The Nation's Health

Health Tips: HANGOVER

Hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol at one time, and are dependent on each person's tolerance level for alcohol. It can be based on height, weight, and the genetics of a person. Hangover symptoms last only about 24 hours.

The main symptom of a hangover is dehydration and drinking plenty of water can minimize. A headache is a symptom of dehydration and may be relieved by drinking water. Drinking too much alcohol decreases the essential nutrients of the body such as vitamins, minerals, water, and blood sugar.

Some of the important symptoms of hangover are headache, nausea, intestinal upset, and perhaps diarrhea, aches in the muscles and joints, and fatigue. Some alcohol is worse than others - Brandy, red wine, rum, whisky, white wine, gin and vodka

Some alcoholics drink more or less steadily, others drink only when under stress or anxiety. Some drink in excess and destroy themselves rapidly. Alcohol often destroys the liver, causing hepatic cirrhosis. It produces gastritis or inflammation of the stomach. Their effect upon the brain is even more marked. Alcohol makes the heart weak and flabby. Some alcoholics may develop the symptoms of peripheral neuritis in which the nerves become weakened and deteriorated. Alcohol in any form may cause intoxication if enough has been taken. It is responsible for many deaths. The alcoholic who is dead drunk can be allowed to sleep off his stupor. This may one or two days. But the man who is half drunk is often violent, and may not be restrained. Young people should avoid the use of alcohol in any form. Many people suffer from a severe headache due to hangover after taking large quantities of alcohol. Alcohol is toxic to the tissues and directly irritates the meninges and coverings of the brain, thus causing pain in the head. The alcohol also dilates the arteries in the brain, and this produces a pain. The best treatment for this type of headache is to avoid the excessive use of alcohol in any form.

HOME REMEDIES FOR HANGOVERS A large glass of orange juice or tomato juice will help to remove the alcohol from the system the morning after. Honey is a very concentrated source of fructose, and eating a little the morning after is another way to remove the remaining alcohol from the body. Amino acids play a role in repairing the effects of a hangover. Few cup of coffee can do a great deal to relieve the headaches associated with hangovers. Take Vitamin C as it may increase the rate of alcohol breakdown in the body. For hangover treatment, drink plenty of water to cover the deficiency of fluids caused by dehydration Bouillon soup or sports beverages (i.e. Gatorade) may help to replace depleted salt and potassium. Eating 6 raw almonds before consuming alcohol helps prevent intoxication. Put a teaspoon of bifidus powder in a glass of water and drink before going to bed. Evening primrose oil helps prevent hangovers. Take two teaspoons. Eating peanut butter before drinking is an African remedy. To help stop the urge for alcohol drink a tangy drink, such as tomato with the juice of one lemon added. A good, brisk walk will increase circulation and help to get rid of your hangover by helping the body rid itself of toxins. For hangover treatment, apples eaten on an empty stomach the day after drinking is an effective. One of the quickest ways to cure a hangover is to make a banana milkshake sweetened with honey. Chicken soup, seems to work as well for hangover problems as it does for colds. Add the juice of one lemon to a cup of black coffee and drink it without sugar and without milk. Add two teaspoons of fresh limejuice and a teaspoon of sugar to 8 ounces of water. Drink it slowly. Make a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried peppermint; cover; steep for fifteen minutes; strain. Drink 1-2 cups as soon as you can. Peppermint either in tea or chewing leaves as such will relax the intestines and this is very effevtive home remedy for hangovers. Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) extract has been found to relieve hangover nausea and dry mouth. Eat raw cabbage to give relief to the headache. Drink sauerkraut juice with some tomato juice. This drink helps to replace lost nutrients. Pull your hair in clumps so that your full scalp is stimulated. This remedy brings blood to the scalp and relieves the headache. Prepare a tea by lightly crushing five fresh or dried leaves; place in a cup and fill with water cooled to just below boiling; cover and leave to infuse for five minutes; remove leaves and drink. This is also very effevtive home remedy for hangovers Putting anything in the stomach prior to indulging in alcohol helps prevent a hangover. Never skip breakfast, especially when hangover. The classic eggs and toast is the best breakfast.

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