We all like to relax and have a drink with our nearest and dearest over the festive period. What we don’t like of course is the morning after! So here’s a few tips of how to deal with the aftermath:
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it removes fluids from the body. This dehydration is what causes many symptoms of a hangover. Alcohol can also dehydrate your skin, causing bloating and dark circles under the eyes, also leading to wrinkles and premature aging!
To minimize hangovers:
- Do not drink on an empty stomach! A good meal with some rich carbohydrates (pasta or rice) will slow the absorption of alcohol
- Try to stay away from dark coloured drinks. They contain a chemical called congeners which can irritate the blood vessels in the brain, causing a more severe hangover
- Try not to mix with fizzy drinks. Carbonated drinks speed up the absorption of alcohol into the system. Stick to juice
- Drink a pint of water before you go to bed. Keep this next to your bed before you go out so you will remember. This will help with the dehydration
The morning after:
- Rehydrate yourself. Drink another pint of water
- Take your Vitamin B with a glass of effervescent vitamin C
- Sugary foods may help if you feel shaky, but excess fats and extra caffeine will only stress your liver more. Complex Carbs, healthy fats, organic sugars (from fruit maybe) and some protein will fill you up and kick start your body for the rest of the day
- Doctors advise to wait at least another 48 hours before drinking again to let your body recover. No, “hair of the dog” does not work.
Life is all about balance – so go out and have fun this festive season! Just make sure that you are sensible and look after your body while doing so.
Recommended products:
Milk Thistle – contains silymarin which is potent for liver protection. Taking this before and after a night out can help any liver damage
Vitamin B Complex – helps normal function of the nervous system. Ensuring you take vital vitamins and minerals throughout the party season will replenish the body of the vitamins alcohol depletes
Vitamin C – another important vitamin for the party season. Vitamin C will help the body deal with any radical damage, especially effervescent Vitamin C (available in most super markets) which helps battle dehydration.
Ginger – can be used to prevent nausea, vomiting, motion sickness and dizziness
