Alcohol is a diuretic, so each drink not only dehydrates you, but along with the loss of water, you lose availability of the water soluble vitamins. That means that you suddenly end up short of, among others, vitamin B complex and vitamin C. Particularly the Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), folic acid, B6 and B12, help combat hangovers symptoms. Vitamin B12, plays an important role in the functioning of the brain and nervous system.
Secondly, alcohol is a toxin and can directly impact on body tissues particularly the nervous system. This is at least in part through oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Neutralising these with glutathione, antioxidants such as Vit C and zinc, alpha lipoic acid and others will theoretically help reduce the damage. Your nervous system and cell walls are very reliant on building blocks of proteins and special fats known as phospholipids. Supplementation with these may also help reduce the sensations of a hangover and perhaps the damage.
It’s coming to the end of the festive season and you’ve had a few too many mulled wines and bubbly. If you want to avoid a festive hangover (as much as possible), here are some tips to make you feel better asap according to nutritional expert Geeta Sidhu-Robb, Founder of Nosh Detox:
BEFORE
1. Never drink on an empty stomach
Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to the rate of alcohol absorption being as equivalent to receiving it intravenously. Protein rich foods are the safest option as they take longer to digest, which then slows down how fast your blood alcohol level increases.
2. Avoid drinks with congeners
Drinks containing congeners increase the intensity of hangovers and common spirits with include the deadly ingredient are Tequila and Whiskey. Colourless spirits are low in congener, and typically leave a less severe hangover so bring on the vodka tonics!
3. Skip Champagne
Bad news. It is scientifically proven that the bubbles in Champagne actually accelerate the absorption of alcohol, hence the saying ‘the bubbles have gone to my head’. Consuming bubbly alcoholic drinks will result in you getting more drunk more quickly which then leads to terrible hangovers.
4. Take vitamins
Your body uses essential vitamins and minerals when digesting and metabolising alcohol, leading to a depletion of vitamins and a worse hangover. Before a heavy night of drinking, help your liver out and take vitamin supplements, particularly Vitamin B as alcohol destroys it when consumed.
5. Avoid diet mixers
Avoid the diet drink myth! Diet mixers such as diet lemonade and diet coke contain no calories or sugar, which leads to alcohol entering directly into the bloodstream. Juices are a better alternative as they are not carbonated and decrease the speed of alcohol absorption, meaning you can celebrate more during the festive period.
AFTER
1. Rehydrate
Dehydration is the main cause of a hangover, so drinking a large glass of water before you go to sleep and once you’ve woken up will have you feeling better in the morning. A rehydration sachet is essential as it will also help you replace lost electrolytes as well as rehydrate you.
2. Take Vitamins
Just as it is wise to take vitamin supplements before a night of drinking, you should also take supplements the day after. This will help replenish any vitamins that were used during the metabolism of alcohol the night before.
3. Eggs
Whether scrambled, poached or fried; eggs are full of amino acids which boost liver function and help breakdown acetaldehyde which is the headache causing chemical that is left over after the liver breaks down ethanol. Proof that the Full English really is the ultimate hangover cure!
4. Avoid caffeine
You may be desperate for a caffeine boost but do not make the mistake of overloading your body with it. Too much caffeine will irritate your hydration levels and leave you feeling worse for wear.
5. Ginger and Peppermint Tea
Studies show that peppermint tea is an effective cure of morning sickness with pregnant ladies and may be the trick when it comes to ridding yourself of stomach pains and nausea. Best consumed with hot water to rid yourself of that hangover.
(www.noshdetox.com)
