Drank too much alcohol too quickly? What to do if you're feeling dehydrated

India Today

6 days ago

So, you decided to go out for 'just one drink.' That 'just one' multiplied faster than a Bollywood dance troupe, and now you've woken up on your sofa, hugging a half-eaten pizza slice and wondering why your mouth feels like the Thar desert.The feeling is not cute. It's not cool. But thankfully, it's curable.And no, chugging black coffee while quoting your ex's last message isn't the cure we are talking about.advertisement
'When you drink too much alcohol too quickly, your body loses more fluids than it takes in. That's a fast track to dehydration,' says Dr Neha Arora, internal medicine specialist.WHAT EXACTLY IS ALCOHOL DEHYDRATION, AND WHY DOES IT HATE YOU?When you drink alcohol especially too much and too fast, your body kicks into panic mode. Alcohol is a diuretic, which is fancy for it makes you pee more than your WhatsApp groups send forwards. More bathroom breaks mean your body loses fluids and electrolytes, leaving you drier than a papad in a heatwave.'Rehydrating after drinking isn't just about water, it's about replacing lost electrolytes too. Coconut water, ORS, and light meals can really help,' adds Dr Arora.Common dehydration symptoms after drinking include:Headache that feels like a construction siteDry mouth you could sandpaper a table withDizziness, fatigue, and regretting life choicesLight sensitivity (even your fridge light feels personal)STEP 1: WATER IS YOUR NEW BFFForget the next drink. Your best friend now is H2O, plain, boring, life-saving water. Start slow. Gulping a litre at once won't win you any medals (or help your nausea). Sip steadily and frequently. Add a pinch of salt and sugar for a DIY oral rehydration solution if you're feeling fancy.COCONUT WATER OVER COLD COFFEEYes, it's Sunday morning. No, you do not need that iced Americano. Caffeine is another diuretic and will only dry you out further. Instead, reach for coconut water, the unsung hero of tropical hydration. It's packed with potassium, sodium, and electrolytes, everything your mojito betrayed.If you're in the mood for drama, try lemon water with a pinch of black salt. It's tangy, zingy, and Instagrammable too.EAT LIKE YOUR GRANDMA TOLD YOUYou may not want food right now, but your body definitely does. Think soupy, salty, and hydrating. A bowl of khichdi, moong dal, or even just some warm veggie soup can help restore sodium levels and settle that rebellious gut.Avoid greasy food. This is not the time for leftover fries and chilli paneer. Your body needs love, not oil spills.SLEEP IN YOUR ULTIMATE HANGOVER HACKNo rehydration plan is complete without rest. Your liver is working overtime detoxing your sudden love affair with vodka, and the best thing you can do? Nap like a cat. Keep sipping water, keep sleeping.LEARN. OR AT LEAST PRETEND TOadvertisementHere's the unfiltered truth, fast drinking = fast dehydration. Next time, go slow. Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water (your liver will throw you a thank-you party). Eat before you drink. And please, skip that 'last shot' peer pressure move. You're grown.So yes, you drank too much, too fast, and now you're dehydrated, cranky, and maybe a little sunken-eyed. But hey, you're reading this, drinking coconut water, and planning to never do this again (until next Saturday).Just remember: hydration is not just for yoga girls and skin influencers. It's your ticket to feeling human again.- Ends