Tina L. Kerrigan MS RD
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This column usually appears on the first Friday of the month, so, if you overindulged on New Year’s Eve, it’s probably a little too late to offer advice or give some consolation on what is commonly known as a hangover. The human species has a long history of consuming alcoholic beverages. Every ancient civilization had some sort of fermented libation that was drunk either ceremonially or as an accompaniment to meals (since potable water was often unavailable). The Arabs invented the pot still and distilled alcohol with much greater potency than beer or wine eventually became available all over the world. With availability came the opportunity to perhaps imbibe a bit too much. Remember, alcohol is a drug. It has a variety of effects on the body. Current studies indicate that a moderate intake of alcohol, two drinks per day for an average man and one drink per day for the average woman can have health benefits. Unfortunately, at times, like New Year’s Eve, for example, some of us have a bit more than the one or two. The result is the hangover. What is it? Can it be cured? Can it be avoided? Hangovers are the result of the metabolism of alcohol in the body. The process creates acetaldehyde, a serious toxin. Sparing you most of the chemical names the acetaldehyde is then broken down by several other enzymes including glutathione. Allowed to run it’s course, the body detoxifies itself and all is good. Problem comes when we intake more than the body’s stores of glutathione (created in the liver, of course) can handle. The acetaldehyde levels increase and we have: fatigue, upset stomach, general malaise, and, (fill in the blanks for your personal most nasty side effect). Now that you’ve got it, what can you do? Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), time is on your side. It will go away. There are innumerable folklore remedies for hangovers. Especially avoid the “hair of the dog.” Having another drink only delays the inevitable. |
In my (limited, of course) experience, the best solution is the simplest, drink as much plain water as you can (hydration is a key element), avoid coffee as it can irritate the stomach, rest and plan on how to avoid feeling this way the next time. (Assuming there is a next time). How to avoid a hangover? Guess what. Don’t drink a lot! Now that that’s out of the way, there are a few things you can do. Make sure to eat something. Do not start drinking on an empty stomach. Food slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Drink a lot of water. Alcohol is a diuretic. One glass of water at night while drinking is worth two or more in the morning. Slow down. It takes time for the body to metabolize each drink. Remember that drinking too much on a regular basis can create serious medical issues. Also remember to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day (fermented or distilled ones don’t count). Tina Kerrigan is the owner of Corner Office Healthcare Consultants of San Dimas. She can be reached at (909) 599- 3354 or fiberqueen@earthlink. net for questions, comments, or ideas for future columns. |