Hangover cures that may lift the spirits
Avoid beer and vodka if you are on a diet. These and other facts about drinking is provided in this article.
With the holiday season upon us, evoking images of feasts, fun with family and friends and fond memories, remember not to overlook your physical health. Prepare for the effects of indulging in your favourite alcoholic ‘potables’ by keeping the following hints and tips in mind, with some remedies to suit your party schedule.
In general it is best to eat before, during and after drinking! But if you cannot manage that, a good ‘stomach lining’ before you pop that first top will go a long way towards bribing your body to remain quiet when you wake up the morning after. The ‘South African Way’ means a protein and fat combination, such as boerewors and chips, or bacon, egg and cheese sarmie. Some vitamins and minerals – fruit juice/salad, Essentiale, and Berocca – round off the alcohol inoculation nicely.
This may not be good news for those of you who are driven to diet over the festive season, but at least fool your system with some salad or veggies.
In so saying, do not be fooled into thinking that you can take in more calories in beverages because you are skimping on your meals! Alcohol interferes with the body’s normal processes of fat absorption and burning of energy. Also, your body is vindictive and will go into storage mode if you suddenly start limiting your normal meals. This has been proven by scientists, so if you don’t believe me consult your search engine!
Drinks to avoid if you are watching your calorie intake: almost anything mixed with cooldrink, beer (sorry about that), sparkling wine/champagne (or the non-alcoholic pseudo-stuff), vodka (it’s made from potatoes), cider, and definitely those chick-type coolers and cocktails (like pina colada, and Bootylicious Berry).
Low-calorie drinks: whiskey/whisky (with water, soda or rocks, not with lemonade!), wine (the drier the lower in calories; there are ‘extra lite’ varieties available on the market, as with beer), spirits (not with cooldrink), tequila (oh happy days).
You’ve all heard the thing about the water – a hangover is caused by dehydration, and includes symptoms such as a headache, dry mouth, general listlessness, blurred vision, etc. So drinking water in and around your partying, no matter how little alcohol you plan to take in, has been proven to be a good way to limit the effects of drinking. Don’t knock it before you try it! Half a glass of water for every alcohol unit is advisable.
Some swear to a couple of paracetamol pills before falling into bed, so if you think you need to head your hangover off at the pass, have two with a large glass of water before you got to sleep.
How to Avoid Hanging Out with your Hangover
Hair of the dog: A favourite of many, due to it being a sign that the party is to go on… Have two quick shots of whatever it was you were drinking the night before. If you can’t remember, have one of what you started with and one of the last thing you remember drinking.
That bloody Mary: A virgin bloody mary is a great idea – that’s tomato cocktail, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, lemon juice, pepper sauce and a stick of celery (or any combination as long as there’s tomato juice).
Traditional remedy: Greasy breakfast, all the way! A skottel will ensure best results, and will create a social atmosphere as well. Don’t forget the fried bananas – they are high in minerals that trick your brain into thinking you’re in a good mood.
Doctor’s orders: If you can’t get your hands on an intravenous saline drip, have a couple of paracetamol tablets and a multivitamin. If your tastebuds can handle it, mix some powdered paracetamol into flat cola or energy juice and down it.
New Age therapy: Fruit smoothie: bomb all available fruits in a blender or food processor. You can add yogurt, but beware the effects of dairy products on a queasy stomach! Remember the bananas…
Feels like flu: This is a good all-rounder cure based on many old wives’ tales: mix honey, brown sugar, ginger (fresh or powdered), brandy (optional), milk (optional), lemon juice and cloves/cinnamon/mixed spice; heat and drink quickly. (If you don’t feel better after this, at least your breath will smell good.)
On a budget: There may not be brandy left, but there’s mix… Have a glass of flat, warm cola if you are feeling a bit weak in your tummy. (Mix half a spoon of sugar in to decarbonate the cooldrink – the sugar will help with the shakes as well.) When your stomach has settled have some strong coffee.
‘Bangladesh Bangover’: A remedy out of Bangladesh attributes the healing properties of a popular curry to coconut water, which tastes quite special, so give the Eastern way a go.
Something novel: Seafood apparently has anti-hangover properties… makes a novel breakfast idea too.
From the mother-in-law: “The way to prevent a hangover is to not drink in the first place. But if you feel it is expected in terms of good manners, conduct yourself in a decorous manner and with moderation. And, if you must, pretend to drink but empty your glass into the pot plant instead.”
