Combat That Hangover

Leading Causes of Hangovers

• Drinking more alcohol than your body can metabolize efficiently causes the toxins in the alcohol to build up in your body. A chemical known as acetaldehyde is an alcohol by-product and is responsible for the severe symptoms of a hangover.
• The ethanol found in alcohol has a dehydrating effect which is responsible for your raging headache, dry mouth and tiredness.
• Dark spirits such as red wine, brandy and whiskey contain more congeners (by-products of the process of alcohol fermentation) which increase the symptoms of a hangover. Cheaper spirits are also known to cause a worse hangover because fewer impurities have been removed.
• Body weight can be a key factor: A smaller body weight usually means a greater hangover.
• Mixing your drinks is a sure way to become inebriated and lead to a hangover. When you mix your drinks, for instance tequila and whiskey, you are actually mixing the different poisons of the alcohol together. More pressure is then placed on the liver to get rid of the toxins and cleanse the system by flushing them out...causing more dehydration.

To treat a hangover the natural way and cleanse and detox the body of toxins will serve to flush out the system, rejuvenate liver functioning and eliminate bloating.

Water is vital during this time as alcohol dehydrates the body. Migraine headaches from a hangover is also a key indication that you are dehydrated. Drinking water at room temperature will ensure the body to absorb quicker and rehydrate. Water is also an important vehicle to flush the poisonous alcohol toxins out the body, cleansing kidneys and liver. Vitamin C stimulates the liver to breakdown the alcohol. Start at 1,000mg per hr and watch for bowel tolerance as excess amount can lead to diarrhea which you want to avoid as your body needs to hydrate itself. B-vitamins aid in metabolizing carbohydrates (alcohol) and dilating blood vessels. Taking 50-75mg of B-Complex twice daily will also ensure the energy level is restored. Peppermint herb will cool and relax the intestines. As well as remove accumulated gas away from the stomach and intestines. Boil the herb and drink 1-2 cups. Ginger root is also a good agent in soothing and settling down the stomach from feelings of nausea. Take 500mg every few hours or boil root as a tea and drink. Eat a balanced diet comprised of whole grain carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and protein even if you don't have an appetite. Your body needs the essential nutrients like fibre and antioxidants to protect and remove unwanted toxins.

Preventative Care

Before going out for drinks make sure your stomach is not empty. Some starchy foods like bread are best as they slow down the alcohol absorption.

Its always better to drink slowly because less amount of alcohol reaches the brain when consumed slowly.

Do not mix your alcohol. The lighter the shade of alcoholic beverage (ie. white wine over red wine) the lighter the hangover.

Drink water during and before going to bed to avoid dehydration.

Cheers to the New Year and always remember to drink responsibly*

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." - Albert Einstein