Hangover Series: Remedies - For those who swear they will "Never drink again!"

Hangover Remedies – For those who swear they will “Never drink again!”

Hopefully the holiday hangovers have taught us not to drink too much…but we all know that we NEVER listen to ourselves when we are draped over our toilets swearing to never drink again! So, maybe we need to learn a way to drink and avoid the next morning's effects….Wishful thinking? Or can this really happen? With Spring Break now approaching, here we go testing our body’s limits with our intake of alcohol.

What happens to your body during a hangover?

While most hangovers disappear naturally after between eight and twenty-four hours, it is still necessary to take care of yourself while going through the process. This is some of what you can expect with a hangover:

1. Lack of hydration.
2. Headache
3. Lightheadedness and/or drowsiness
4. Fatigue
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Diarrhea
7. Physical instability when walking
8. Cramping (due to lack of hydration)
9. Lack of focus
10. Excessive sweating

A hangover causes decreased blood sugar levels which causes most of these symptoms, furthermore, it can trigger inflammation within the body.

There are several cures or remedies you can try; these include the following:

1. Drinking water to re-hydrate the body. Since too much alcohol causes blood sugar levels to fall, foods that boost blood sugar are highly recommended. Fluids with electrolytes that restore lost potassium and salts as well as those containing fructose (which assists in burning the alcohol faster) are helpful in restoring the body back to normal.
2. Sipping coconut water. Coconut water naturally contains a high number of electrolytes along with magnesium and potassium and will help your body to replenish minerals that have been lost due to drinking alcohol. 
3. Drink freshly squeezed orange juice with a bit of honey. Vitamin C present in orange juice will help the liver to process the alcohol from your system faster and also wash out the toxins.
4. Exercise – Having a good burn can help a hangover. While the body is active, you will sweat, and sweating is the body’s natural way to remove toxins out of your system. With these toxins leaving your system, your blood is going to flow, and your organs are going to function more efficiently. But please note – wait to exercise when you have more energy, and it is also imperative to continue hydration with water and electrolytes while engaging in physical activity.
5. Sleep – If you have the time, try to get as much rest as possible. Sleep allows for restoration in the body when chemical imbalance is evident.

Cannabis Effects on Hangovers - THC & CBD

THC and CBD are the active ingredients in cannabis, and they can be helpful with some of the symptoms of a hangover. Cannabis is known for its antiemetic effects which is why it is used for cancer patients who are on chemotherapy. The THC and CBD in cannabis interacts with the ECS (endocannabinoid system) in the body and therefore helps to reduce nausea and promotes having an appetite.

Conclusion

Hangovers can happen anytime you drink, even if you are a light drinker or if you have one strong alcoholic beverage.  They can be challenging to experience, but time remains the ultimate and unarguable cure.  Of course, hangovers are felt mostly in the morning following an alcoholic session the previous night, but they are caused by a variety of chemical and biological reactions to alcohol which can take some time to detox from your body. Some people can experience hangover symptoms for days after heavy drinking.

Hangovers are experienced by every party-goer at least once in their lifetime.

***Please understand that excessive drinking can be dangerous and cause weight gain, chronic diseases and alcohol poisoning which can be deadly! Please ensure that you are drinking responsibly and ALWAYS have a designated driver!!!***

The reason these hangover remedies work is because of re-hydration. You must replace what is lost during a night of drinking. It won’t undo any wild activities that may have taken place while intoxicated, but they can help make you feel better faster. At the end of the day, sleeping off a hangover is still the best way for your body to cope during those painful hungover hours. Sleep (along with hydration) allows for complete restoration of the body so that you can function normally…..at least until that next night out on the town!;)

Be Safe, Be Mindful & Stay Hydrated!