Of course the smart thing to do would be to not overindulge and avoid a hangover in the first place, but sometimes despite my good intentions I end up feeling far less than chipper after a night out. On these mornings I particularly love the seemingly magical power of homeopathy to help me feel better. With some homeopathic help you can start 2014 with a smile, despite any 2013 overindulgences! Most of the homeopathic medicines I have listed below are commonly available at health food stores, natural pharmacies and the natural health sections of larger grocery stores.

First some helpful things I have I have learned about hangovers and the effects of overindulgence…I am not saying how...

Things I have learned about avoiding a hangover:

1. Hydrate as you go
Alternate each alcoholic drink with one glass of water. This may be the best hangover avoidance advice ever!…with the exception of obvious drink in moderation.

Update October 17, 2016

The calculator that I referred to in the original post is no longer active, luckily these apps are available and even easier to use than the original!

Opti-D Time Calculator

D VitaMeter

We have known for a very long time (at least 1926) that adequate levels of vitamin D reduce the incidence of respiratory infection, colds, and flu.  It is not so surprising then that as we head into the darkest time of the year –the winter solstice December 21st- the incidence of colds & flus are increasing. We do store vitamin D in our bodies from the summer, the problem is that by this time of the year, without adequate exposure to sunlight, we have used up our stores.

Your skin naturally produces, and then absorbs vitamin D (which is actually a hormone) with sun exposure. In the winter months it is likely that you are not getting enough sunshine to replenish your stores of vitamin D.  This niffty calculator will tell you how much sun exposure you would need to get at various times of the year. Only a few minutes every-other-day for the super pale (nearly transparent) like myself and up to 24 minutes if you have darker skin. 

As your stores of vitamin D drop, your ability to fight infection decreases leaving you with 3 options: 

1. Get sick.
2. Withstand the freezing temperatures and stand in a t-shirt outside at noon for up to 24 minutes every-other-day. 
3. Increase the vitamin D in your diet  - dietary supplementation.

Sources of Vitamin D...