It’s the silly season, so here are a few tips to reduce your hangover!

Aside from stating the obvious, yes, avoiding drinking alcohol is the best way to avoid a hangover!

Drinking alcohol can lead to the following symptoms, such as dehydration (which causes thirst, dizziness and weakness), irritation of the stomach and liver (which causes nausea, vomiting and stomach pain), low blood sugar (which causes fatigue and mood changes), and disturbance of sleep (which causes ‘jet lag’ symptoms).

Preparation is the key!

A complex vitamin B supplement and herbal detoxification tablet than contains St Mary’s Thistle (aka Milk Thistle), Schizandra and/or Rosemary before drinking and when you get home will help your liver detoxify the alcohol more efficiently. Other important nutrients include magnesium, zinc, selenium and essential fatty acids. Best to line the stomach, especially with healthy fats, in the Mediterranean, they use olive oil.

The choice is yours!

Choosing alcohol with fewer congeners (a by-product of the fermentation process that provides a unique taste), such as gin and vodka, may cause fewer hangover effects than alcohol with more congeners, such as brandy, whisky and red wine.

Drink alcohol in moderation and ensure water intake while drinking alcohol, and again before going to sleep will also help!

But what about the morning after?

The Morning After!

 

REHYDRATION

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it pushes liquids out of the body, leaving you dehydrated.

 

COCONUT WATER or FILTERED WATER

Coconut water contains all the electrolytes need for hydration and natural sugars required for the brain.

LIMIT CAFFEINE

Caffeine is a diuretic and will only further deplete your body.

 

TEA TIME

What about a hot or iced tea? Ginger can reduce nausea and peppermint can ease stomach pain. Green tea is also an inducer of phase one detoxification, as is turmeric, try adding some to your green tea or what about a detox juice?

FRESH JUICE

Instant energy and full of nutrients for liver detoxification and plenty of water for rehydration.

DETOX JUICE RECIPE

1 cucumber

4 stalks celery

6 handfuls spinach

1 apple, cored

1-2 cm ginger or turmeric, peeled

NOURISHING FOODS

 

BANANAS, KIWI and SPINACH

These foods are loaded with potassium, which is often depleted from alcohols diuretic action.

EGGS

Full of amino acids needs for liver detoxification, taurine boosts detox and cysteine breaks down acetaldehyde, the chemical left over from the breakdown of alcohol.

CHICKEN NOODLE or MISO SOUP

The broth rehydrates the body with essential electrolytes and nutrients.

OATS

Steel cut oats contain many vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and iron which help sustain blood sugar levels and give you the energy boost you need. It also contains fibre to prevent the reabsorption of any toxins.

 

Remember to drink responsibly and look after your mates! Happy festive season everyone!

By Angela Prest – Naturopath & Nutritionist