HANGING UP YOUR HANGOVER
The best ways to deal with your post-indulgence misery
Although there’s no failsafe way to deal with hangovers, you can mitigate the pain and misery to some extent. The three-in-one punishment for having the extra tequila (that lead to four tequilas and some unforgettable behaviour, though you can’t remember what it was) consists of dehydration, hormone dysfunction and a run-down immune system. This in turn leads to a pounding head, nausea, dizziness and sometimes indigestion, with a little indignation thrown in for good measure. Just when you’re wailing, “Why do I poison myself like this?” and the classic rejoinder, “I’m never drinking again ”— remember there are things you can do to take the pain away. However, these don’t include a Bloody Mary with extra Tabasco.
1
SLEEP
Alcohol is a potent inhibitor of the sleep hormone melatonin, which means that even if you do sleep, you might still wake up groggy and tired. Sleep and sleep again, say the experts. Sleep can be particularly restorative for hangover symptoms — so forgo the Bloody Mary over lunch and take an afternoon nap.
Verdict: More snooze, less booze.
2
REHRAT/REHYDRATE
That stuff your mom gave you when you excelled on the sports field to the point of exhaustion still comes in handy the morning after you’ve danced your booty off on the bar. Drink it before you pass out.
Verdict: As good as any other electrolyte you have on hand.
3
EXERCISE
Just when you thought the party could go on forever, it takes a nosedive when your body figures out that you’ve used up a month’s worth of feel-good brain chemicals in a few hours. Exercise is a good antidote because it releases endorphins to psychologically counteract the depressing feeling that you might never feel normal again. Activity also loosens the constricted blood vessels that contribute to headaches.
Verdict: As long as you can find the energy and keep hydrated throughout, what could go wrong?
4
OTHER LIQUIDS
Tomato juice contains complex carbohydrates, sodium and potassium that improve blood sugar. Orange juice has an acidneutralising effect when metabolised and delivers potassium. Coke contains caffeine, which constricts the brain’s blood vessels and can help curb a pounding headache. Coconut water contains electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that help your body perform cellular functions, bringing you back to baseline.
5
IN THE END
Sleep, sweat, sugar, electrolytes and liquids offer temporary relief from the pain, weakness and nausea and are obviously better for you than popping pills, which, taken on an empty stomach after overdoing the alcohol can lead to ulcers and serious side-effects like liver damage. Best to take a few days off the binge. Cleanse your system with litres of water, nutritious food and friends who like Netflix and chilling.