A GP has shared the precise quantity of alcoholic drinks that can lead to a hangover. The specialist explained how rapidly alcohol impacts the nervous system and brain.

Consuming alcohol is a widespread pastime across the UK, with a YouGov poll showing approximately 82 per cent of Brits participate. Data from 2022 indicates thatsix per cent of British adults indulge in alcoholic drinks daily, whilst an additional four per cent consume alcohol five or six days weekly.

Roughly one in seven (14 per cent) reported enjoying a drink on three or four days each week, 23 per cent drink once or twice weekly, and a third (33 per cent) drink less regularly but still participate. Given these figures, Doctor Bhavini Shah, a GP working with LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, offered a warning.

She said: "One or two units of alcohol increases the heart rate, expands blood vessels, and gives a slight 'buzz' which commonly makes people feel more sociable or talkative." A single unit of alcohol equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, approximately the amount an average adult's body can metabolise within an hour.

The units contained in a beverage vary according to its size and potency. For example, the NHS notes that a pint of strong lager holds three units, whereas the same measure of weaker lager contains just over two units.

Dr Shah went on to explain: "After four to six units, alcohol begins to impact your nervous system, decreasing reaction time and affecting areas of the brain associated with decision making, resulting in poorer judgement and potentially more reckless behaviour."

How many drinks lead to a hangover?

She explained that consuming approximately eight units of alcohol generally results in a hangover. This equates to roughly four pints of mild-strength cider or lager (3.6 per cent) or four standard glasses of wine (175ml).

"After eight units, your vision and sleep will be affected and you will have consumed more alcohol than your liver can process in one night, resulting in a hangover," Dr Shah explained. "And after ten units, your coordination will be highly impaired and you can expect symptoms of nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, as well as dehydration and headaches."

Nevertheless, routinely drinking eight or more units constitutes "binge drinking" for men, whilst six or more units is deemed a binge for women. The NHS recommends adults avoid regularly consuming more than 14 units weekly.

The guidelines state: "Spread your drinking over three or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week." Dr Shah emphasised the risks, warning "after 12 units, you are at great risk of alcohol poisoning."

How to eliminate alcohol from your system

Dr Shah explained: "Your body will metabolise alcohol at its own rate and there is not much evidence that you can speed up this natural process. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of your hangover.

"Going to sleep is a good way to let your body naturally remove alcohol from your system by itself. Drinking water is also essential as it will prevent the dehydrating effects of the alcohol and reduce the impact of headaches."

Consuming appropriate food is crucial as well, with the doctor recommending, "you should also try to eat bland foods as these will increase your blood sugar without upsetting your stomach."

For guidance on reducing alcohol consumption, visit the NHS website here.