Hangover Remedy

A hangover constitutes the unpleasant after effects of consuming excessive alcohol in a short period. The symptoms usually include one or more of the following: headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, diarrhea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and fatigue.

A hangover may also induce psychological symptoms including heightened feelings of depression and anxiety. Hypoglycemia (abnormal glucose levels), dehydration, acetaldehyde (product of alcohol metabolism) intoxication, and vitamin B12 deficiency which are said to cause the symptoms experienced with a hangover.

An intoxicated person may lose their sense of judgment and they are unable to function normally. Intoxication can also alter emotions and moods; some persons feel heightened excitement, anxiety or even depression. The severity of a hangover will be dependent on how much alcohol is consumed and their tolerance level. Further complications will arise if the person is in poor health, hungry, or tired prior to drinking, or if they were dehydrated before drinking.

It is always best to avoid a hangover than to have to deal with one. Drinking on an empty stomach is one sure way to run into problems. Always ensure that you have a sufficient meal before consuming hard liquor; foods such that contain fat and carbohydrates slows down the absorption of alcohol while protecting the stomach from irritation. Other ways of avoiding a hangover are: drinking ample amounts of water (or sports drink if available) in between drinking to keep the body hydrated and minimize the effects of the toxin.

Remedies for Hangover

1. Take a dose of aspirin before retiring to bed and repeat in the morning.
2. Effective home remedies include taking multivitamins and eating a full breakfast once you awake. Keep replenishing the body with water (a natural hangover cure) and juices especially those that are rich in vitamin C as these enzymes help in breaking down the alcohol in the body. Avoid any drink that contains caffeine.
3. Asparagus is a natural remedy for a hangover. It is reported that asparagus eaten before and after drinking excess amounts of alcohol will boost key enzymes that are responsible for breaking down the alcohol in the system.
4. B Vitamins play an essential role in cell metabolism and enhances the functions of the immune and nervous systems. Persons that have consumed large amounts of alcohol would have passed out essential vitamins in the urine. Replenish lost vitamins by consuming foods such as spinach and parsley and this will help in getting rid of a hangover.
5. Get plenty of rest (sleep) to combat the feelings of fatigue while allowing the body to recover.
6. The artichoke is a flowering plant that is said to have originated from North Africa. Artichokes improve the production of bile in the liver. Bile helps in the digestion of lipids which are used to store energy. Artichoke is said to counter-balance alcohol intake; although controversy still surrounds this claim there is nothing to lose in trying this natural hangover remedy.
7. Combine a shake of ripe bananas with honey and milk to cure a hangover. The mixture will help to soothe the stomach and replenish blood sugar levels. The milk soothes the stomach and rehydrates the system.
8. Ginger tea is a great home remedy for hangover. It helps to soothe the stomach and reduces the feeling of nausea.
9. Herbal remedies that are great for hangover include Dandelion which cool and calm the liver can be taken as a tincture, capsule or tea, and Periwinkle which increases blood flow to the brain (use in a tincture).