A Joyous New Years Eve Celebration can often result in a horrible hangover.
As defined by "Wikipedia" :
"A hangover describes the sum of unpleasant physiological effects following heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages. The most commonly reported characteristics of a hangover include headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, lethargy, dysphoria, diarrhea and thirst, typically after the intoxicating effects of the alcohol begin to wear off. "
A hangover can be a painful reminder of a well celebrated evening. While the exact causes of a hangover have not been determined, dehydraytion and the inflammatory effects caused by the breakdown of alcohol are the likely reasons for your symptoms.
Little scientific evidence can back up many of the proposed "hangover cures." However, experts do agree that rehydration is an essential step in managing the symptoms of hangover.The idea of drinking lots of water during and after consumption of alcohol can be of benefit.
The consumption of electrolyte-containing beverages such as some sports drinks would also be of benefit.
My choice would be a sports drink such as a (Vitamin Water) that contains B vitamins as this can lessen the mental fuzziness and sensitivity to light and sound.
Placing a bottle of water or sports drink at the bedside along with 2 (advil) or ibuprofen before going out would be a "nip" at the bud of a hangover. Ibuprofen is the chosen pain reviever in this case as (tylenol) or Aceteminophen's effects can compound damage to the liver in addition to overindulgence in alcohal.
As you rise slowly to the light of day @ noonish. Your mouth dry and stomach queezy, give yourself a break. Rise slowly and sit at the side of the bed. Slowly drink the rest of your pre-hangover hydrator.
As you make your way to the shower induldge yourself. Add some "bath salts" to the bottom of the shower. (this can be done before you go out the night before, also. So all you have to do is step in the shower and turn the hot water on...)The fragrance of mint or citrus will aid in the "waking" process.
Slowly but surely you will feel yourself moving toward "clarity".
Now to address that "yuck" stomach.
The following ideas can lighten the discomfort and ease you into the New Year quietly with a soft knowing smile.
Morning After Tea:
Coffee itself has not been proven to have an effect on hangover symptoms, but the caffeine in coffee can increase the effectiveness of pain medicines, such as ibuprofen. But, because caffeine can further dehydrate the body, most experts don't recommend drinking coffee while nursing a hangover. Green Tea can magically help with the queaziness and also assists the liver to rid itself of the toxins from the alcohal.
Something substantial to eat:
There are many different ideas in this area. The mexican culture have a soup (menudo) that is said to cure the most horrendous of hangovers. While I cannot confirm or deny it's effectivity, personally, the idea of eating a soup containing cow intestine (tripe) isn't the most soothing of ideas. Many websites tout the "Egg McMuffin" as the end all, be all of Hangover cures. From my experience, the most tried and true has been a substantial carb laden breakfast. The idea is that the "bread-like" consistency will "soak" up the alcohal. My idea is a "coffee cake" made the day before and ready to eat upon rising, serves 2 purposes.
It's ready. Just make the tea and cut a slice. No pans, No standing, no smells of cooking food and it fulfills the "soaking up" requirement.
Here's a great recipe:
___________________________________________Recipe
