One would think that the memory of a hangover would be enough to deter future over-consumption of alcohol. Sadly, with some people this is not the case for long. Although many reach for painkillers and coffee to regain a semblance of function, there are more natural ways to deal with this self imposed malady.
Hangovers result from a combination of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the body. Alcohol is a poison as far as the body is concerned, and over time it will not only deplete nutrients, but also cause damage to organs. This is why certain measures should be taken if alcohol is going to be consumed in large quantities.
Water is Essential
Water is essential to life as a human being. Alcohol dehydrates the body; and with dehydration comes headaches, soreness, and nausea. Following a night of drinking alcohol, a person should drink plenty of water. Juice, sport drinks, pop, coffee will not do as a substitute, and will actually cause further dehydration.
Alcohol Destroys Vitamin B
Alcohol destroys Vitamin B in the body. Vitamin B is responsible for mental functioning, thyroid health, and many essential functions. Take a Vitamin B (50-100mg) along with a vitamin C (1000 mg) immediately upon rising in the morning. If alcohol is a prominent fixture in one’s life, then it is essential to include Vitamin B and C daily.
Replace Lost Potassium
Potassium is one of the electrolytes lost in a night of heavy drinking. The easiest source to replenish potassium is from fruit. Bananas, cantaloupe, and potatoes are all good sources of potassium, as is yogurt. If a sports drink is going to be used for electrolyte replacement, then make sure ample water is used to wash it down as sport drinks cause dehydration.
Avoid Sugar in Drink Mixes
Sugar is another cause of dehydration, so it is wise to limit the sugar in drink mixes. At the same time, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, cause increased stress on the body and should be avoided.
Red Wine and Histamines
Red wine contains high levels of histamines. For people that are sensitive to it, it can lead to stuffed up sinuses, headaches, and extreme lethargy. Quercetin found in onions, apples, capers and black tea has an anti-histamine effect and should help counter the effects of histamines in the red wine. Quercetin can also be purchased in capsule form.
Liver Health
It is no secret that alcohol is a poison to the body. When the body is healthy and the amounts of alcohol are small to moderate, the toxin can easily be filtered out without any undue harm. There are even health benefits to small amounts of alcohol. The key words are small to moderate amounts.
When the liver gets impaired from alcohol poisoning or disease, it can no longer do its filtering function and it starts to die. The good news is that the liver is easy to regenerate if some simple protocols are followed.
First, increased water consumption makes the job of the liver and kidneys easier. Herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion, shizandra, and bupleurum have amazing regenerative properties on the liver. Carrot juice, artichokes and citrus peal are all helpful to liver function.
Do not take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to combat a hangover. Acetaminophen is damaging to the liver and is just another stressor when metabolising alcohol.
Of course the best way to avoid a hangover is not to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol in the first place. The second best way is to repair the body and return it to a sense of balance as quickly as possible after an over indulgence. Plenty of water, a banana, and Vitamin B and C are a good start to feeling better.
References
The Green Pharmacy, Dr James Duke, Rodale Books, 1999
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