Last night while drifting into the nether-reaches of insomnia, I came across a thought. I believe this zombie-fied reverie was induced. But a recollection of a project from Analytical Chemistry 450 involving Gas-Chromatography/Mass-Spectrometry and certain “Adult Beverages” brought up an interesting idea that you’re probably accustomed to.
“Ah, yes!” you say? That pesky little headache and spinning when you awake for Sunday morning church. It’s caused by acrimonious buggers (a.k.a. congeners and fusel alcohols) made by your body, or consumed the previous night.
Caution: if you are a Geek, read on. Otherwise skip these paragraphs!
You digest alcohol (ethanol) that is in said “Adult Beverages” into acetaldehyde with an enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase). Acetaldehyde is mildly toxic. There is another byproduct from trace amounts of methanol that exists from the fermentation process. Methanol alone is very toxic, and can lead to blindness in large amounts. But the methanol can be broken down by dehydrogenase as well to form Acetone (that stinky stuff that’s in nail polish remover) – another very toxic chemical. Einsteinism: the darker the alcohol = more congeners (i.e. red wine as opposed to white; scotch vs vodka).
Dehdration is key too.
Ethanol is broken down to water and carbon dioxide (do you get the toots when you drink?!). Ethanol inhibits ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) in the kidneys. ADH signals the kidneys to absorb water. So if ADH is inhibited, the kidneys would release the water from the broken down alcohol, plus whatever water was originally in the beverage to begin with (This might be why you wait in line for the bathroom at bars!).
Non-Geeks: You may read on now!
Next time you play Beer Pong or Flippy Cup, mind your congeners and fusel alcohols!
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