If you have found your way to this column it is my guess you have over indulged with alcohol in some way. You have a hangover. Being in the midst of the holiday season it is easy for use to make some missteps with spirits, wine and beer. While there is no “off-switch” to end the nausea, headaches and unsteady feelings, here is some advice that might help.
Make sure you pregame for the morning after. One of the most common symptoms and characteristics of a hangover is dehydration. Drinking water at the end of the night is a great preventive measure. Drinking a low sugar sports drink like Gatorade G2 will also help with hydration and replace electrolytes. Sodium can be your best friend in many of these cases, sodium helps the body retain water. A late night salty snack washed down with non-alcoholic fluids can be a huge help.
In many cases there is no time to prepare for the morning after, especially if you pass out. When burdened with a hangover once aging rehydration is the most paramount. Alcohol especially when consumed in excess strips your body of Vitamin B6. A B vitamin complex or even vitamin B6 can be found in most drugstores and in all health and wellness store. A vitamin B6 washed down with a caffeinated beverage should get you on your feet. I would suggest avoiding taking acetaminophen, like in Tylenol or Excedrin, it has been linked to severe cases of liver toxicity when taken soon after alcohol consumption.
You might also be suffering from malnutrition. Sage drinking experts will tell you getting something greasy in your system is your best bet. I would tend to agree. If you are so queasy the thought of eating a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich is out of the question, try soup. Soup with get nutrients back into your system and will help hydrate you, the high sodium content will also be a plus.
There are some over the counter hangover cures that have come across our desks here at the TMRZoo.com offices. Most are caffeine laced energy drinks with a bit of vitamin B6. One over the counter hangover cure I have found to be a cut above that I would strongly suggest is Blowfish. Blowfish can be found in major retail drug stores including CVS stores and it works.
I know you don’t need me to tell you this but the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink responsibly. Don’t over indulge and have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve.
