The Science Behind Hangovers

This is an autoimmune response. Ethanol metabolism can create neo-antigens, which attach to normal body proteins and trigger immune cells to attack, leading some experts to theorize that organ damage, alcoholic liver and pancreatic disease may be partially an autoimmune issue. The Mayo Clinic reports that, when you are hungover, your immune system can also trigger certain agents that produce symptoms like memory problems, inability to concentrate, decreased appetite and loss of interest in usual activities.