While we are all in the midst of last minute planning, obsessing,
and sorting out everything for the big night out that somehow new years has become synonymous with,
we can't forget that the next day often results in the aftermath: the
inevitable hangover.
To learn how to
start this New Year right while still having fun boozing and not being left
feeling hung over the next day, then first we have to understand what a
hangover is, and not the movie. A hangover is the result of alcohol
consumption in excess of what the body can properly metabolize. It can result
from a number of reasons including dehydration, the liver’s inability to rid
itself of the poisons in alcohol, too much sugar when drinking, and if you
don't have the enzyme to metabolize alcohol.
Your hangover may
resemble the feeling you imagine of what its like to be hit by a bus. Maybe you have a headache that is pounding so
hard you think your head might implode, or your stomach feels like it has been
replaced by an active volcano, or any thought makes you so sad you can't
understand or explain it. All of these things clearly are not
a desirable way to feel - and with that, let’s move on to my healthy
suggestions of how to avoid these terrible symptoms or how to cure them if they
do occur:
How to AVOID the hangover:
- Drink
water before, during, and after you are done drinking alcohol (keeps
you properly hydrated)
- Eat a
hearty, well balanced meal prior to drinking, interestingly enough I just
learned a meal that includes asparagus of all things (thanks
E! Entertainment for that tidbit) is a great addition to your meal.
Other recommended dishes might include pizza, pasta, subs and other well
balanced dishes of grains, vegetables, and protein.
- Don’t
mix too many different forms of alcohol, and when in doubt, choose clear alcohols
over darker colored ones.
How to CURE the hangover:
- Surprise,
surprise --> drink more water
- Drink a
glass of juice, the fructose in fruit juices helps yours body rid itself of the
excess alcohol toxins it's fighting.
- As simple
as it may sound, sleep and a showers can really help as well
- Often drinking
a bloody mary will help because the spicy combo of new alcohol for your
body to play with and vegetable juice with antioxidants and vitamins
help replenish your system
- Eat
protein and vitamin rich foods - sorry everyone (including myself) that wants
to reach for yummie greasy fries and food, but this can actually worsen your
hangover, especially if you have the volcanic stomach kind.
I hope these
simple suggestions help you all enjoy your best new year of partying yet! :)
CHEERS!!