Petite Physique

Hangovers happen when our already overburdened livers struggle to clear out the excessive amount of toxins and chemicals consumed from too much alcohol. Our blood sugar dips, our bodies are dehydrated, and overall fatigue takes over. Basically, you are creating a toxic internal situation that your body is trying to fight and repair.

While over the counter pain relievers are common practice for the hangover-inclined, you might want to think again before reaching for your aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, all of which can come with some serious side-effects that are amplified by alcohol.

You know you have a hangover when you have a headache, nausea, intestinal upset, and perhaps diarrhea, aches in the muscles and joints, and fatigue. Now let’s look at some prevention techniques and remedies. Hangovers are no fun, so you really need to know what to do!

1: Bananas

Bananas are your best friend! While you were drunk and peeing like a racehorse, lots of potassium drained from your body. Eating a banana bursting with potassium will give you some giddy-up and go. All you have to do is peel and eat.

2: Ginger Root

Ginger has long been used to treat nausea and motion sickness. Having a hangover is much like being seasick, this easy remedy works wonders. If you’re really green, the best bet is to drink ginger ale (no preparation required). If you can remain vertical for 10 minutes, brew some ginger tea. Cut 10 to 12 slices of fresh ginger root and combine with 4 cups water. Boil for 10 minutes. Strain and add the juice of half a lemon, and honey to taste. Drink to your relief.

3: Honey and Lemons

The classic hot “Toddy” is honey, lemon and hot water. This easy to sip beverage replenishes fluids and sugars lost to alcohol. Honey contains fructose, which competes for the metabolism of alcohol. Some healthy competition is necessary, since it prevents the rapid change in alcohol levels that results in headaches. Plain sugar contains sucrose, which isn’t absorbed as quickly, so make sure not to add sugar. To make a Toddy, boil 1 cup water and mix in honey and lemon juice to taste. Drinking a Toddy first thing in the morning is amazing, it will help continue the detox your body has started while you were sleeping. I actually try to have this drink every morning.

4: Coconut Water

Rich in Potassium and other minerals, Coconut Water helps to regulate our internal fluids and replenish and rehydrate the body. It has been used to treat dehydration caused by dysentery, cholera, the flu and diarrhea. The electrolyte balance and plasma in Coconut Water has been found to be similar to that of human blood. Therefore, drinking Coconut Water will aid in digestion, hot temperatures, and after a strenuous workout will rehydrate the body quickly.

5: Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is an excellent hangover remedy because it contains fructose, a type of sugar that helps your body metabolize alcohol more quickly. There’s a reason why Bloody Marys are a popular drink the morning of a hangover.

6: Probiotics

Another “morning after” remedy is to take a probiotic supplement, such as acidophilus, to help restore the flora balance in your stomach. It’s a great idea to incorporate this supplement into your daily diet. I like to take a probiotic & enzyme complex, it adds even more benefits.

7: Stretching

Try this Hangover-Aid Yoga Pose

Perfect as a post-party liver purge, twisting yoga poses help to squeeze the alcohol out of the organs (imagine twisting a towel to squeeze out water).

The Seated Twist

- Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.

- Bend your left knee and cross your leg over your right, placing your left foot on the floor beside the outside of your right knee.

- Rotate your torso to the left so you are twisting your body.

- Bring your right arm across your body and place your right hand on the floor beside your left butt cheek. Use this arm to help you twist even more.

- Inhale big belly breaths. Hold the pose for 30 seconds. Switch sides.

8: Water

Drinking water is the best cure for a hangover. Dehydration does a doozy on your body and causes much of the discomfort associated with a hangover. Stick to water, be it tap, bottled or carbonated. Drink more than eight glasses a day while recovering.

These natural cures will have you back in tip-top shape so you can do it all again :)

Xx Kara