Thursday, February 8, 2007

7 Ways Fighting a Hangover

The first step towards preserving your liver function should be taken before drinking. One should remember to begin your session with a good meal before drinking, and include plenty of complex carbohydrates to help combat hypoglyceamia later on. Make sure you balance the meal with some lean protein and vegetables to ensure you have good levels of minerals and antioxidants in circulation. At least this may appease you liver before the onslaught begins.

Alcohol is by nature dehydrating so fluid is of great importance at all times! Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid before, after and during you boozing session. Try to alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks. a lot of good old water before and during drinking. In the morning when a hangover hits, it is also the best thing to have. Sports drinks which are high in electrolytes may be helpful in replenishing what the kidneys have excreted during the night and should be taken before sleeping.

There are many myths and fallacies about how to cure or prevent a hangover, with little science to back it up. However here are a few ideas that may help to ease your pain and complement a liver health supplement.

It is thought that fructose may be important in assisting a hangover cure. This is the sugar found in fruit and fruit products. Take your pick from bananas, apples, mango etc. if your stomach is queasy you may want too avoid anything to acidic like grapefruit and kiwis. A banana milkshake sweetened with honey may calm the stomach, top up low blood sugar levels as well as some of our electrolyte levels.. The milk soothes the stomach and rehydrates the system and may assist with hangover symptoms. Bananas replace important electrolytes, magnesium and potassium.

Ginger tea, chicken soup, an egg-based breakfast and tomato juice ( in the guise of a Bloody Mary) are all said to help in curing a hangover. It would seem that everyone has there own particular approach. It is likely that including some lightl protein sources and complex carbohydrates are going to help with topping your B vitamins - try a poached egg on whole grain bread with spinach or a fruit smoothie with yoghurt and oatmeal.

Schisandra fruit extract may also be helpful in the treatment of hangover. There is evidence which indicates that it improve concentration, coordination, and endurance Although most of the experiment have been carried out in animals, they have suggested that extracts of the fruit have a liver-protective effect, a helpful effect on some liver enzymes, and an antioxidant effect. Schisandra is also rich in Vitamin C and E,

Milk thistle is frequently cited as a hangover remedy and there does appear to be some supporting evidence in the literature. Trials have indicated that it may be beneficial for decreasing mortality and improving liver function tests in patients with alcoholic liver disease. More conclusive research is needed to confirm its role however.

Finally, a bit of exercise may help to clear your head. It should increases the blood flow, and let blood and oxygen into the oxygen-starved brain. A shower might just do the trick - make sure it’s not too hot as this can contribute to the dehydration. Of course a few headache pills may be beneficial but if your stomach is feeling a little delicate try Nux vomica, a homeopathic medicine, helps relieve gas, bloating and nausea. Of course, the best advice of all would be not to drink at all and preserve your liver health!

Hangovers: Beer for remedies