So what exactly is a hangover?
Well . . . a hangover is when the body's blood alcohol content drops significantly and is "at" or "near" zero.
The main cause of a hangover is the toxic chemical from alcohol called "ethanol" (we spoken of this in previous Health tips) that works in the body as a diuretic, which makes us pee more and therefore, we become dehydrated as a result.
So how can we fix an alcoholic hangover???
Well . . . there are several ways.
You see . . . when we drink alcohol . . . it depletes the magnesium, vitamin B12 and vitamin C in the body and ultimately that's what causes the dehydration.
So replenishing the body with these essential vitamins and minerals . . . we can fix this problem. And what foods fit that bill???
Well . . . you could grab a handful of pumpkin seeds or cashew for the magnesium, a serving of beef, clams, trout, salmon or an egg for the B-12 and 2 small kiwis for the vitamin C.
Or you could take some "curcumin", the active compound in "turmeric". This also makes for an ideal hangover remedy because it helps absorb the acid residue left behind from the alcohol. And as a bonus . . . it will help to cleanse the liver.
Another important need to recovery are . . . "electrolytes".
You see . . . "electrolytes" replenish the body with the minerals needed to retain fluids and expel toxins. And remember I just said a "hangover" is all about "dehydration" of the body.
Well . . . a quick and easy way to get your electrolytes back in check would be with baking soda.
You see . . . baking soda has the ability to break down into sodium ions in the body which is an electrolyte that has powerful effects.
Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (no aluminum kind) with an 8 ounce glass of room temperature water and drink it on down every couple of hours to relieve a hangover.
And as another added bonus . . . drinking alcohol makes the body very "acidic" (we've spoken of this many time before) and baking soda helps to correct that issue due to it being "alkaline", meaning oxygen rich.
So enjoy your holiday cheer . . . but again . . . just don't overdo it.
As always, feel free to contact me here