and keeps it from achieving a deep sleep.

The effect of being hopped up on glutamine upon waking is fatigue, often punctuated with tremors, anxiety and feelings of restlessness. This diabolical mix of tiredness and scratchy-eyed irritability is known as “glutamine rebound” and can also lead to increased blood pressure, nausea and a host of other ailments.

Ouch.
Since a glutamine rebound is the result of alcohol preventing the production of glutamine, the only real cure is not drinking alcohol, but let’s be realistic; just drinking a bit less than usual will help.

Of course, I should remind everyone that our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, you should work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you. If you’re going to drink, do it legally and responsibly; don’t be stupid =).

Small wonder the drinker who parties heavy one night wants a drink the next.  He is tired, anxious and restless.  A perfect storm.

I will not drink today.  Thy will be done.