How can I Cure a Hangover?
In order to successfully cure a hangover, one must first understand the effects of alcohol on the body. A few things occur when people drink. They become dehydrated, and their blood sugar drops dramatically after an initial sugar “high.” Dehydration and low blood sugar tend to result in needing to cure a hangover. They can cause symptoms like vomiting or nausea, headaches, fatigue, and in cases of severe drinking, disorientation.
One doesn’t have to drink to excess to have hangover symptoms the next day. Some people will experience at least minor hangovers with just one or two drinks the night before. Numerous factors can cause hangovers to be big or small. These include: genetics, age, body height and weight, allergy to tannins like those present in red wine, types of medications one is taking, and gender.
Obviously the easiest way to cure a hangover is to avoid having one. Most people in hangover state agree mightily with this statement. However, if one is already in need of a cure, addressing the causes of the hangover tends to promote feeling better.
Many argue that the “hair of the dog,” or drinking more alcohol will cure a hangover. Actually this can be the worst possible “cure.” More alcohol will correct blood sugar imbalance, but the effect is only temporary. Further, excess alcohol consumption the night before could lead to alcohol poisoning. “Hair of the dog” methods to cure a hangover merely delay one.
The best possible methods to cure a hangover include re-hydrating the body. Caffeine might make one feel more alert, but it does have diuretic characteristics and will further deplete the body of hydration. Instead consider water, sports drinks or fruit juice to begin addressing dehydration.
Further, if at all possible, eat protein. Bacon and eggs, a hamburger, yogurt, or cottage cheese can all help cure a hangover. Avoid sugary alternatives like donuts or sweet rolls as these again merely delay the “sugar crash.” Protein, conversely, helps the body restore a healthy blood sugar level. Low blood sugar, in addition to the poisoning effects of alcohol is one of the main reasons for nausea due to a hangover.
For headache, consider taking ibuprofen or aspirin. Do not take brand name or generic Tylenol, and avoid medications containing caffeine. The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, has been shown to cause liver damage, particularly when taken in excess during or after alcohol use. It is thus a dangerous way to cure a hangover. Caffeine, present in some painkillers will again create issues with dehydration.
Pay attention to allergy like symptoms when trying to cure a hangover. These are particularly common with drinking red wine. Some people are allergic to tannins in red wine and may experience stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or other hayfever-like symptoms. If one notes these after consumption of certain alcohols, consider abstaining from these types of drinks in the future.
Ultimately, to cure a hangover, address the physiological causes of alcohol consumption. If eating seems too challenging, consider a yogurt and protein powder smoothie to address fluid depletion and low blood sugar. Next time you are drinking, pace yourself. Consider drinking two-three glasses of water to every drink of alcohol. Further, eat protein when you drink to cut down on blood sugar woes.
Written by Tricia Ellis-Christensen
