The best way to get over a hangover is to avoid a hangover in the first place. Yeah I know easy to say…I’m not suggesting to actually stop drinking alcohol, you really can still drink and avoid a hangover.

What is a hangover?

Most people agree that a hangover is a group of unpleasant characteristics that include weakness, nausea, headaches, increased thirst, moody, fatigue, sensitivity to light and sometimes diarrhea. A hangover may also induce psychological symptoms including heightened feelings of sensitivity, depression and anxiety.

Typically drinking alcohol will causes the body to urinate more often so some people feel that the best hangover remedy is to drink lots of water during and after. They are right, as this will avoid dehydration, which is responsible for the headaches, lethargy and dry mouth.

As the liver enzymes breakdown the ethanol (which is primary active ingredient in alcoholic beverages) it is then converted to an organic chemical compound called acetaldehyde, which is 10 and 30 times more toxic than alcohol itself and when too much is consumed we know it as alcohol poisoning.

The liver protect us from the toxins we consume by producing glutathione which is an antioxidant but as the alcohol is consumed it slowly depletes the livers supply reducing its ability to effectively remove acetaldehyde and other toxins from our bloodstream. See Detox Strips.

Everyone has his or her own hangover remedy but I have listed some Potentially beneficial remedies,

• Foods such as: tuna, pork, sausage meat, cauliflower, chicken, turkey, duck, luncheon meat, eggs, milk, whey protein, bananas, ricotta, celery, cottage cheese, yogurt, red peppers, garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oats, granola, and wheat germ.

• Water: And lots of it. During and after alcohol consumption rehydration, can reverse the effects of dehydration and it’s side effects.

• Advil: which contains Tolfenamic acid (anti-inflammatory) can reduce side effects such as, headaches, thirst, dry mouth, vomiting and nausea.

• Milk thistle: Has protective effects on the liver and greatly improve its function.

• Kudzu: has useful isoflavones (Anti-inflammatory ) that can treat migraines and alcohol cravings.

• Hair of the dog:  A drink the next day can help relieve further symptoms as the body tends to have withdrawal symptoms and a drink the next day can satisfy those symptoms. Note that having more alcohol the next day is a common indication of alcohol dependence and then alcoholism.