The biggest drinking holiday of the season can be a fabulous time, but some start out the brand new year with a promise to The Almighty to “NEVER DRINK AGAIN”!
(We have all made that promise more than once…LOL)
Science has made a lot of progress preventing and treating diseases, but they still haven’t cured the dreaded hangover. They have made some steps in a positive direction though. Let’s review the latest information together before you uncork that bottle bubbly.
#1 YOU DON’T HAVE TO CURE WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE
Here are four tips from the staff at the Mayo Clinic on hangover prevention:
1. Eat first: Alcohol is absorbed more quickly if your stomach is empty. It may help to eat something before drinking alcohol.
2. Take it slow: Pace yourself. Limit yourself to just one drink or less each hour.
3. Choose carefully: Beverages with fewer congeners — such as light-colored beers and wine — are slightly less likely to cause hangovers than are beverages with more congeners — such as brandy, whiskey, dark beers and red wine.
4. Sip water between drinks: Drinking a full glass of water after each alcoholic drink will help you stay hydrated. It’ll also help you drink less alcohol.
#2 TAKING PAINKILLERS BEFORE YOU SLEEP
“Some people take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to prevent hangover symptoms. But ask your doctor if this is safe for you and what dosage is best for you. These medications may interact with other medications, and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may cause liver damage if too much alcohol is consumed.”
#3 Say NO to grease,sugar,(or more alcohol), because scientists say bread (toast) with honey is the best food choice
British Royal Society of Chemistry lead researcher Dr. John Emsley :
“The reason why hangovers are so painful is that alcohol is first broken down into acetaldehyde, a substance which is toxic to the body and causes throbbing headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The hangover disappears as the acetaldehyde is slowly converted to less toxic chemicals. When honey and toast are consumed together, potassium and sodium are added to the body, which helps the body in handling the alcohol.”
Dietitian/nutritionist Malina Linkas Malkani of the Wholitarian Lifestyle says the only real known cure for a hangover is time.
“The body will break down the alcohol in eight to 24 hours, depending on how fast your body can metabolize it,”
MOST IMPORTANT : Do not EVER consider drinking and driving. Arrive alive!
Happy New Year–Susan Saunders 12/28/17
