According to Wikipedia hangover is an unpleasant feeling after taking any intoxicants in more than usual limits especially alcohol.
*Signs and symptoms:
- Severe Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Thirst and dry mouth
- Moodiness
- Sensitivity to light
There can be more symptoms associated with it depending on the state of health and pre-existing conditions.
Reasons behind hangover:
- Change in body sugar levels.
- Change in body salts like Potassium, Magnesium, etc.
- Depletion of B1, B6, and B12.
- Dehydration because of frequent urination.
- Chemical changes in the body and production of toxins.
- Ethanol + Liver Enzymes = Acetaldehyde= Acetic Acid.
- Alcohol depletes natural enzymes present in the liver called Glutathione. This enzyme is a natural detoxifier of the body
How can you prevent a hangover?
The best suggestion as published in the British Medical Journal as research done by Max Pitter of EXTER University of South West of England concluded that if you want to prevent hangover don’t drink.
Useful Tips for drinkers:
- Drink moderately.
- Avoid dark-colored spirits which has more congeners in them compared with light-colored.
- Do not Skip food.
- Eat eggs (eggs contain an amino acid called Cystine which is helpful in maintaining electrolyte balance which keeps your body hydrated)
How to handle it if it happens?
- Tylenol and Advil help but their long term usage can be harmful to your body.
- Take Multivitamins and Ester-C which may trigger your immune system to repair the damage done to your body.
- Add a pinch of baking soda to a glass of water can help relieve nausea.
Milk, Yogurt, Orange Juice, and Buttermilk are helpful depending on preferences because of they rich in vitamin-C.
Homeopathic Remedies:
Homeopathic remedies are great to help in handling Hangover.
Useful remedies are:
- Aconite
- Nux Vomica
- Belladonna
- Pulsatilla
- Phosphorus
- Sulfur
Keep in mind while taking any homeopathic remedy it is important to know the right potency dose and frequency of the remedy or consult a trusted homeopath. Harminder Singh is a Homeopathic Consultant and has served for Punjab Govt. as a physician Incharge for several years and has more than fifteen years of experience in Homeopathy. He is currently running HomeopathicVibes a homeopathic consultancy located at 940, E El Camino Real Sunnyvale CA 94087. His office phone number is 408-737-7100.