Defecation alleviates hangover by terminating intestinal drinking

INTRODUCTION: The concept of “intestinal drinking” in this study refers to the continued absorption of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract until adequate defecation occurs. METHODS: A longitudinal observation of hangover symptoms and alcohol metabolites in healthy humans following binge drinking was conducted. RESULTS: The hangover symptoms resulting from binge alcohol consumption were relieved by defecation. Following the defecation process, not only the blood ethanol levels, but also the concentrations of blood acetaldehyde, methanol, and iso-propanol, exhibited significant reductions. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provides a different perspective for addressing hangovers and potentially mitigating the risks of alcoholic liver diseases.