Personal Injury Law

Hangover Cures Just In Time For New Year Celebrations

By Chrissie Cole

Many people don’t need much of an excuse to throw back a few glasses of bubbly, Scotch, wine, or whatever your preference to wave goodbye to the old and ring in the new.

Come January 1 morning, the New Year may not feel quite so fresh and inviting as lingering hangover symptoms, which can last a few hours, up to a few days– dehydration, nausea, fatigue and headache – act as a reminder of the previous evening’s indiscretions.

As alcohol sales soar, hangover remedies [and prevention] come in handy. Below is some advice whether you’ve had too many – or need help after it’s too late.

Before you go out, eat a filling meal high in fat. Fat slows the absorption of alcohol into the blood stream, like food. Complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice and vegetables that slowly release into the blood stream will slow the absorption of alcohol.

Health911 recommends eating peanut butter or almonds before drinking to help prevent intoxication.

Some say “coating” your stomach can help before and after. Have an appetizer that includes bread and olive oil, as it coats the stomach and slows down alcohol consumption.

A cup of coffee will not sober you up, it’s merely a myth. While caffeine may help with drowsiness, it doesn’t counteract the effects of alcohol on decision making and coordination, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Water is good, but time is what you need most to metabolize alcohol.

Light-colored liquors such as gin and vodka are less likely to result in a hangover when compared with darker liquors.

Sports drinks such as Gatorade can restore electrolytes as will a cup of bouillon, fruit juice, or honey. Some swear on supplements including NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) that helps eliminate acetaldehyde.

Avoid taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) as your liver is already working overtime trying to get rid of the alcohol. If needed, aspirin is a better choice.

Want to be free of hangovers entirely? Dale DeGroff, author of The Essential Cocktail: the Art of Mixing Perfect Drinks and master mixologist says, “Two sure fire ways to avoid a hangover: “Don’t stop drinking” or “Don’t start drinking.”

MADD is supporting an $8 million national TV and radio ad campaign from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that promises stepped up law enforcement this holiday season to deter drunk driving in all 50 states.

Tie One On For Safety campaign is distributing more than 2.5 million red ribbons and window decals encouraging drivers to show support for increased holiday law enforcement.

Extra patrols will be out on the roads – be careful, drink in moderation and of course have a safe and Happy New Year!! #

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on December 30, 2008 (boomark / email).