Nobody likes a hangover. You feel tired, sore, cranky, disoriented and sometimes even get the jitters. But why does this happen? It is a combination of several things really: toxin overload coupled with dehydration; and Vitamin A, B and C depletion, caused by the chemical action of alcohol on your system.
All alcohol contains toxins. In fact, the whole experience of getting intoxicated is simply giving your body so many toxins that it can’t process them quickly enough. This results in less control over your body, and is actually from where the word “in-TOXIC-ated” was derived. So, when you wake up the next day and your head hurts, you feel like you want to vomit, and you have the shakes it means that there are too many toxins inside of you that your body is desperately trying to get out.
You will also notice that you have to pee a lot more when you are drinking. This is your body’s attempt at processing and releasing these toxins. You are also, however, flushing out a significant amount of vitamins and nutrients from your system that will need to be replenished, contributing to the disorientation and jitters you experience.
How to Detox
The best way to stave off a hangover or to speed up the recovery process the day after is to detox. The way you detox will depend on what stage in the drinking game you are at: before, during, or after.
Before Drinking
• Take 500mg Milk Thistle before going out drinking and take two more in the morning. Milk thistle is all natural and boosts the liver so that it processes more alcohol while you are drinking resulting in less toxin build-up.
During Drinking (or right after)
• Drink plenty of water between alcoholic drinks and lots before going to bed. Don’t drink coffee which is a diuretic (induces urination).
• Stop drinking if it has made you vomit. You are in severe toxic overload and your body is trying to tell you to stop.
• Avoid fizzy or sugary drinks, which actually speed up the rate that alcohol is absorbed into the system and contribute to a stronger hangover.
The Morning after Drinking
• Drink lots of water
• Make a fruit or vegetable smoothie to replenish lost vitamins and nutrients. Expecially, try to include Vitamin C by adding orange juice or tomato juice.
• Take a Hot Bath. The heat will sweat out the toxins that are causing all the problems. You'll feel a bit woozy at first but go with it and you'll feel better afterward.
3 Comments
With so many Detox techniques out there, it's great to read about reliable ones. Some detox techniques are not for everyone. Once you find the best route for you, you will never look back.
Our bodies are such complicated things, but living a healthy lifestyle is as simple as watching what you eat. Too many foods are full of chemicals and nonsense. Read labels and read more articles like these to get informed.
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I had a rude awakening after years of eating junk food and processed foods. Today, I feel much better thanks to reading about detox methods. Thanks.