Celeb nutritionist Pooja Makhija claims gut acidity to be the culprit behind headaches after having alcohol — not dehydration

While dehydration is widely considered the main cause of post-alcohol headaches, what often goes unnoticed is the role of gut acidity. That's what celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija pointed out to us in an Instagram reel. (Source: Freepik)

Dr Anupama N K, Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore told indianexpress.com that when you consume alcohol --particularly wine, beer, or cocktails, it stimulates the stomach to produce excess acid, which irritates the stomach lining and, in many cases, can reflux back into the esophagus. The result? Bloating, nausea, and headaches. (Source: Freepik)

"There’s also something called the gut-brain axis, a direct communication pathway between your digestive system and your brain. When your stomach is inflamed, it can activate the vagus nerve, which may lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or a foggy mind. So that hangover? It’s not just in your head but it’s also in your gut," she explained. (Source: Freepik)

That’s why people who already deal with acidity or reflux issues are more likely to experience worse hangovers, even after moderate drinking. To reduce this, it’s not just about drinking more water. It’s about managing your gut environment before and after you consume alcohol. (Source: Freepik)

Avoid lying down right after drinking or eating. Keep dinner light if you’re planning to drink, and skip carbonated mixers as they worsen bloating and acidity. (Source: Freepik)

Include natural acid-neutralizing foods like bananas, oats, coconut water, curd, and fennel. Traditional remedies like jeera water post meals or a glass of cold milk can be soothing too. (Source: Freepik)