Hangovers are the worst, but even worse are the people who say they don’t get them.

Here’s what causes hangovers.

Among the four of us, we may or may not have split more than three bottles of wine.

alt

(Look, stuff happens.)

As you could probably imagine, I wastotally hungoverthe next day.

Yet when I met up with one of my friends for brunch, he looked suspiciously bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Photography of a apple juice in glasses and apples in a wicker basket on wooden table

founder and director of Real Nutrition

He informed me he had even gone for a run early that morning.

Experts in This Article

founder and director of Real Nutrition

How?

I dont get hangovers, he answered, cheerfully.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

That cant be right, I said.

Its true, he chirped.

Ive literally never had a hangover in my life, doesnt matter how much I drink.

alt

So, what causes hangovers for the rest of us, you may ask?

What are the common symptoms of a hangover?

So, what actually causes a hangover?

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

founder and director of Real Nutrition

For the less-than-blessed, this means your body just isnt as efficient at getting rid of the acetaldehyde.

Why do some people not get hangovers?

There are some other things at play, too.

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

Shapiro adds that alcohol is a diuretic, and that dehydration also plays a big role in your hangover.

When people drink, theyre often not rehydrating themselves properly.

Seems obvious, but still something important to point out.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

(Moderate drinking for women, FYI, isno more than one drink per day.)

She thinks genetics are a stronger influence than potential gender differences.

The same kind of thing can apply to drinking.

Just because you dont get hangovers doesnt mean that drinking is a healthy habit.

Are there any downsides tonotgetting a hangover?

Like most things in life, drinking in moderation is important.

What should I eat after drinking alcohol?

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.