Hangover Cures

Overview:

A hangover is the result of over-consumption of alcohol. There are a number of reasons why hangovers occur.

• Ethanol has a dehydrating effect on the body. It is a diuretic & causes you to urinate more often, which leads to dehydration.

• Congeners are impurities that are created during the fermenting process. Dark drinks such as brandy, whiskey and cheap wine have higher levels of congeners. Cheap drinks can also have higher levels of congeners.

• It has also been suggested that a hangover is caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Hangover symptoms:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dry mouth

• Tiredness

• Tremors

• Moodiness

Before you drink:

• Don't drink on an empty stomach. Make sure you have a decent meal before you begin drinking.

• Drink plenty of water before you consume alcohol to ensure you are adequately hydrated.

During:

• Try to avoid mixing drinks as this can make hangovers worse.

• Stick to clear drinks such as vodka or gin.

• Try to alternate alcoholic drinks with water or juice.

After (hangover cures):

There is no magic cure for a hangover, but there are ways to help your body recover. These include;

• Rehydration - drink lots of fluids. Your hangover will be greatly reduced by drinking one or two glasses of water prior to going to bed. Drinks containing electrolytes will help replace lost minerals.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Vitamins - Vitamins B & C are depleted during drinking. Take a good quality vitamin prior to going to bed & follow up with a Berocca first thing in the morning.

• Eggs - contain large amounts of an amino acid called cysteine. This is known to counteract the effects of acetaldehyde, which is a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism.

• Exercise - this increases oxygen intake, which in turn speeds up metabolism.

• Avoid coffee - Not only is this dehydrating but it will also irritate the stomach more.

• Take some over the counter painkillers if necessary.