It’s that time of year were we all, myself included, overindulge in life. To help you through I have compiled some tips and tricks that will hopefully take some of that ‘OMG what have I done!’ pain away.
Hydrate. You know this already right? You’d be surprised how many of us don’t drink enough water. Make sure you hydrate before you start drinking any alcohol. If you are thirsty before you start you will only drink more, making the situation worse. It is also a good idea to drink a glass of water for each glass of alcohol, this reduces your consumption and helps your body clear the toxins. Don’t forget the day after, you need to keep up your intake to help your liver and kidneys do a good job of detoxing. FYI, did you know your skin is made up of 64% water so if you want to stay looking young and reduce those wrinkles, keep hydrated!
B Vitamins. Many B vitamins are used up as co-factors in the detoxification of alcohol, so it is a very good idea to take one just before you head out to your function, and first thing the next morning. Make sure you buy ‘Activated B Vitamins’, many people are unable to convert the synthetic form into its active state which is a whole other article. Also, word to the wise don’t take them before bed, they can keep some people awake, bit like a strong cup of coffee.
Vitamin C. Consumption of alcohol depletes the body of vitamin C due to oxidative stress in your liver. Vitamin C is water soluble, so I would suggest dosing up before you go out and the next morning.
Choose your Drink. The preservatives in wine are often a major contributor to how you feel the next morning so look for preservative free wine or consider a clean spirit such as vodka. If you are a spirit drinker then watch your mixers most of them have either artificial sweeteners or an incredible amount of sugar.
Magnesium. Also a co-factor in many of the detoxification pathways and depleted resources can show up in many ways including headaches, cramps and lethargy. A wonderful way to pamper yourself the day after is an Epson salts bath. The bath will not only relax you but your skin with absorb the magnesium and ease that headache.
Coconut Water. Your new best friend, coconut water mirrors the electrolytes in our body almost exactly. Have some handy in the fridge for the morning after it will pep you up in no time.
Exercise. This is the absolute last thing you will feel like doing but I can guarantee you that anything that causes you to get up a sweat will help. The reason being is that aside from your liver your skin is the largest detoxifying organ in your body. Clean fluids and sweating is a great way to help the body purge.
Eat Before You Go Out. Drinking on an empty stomach is a big no no as about 20 % percent is absorbed straight into the bloodstream with 80% then absorbed in the small intestine. By having a meal containing protein and healthy fats with alcohol you not only slow this process down but you are ingesting nutrients that help the detoxification pathways. We all know that getting your hands on a platter of hors d’oeuvres can be tricky so make sure you are not hungry, or thirsty when you arrive.
Check the Menu. Many of us have food intolerances or dietary restrictions and attending a party with nothing you can eat is not only frustrating but it can make it terribly tempting to eat something you shouldn’t. There have been many occasions where I have rung the venue to check the menu and usually they are very happy to accommodate me or don’t mind if I bring something to snack on. I have an intolerance to wheat so I have a recipe for some great wheat free crackers that I often take with me to events.
Upset Stomach. So, you caved and ate something you shouldn’t have and now your stomach is complaining in a big way. There are a few things that you can do to help. If you have some Aloe Vera in your garden, peel off the skin making sure you take the yellow gel with you then mix the remaining clear gel into a glass of water. About one stalk should do it. The gel soothes the lining of the digestive system giving you some relief. If you are experiencing acid reflux type symptoms then a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother in a glass of water should help.
Nausea. We all know this feeling and it is one that I absolutely hate. Ginger can help. Grate it directly into some hot water, suck on a freshly peeled piece or whip up a smoothie with ginger, turmeric, Aloe Vera gel, coconut water and a banana.
I am going to leave you with some information that you might find interesting:
1. Spirits without any mixers are the lowest in carbs but highest in calories. 2. Beer is the highest in carbs and is up there in calories. 3. Red and white wine are low in both carbs and calories. 4. A Coca cola 375ml can, has as many carbs as 2 x 750 ml bottles of wine.
My pick is red wine in moderation. Remember that alcohol is a poison and your body struggles when it consumes more than 3 standard drinks in one sitting, hence a bad night sleep and the hangover.