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We’ve all been there. You drank too much the night before, and now your entire day is spent trying to remedy the aftermath. You pop an ibuprofen, drink water and eat a greasy breakfast.
This common treatment might help a bit, but you could be adding insult to injury with trans fats that can increase heart-disease risk, or over-the-counter meds that might contribute to liver damage (especially if used frequently in combination with alcohol).
There are other ways to counter the effects of alcohol by being a little kinder to your body. Try some of these alternate remedies the next time you have one drink too many.
Plan ahead: Consume activated charcoal prior to drinking (or even while drinking; see the margarita recipe below). It will bind with the toxins in the stomach, helping to eliminate them rather than the toxins being absorbed.
Hydrate and heal: Drink water with electrolytes before, during and after drinking.
Take supplements: Options like these can help minimize hangovers:
- Drinkwel Multivitamin – it’s loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, superfruits and botanicals to help replenish lost nutrients
- Ginseng – it can reduce blood-alcohol levels, inflammation and nausea
- Prickly pear extract – it can help reduce liver inflammation and alleviate dry mouth
- Borage oil – it can limit inflammation and, especially when combined with prickly pear extract, may knock down hangover symptoms by more than 80 percent
*These supplements are most effective when taken prior to drinking. Always check with your physician beforehand, to guard against interactions with other prescriptions or medications.
Have another: While consuming even more alcohol is not necessarily an ideal remedy, “hair of the dog” can help reduce hangover symptoms. Here are some body-friendly cocktails for a healthy compromise:
Get back into your comfort zone: Diffuse lavender and peppermint oils to help alleviate headache and nausea, or put a few drops of peppermint oil in your shower for aromatherapy. Rehydrate your skin with an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory facial – it might be the last thing on your mind, but your body will thank you. Pour a cup of nopal cactus tea, ginger tea or dandelion tea. Grab a sleep-mask and cozy blanket. Curl up and rest.
