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.
It can seem like such a good idea to reach for that plate of greasy deep fried processed cheese nuggets that look so good when you are tipsy. This is a choice you will regret. Instead, try to nosh on some real food that has some nutritional value…even if it is only marginally better, like poutine with real cheese or a sausage with sauerkraut (for the probiotics)!
3. Prepare for the morning
Before going to bed take stock and make sure your body has what it needs to detox as you sleep: drink some more water; take your vitamins - especially vitamin B3, Vitamin C and zinc; and, be kind to your belly and add some probiotics - natural yogurt, kefir, supplements, kombucha, sauerkraut, etc..
Things I have learned about dealing with a hangover:
1. Hydrate
Drink lots of water, herbal teas (ginger, mint, chamomile, rose hip, milk thistle, etc.), vegetable smoothies, juices, etc.. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine.
2. Nourish your body
Same advice as above – eat real food and try to avoid the greasy deep fried processed stuff. Your body needs to repair the damage and flush out the toxins, make sure you provide it with the nutrients it needs to do the job. For added support eat foods rich in: vitamin C (fresh vegetables & fruits); B vitamins (brewers yeast, liver, nuts, beans, etc.); zinc (egg yolk, maple syrup, oysters, etc.); and, probiotics (kombucha, natural yogurt, kefir, and cultured foods like sauerkraut & natural pickles).
3. Take it easy
Detoxing and repairing is hard work. Take it easy, take naps, take a salt bath, treat yourself to a body scrub, be nice to yourself today.
Homeopathic Help
Select the most suitable homeopathic medicine listed below in a 30c potency. Put 2 pellets into a glass of water, stir and take a sip every 30 minutes until your symptoms begin to subside. As with all homeopathic dosing, it is important to stop taking the remedy as soon as an improvement is noted.
Nux Vomica - the Hangover Remedy
Take Nux Vomica if there is: a headache with a hypersensitivity to noise, light and odors; nausea & vomiting, with retching & an ineffectual urging to vomit; a feeling that “If only I could vomit I would feel better!”; irritability with impatience and an intolerance of others; chilliness with a sensitivity to cold air/drafts; waking in the middle of the night with nausea; bloating, flatulence, and/or heartburn; and, an aggravation from stimulants – coffee, tea, nicotine.
Pulsatilla
Take Puslatilla if there is: a weighted down feeling in the stomach - particularly from rich foods; nausea; headache; a need fresh cool air; a highly emotional desire for comfort and affection; and a desire or tendency to weep.
Carbo Vegetabilis
Take Carbo Vegetablis if there is: extreme debility or collapse; coldness with an aversion to heat; a desire to be fanned and/or propped up while laying down; extreme bloating, nausea, indigestion and belching, or acid reflux; waking in the night with hot flushes; anxiety; explosive diarrhea; and a dry mouth with no thirst.
Bryonia
Take Bryonia if there is: an intense, bursting headache; a grumpy irritability; aggravation from comforting and/or condolence; a desire to be left alone; hot & stiff joints; pain and pressure in the stomach; vomiting and nausea; and pain that is worse from slightest movement.
Arsenicum
Take Arsenicum if there is: anxiety and restlessness; despair of recovery; a desire for company; chilliness with heat in the head; acidic, burning and offensive discharges; nausea; diarrhea; vomiting; and a thirst for small sips of water.
Arnica – the Trauma Remedy
Take Arnica if you have pains and/or inflammation from soft tissue injuries (bumps, bruises, blisters, cuts, stains or sprains) from the night before when you were feeling no pain. Alternate doses of arnica with other homeopathic medicines as required.
For some more post celebration recovery tips check out my Post Holiday Survival blog.
Warning: AVOID acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have consumed alcohol, you can damage your liver and your kidneys.