Organic hangovers

THE suggestion by Darina Allen (December 29) that people should “try an organic wine which will spare you gnawing headaches and hangovers” is nonsense.

Hangovers are partially caused by substances that are a natural byproduct of fermentation (both organic and non-organic).

They also occur because alcohol is a diuretic that increases urination leading to dehydration and causing the brain to shrink away from the skull slightly. In addition, ethanol when broken down in the liver is converted to acetaldehyde, which is toxic. Maybe Ms Allen thinks we are still too hung over to notice her fanciful organic claims.