It is the morning after a long night of drinking and your stomach is in knots, with your last meal on its way out, head pounding and energy zapped, you have a hangover! Unfortunately for many drinkers, these mornings can be an all too familiar, and with the weather warming up that means more events, outings, and more drinks.
What causes a hangover exactly? Obviously over drinking, but research has also shown that impurities produced in the distilling process can make you feel nauseous, and malt liquors and red wines have been shown to be especially toxic. While there is only one proven cure for a hangover, time (usually between 8-24 hours), we have a few helpful remedies that may make your recovery easier and speedier.
Rest is key. While a lack of sleep doesn’t cause a hangover, it can prolong the process. Studies have shown that high levels of alcohol intake can cause sleep disturbances and overall decreased quality of rest. Sleeping is the time your body uses to process toxins and repair damaged cells. Take a nap and give your body some time to metabolize the excess alcohol from the night before
Water and Coconut Water to aid in rehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates your cells and effects blood alcohol levels after you have stopped drinking. Electrolyte-rich coconut water can help replenish a dehydrated system with key vitamins and minerals, as well as providing extra calories for the recovery process. Drinking water between your alcoholic beverages while out may also help reduce signs and effects of dehydration.
Magnesium has been shown to reduce alcohol-related headaches, pressure, and pain. Regular drinkers and alcoholics are often magnesium deficient, taking 400mg before going to bed and in the morning after drinking may help prevent your hangover headache.
Ginger has long been used to reduce and soothe nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues, common side effects of a long night of drinking. Fresh ginger can be brewed in a hot tea, helping to reduced effects of dehydration as well as nausea or eaten raw if you desire. Research from the NIH has also shown that consuming ginger with tangerine pith and brown sugar before drinking may also reduce nausea and vomiting.
Eat a healthy breakfast (or lunch) with protein and complex carbohydrates. Eggs in the aftermath of a night of drinking my aid in the breakdown and release of toxins due to its L-Cysteine content (an amino acid responsible for detoxifying). Eggs are also a great source of protein which can boost energy reserves.
Avoid heavy greasy foods which can irritate the stomach, contrary to popular myth large fatty meals are actually better for preventing hangovers than curing them. Sweet potatoes are another great choice as they are loaded with nutrients and provide a healthy boost to depleted blood sugar levels from alcohol consumption.
Bonus: Research also supports vitamin B6 for improvement of hangover symptoms and ginseng for nausea, stomach pain and even tiredness in particular.
DO NOT take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) while or after drinking as it can cause severe liver problems when combined with alcohol.
Dr. Kevin Kinney, board certified and licensed Chiropractic Physician featured on INSIDER.com, TheTodayShow.com & BlackDoctorsMatter.org. Connect with Dr. Kev at drkevinkinney.com or @DrDuval904
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