If you are anything like me, you are probably indulging in all the holiday fun you can muster, which means drinking way too much booze on occasion. Now, as much fun as that may be, it leaves future you feeling like crap and cursing party you something fierce.
Drinking alcohol depletes a lot of nutrients from your body – like, basically all of them – and this is just one of the reasons you feel terrible after a night of boozing and singing your own rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” on top of a bar stool.
Alcohol is toxic. Yes, this delicious, feel-good, inhibition-dropping elixir actually has a toxic effect on your body. That’s why you get intoxicated when not drinking in moderation, and that’s why you feel like the wrath the next day.
There are many hangover cures out there. Some work, some don’t, and you might feel inclined to consume some “hair of the dog”. But while drinking more alcohol might help you temporarily feel better, it may be potentially harmful long term.
The bottom line is that you need to give your body a chance to recover, and here are some tips on how to do just that.
Protein
Proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, which are substances that help detoxify your liver and, in turn, assist your recovery. Alcohol depletes a number of amino acids in your body, so replenishing them come breakfast time will help get things back to normal. This is why you crave bacon.
Drink water
This seems like an obvious one. This is because tissues around your brain are mostly made up of water, and dehydration will shrink them! (Hangover pounding headache sound familiar?) Drinking water while you are boozing can also help the affects of next day hangover. Drink a glass of water for every glass of alcohol you have to avoid that morning headache.
Take a Multivitamin
While you should probably be taking these every day, if you are planning a night of drinking fun, it’s probably a good idea to be very diligent in consuming your vitamins prior-to, and afterwards, to replenish all the good things lost that night.
Avoid bubbly Drinks
Yes, it’s tempting to spend your Christmas bonus on Dom Perignon to cheers when the clocks strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, but trust me, pimped out bubbly drinks will be the end of you tomorrow. Bubbly drinks, or anything mixed with something carbonated, will cause the alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into your system.
Yoga & Meditation
OK, this is not necessarily scientifically proven, but once, after my three-glass limit of wine (‘cause I’m a cheap drunk), I woke up and did a meditation and yoga practice at home and I felt great! I think all the movement helped with blood flow and the breathing helped my body to deal with the stress it was in. Trust me, hangovers equal stress in your body.
Stay Sober
You could not drink, or do it in moderation and….not be hungover?
Eat before you drink
Drinking on an empty stomach will get you drunk faster and will suppress your hunger as well. Eating healthy carbs and fats will slow down the digestion of the alcohol you will be consuming. Stay sober longer; avoid puking.
Get your B vitamins
Replenishing your B vitamins is one of the best things you can do for your body in general, but especially when it comes to a night of drinking. Even if you are not planning to go overboard, B vitamins will help you level out and feel much better.
Recipe: Baked Eggs
Ingredients:
2 eggs
2 stalks kale
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 jalapeno, chopped
4-5 olives, pitted and diced
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. Sautee onion, kale in coconut oil.
2. When onions are soft add apple cider vinegar.
3. Add spices and sautee for 3-5 minutes more.
4. Scoop out mixture and put into small ramekins.
5. Add diced olives and jalapenos.
6. Crack an egg over mixture.
7. Bake at 400F for 10-15 min. or until egg is cooked.
8. Serve with a side of sauerkraut and avocado for a delicious breakfast/brunch!
