Hangover

Symptoms

That dreaded morning hangover is directly associated with the amount of toxins in the body, which organs like the liver must eliminate from the system. Symptoms vary, but usually include headaches and mental fogginess, along with thirst, weakness and trembling. Irritability, along with a feeling of misery, is typical. The stomach feels queasy and nauseous because alcohol irritates the stomach lining, so it is not advisable to take aspirin in any form. It will take time to eliminate the toxins from the system, and rest gives the body the support it needs.

Hangover Causes

A hangover is a kind of drug withdrawal, the result of sinking blood-alcohol levels which affect the brain after high levels have been reached. This is why drinking alcohol the morning after a night of drinking temporarily delays the hangover and, in the end, only makes matters worse. Since dehydration and low blood-sugar levels are also responsible for many of the symptoms, hangovers are best prevented or remedied with sufficient water intake and a light meal.

Although overuse of alcohol is the direct cause, there are a number of factors which aggravate hangovers. Mixing different types of alcoholic drinks is well known to cause problems. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach will also cause trouble, because food allows the alcohol to be absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream. Smoking intensifies the problem because of the additional toxins and further dehydration. Lack of sleep will also increase susceptibility. If you suffer from repeated hangovers, however, remember that the long-term consequences of alcohol abuse result in serious illnesses to the body, including cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis and pathological personality changes but there are numerous avenues today to find help.

Hangover Nutrition

In general, alcohol consumption should be limited to an occasional glass of wine or beer with a meal.

To relieve a hangover, drink mineral water to counteract dehydration and restore depleted electrolytes, and eat a light meal. Whole grains and nutritional yeast provide B vitamins which will help calm the nerves and reduce the toxic effects of alcohol. Orange juice provides vitamin C, which also reduces the effects of alcohol toxicity. A healthy cocktail made of nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper and orange juice salmonellamakes an effective tonic.

Hangover Nutritional Supplements

A hangover is a combination of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the toxic effects of alcohol on the body. Although supplements help in both instances, they should not be used as regular treatment to allow continued alcohol binges.

Vitamin C helps reduce the effects of alcohol toxicity on the body. Depleted magnesium causes shaking, nervousness and tension associated with a hangover, and should be supplemented.

The B vitamins also help to calm and strengthen the nervous system, reduce the toxic effects of alcohol and stop cravings for more. If the smallest amounts of alcohol are troublesome the next morning, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil will often help.

Daily dosages:

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every hour for several hours, up to 5,000 mg

Magnesium, 250 mg, hourly for three doses

Vitamin B complex, 100 mg in the morning

Evening primrose oil, four 500 mg capsules in the morning

Hangover Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies provide effective relief of stomach upset and headaches due to a hangover.

Ginger is an anti-nauseant and will soothe the stomach. Stir a glass of natural ginger ale to reduce the carbonation and drink slowly.

Place a drop of Japanese mint oil on the tongue. Breathe in deeply through the mouth and out the nose. Repeat various times.

Gentian, peppermint or centaury leaf tea will soothe and normalize an upset stomach.

A combination of peppermint and fennel emulsion diluted in 1/2 cup of water is great for soothing a painful stomach. With ulcers, take the fennel only.

Mix equal amounts of agrimony, wormwood and centaury to relieve migraines. Pour boiling water over 2 tbsp. of this mix, steep five minutes, strain and drink unsweetened in small quantities.

Hangover Homeopathy

Use the 6c strength, placing 2 tablets under the tongue. Repeat every hour for three doses, then only as needed.

Nux vomica is widely recommended to alleviate symptoms of a hangover, although it is not recommended that this remedy be taken on a regular basis unless the underlying problem is being treated.

Symptoms helped by Nux vomica are headaches, nausea and oversensitivity to noise, light and drafts. The mood is irritable and the symptoms are at their worst on first waking in the morning.

Hangover Tissue Salts

For relief of specific symptoms, see headache, cirrhosis, nausea and pancreatitis.

Hangover External/Physical Therapies

Drink lots of water to oxygenate the blood, then go back to sleep.

Go for a brisk walk in the fresh air.

Take a shower, alternating between about five minutes of hot water and a few seconds of cold.

Hangover Other Suggestions

Excessive alcohol has become a socially acceptable drug. It is often thought to improve sleep quality, sexual performance or help rid the mind of a nagging problem. The facts, however, suggest the opposite. Drinking causes most people to wake earlier than usual with less energy than after a poor night's sleep. Drinking is often the cause of sexual dysfunction since it interferes with the brain and nervous system. Alcohol also tends to intensify feelings of unhappiness, loneliness and boredom because it is a depressant. Using exercise, a hot bath, a good book, a movie or a personal alternative to relax are more likely to produce desirable results.

Hangover Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Calcium and Magnesium Citrate
(Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Stress B Formula (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil
(Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Green Magma (Green Foods)

Natural Pain Ease (Natural Factors)

Ginger-Peppermint Combination

(Nature's Herbs)

Ginger Root (Nature's Herbs)

Fennel Seed (Nature's Herbs)

Reishi Mushroom (Nature's Herbs)

Liv Select (Sisu)

Homeopathy

Nux Vomica (Nelsons Homeopathy)