From the Viva Cryo archive. Originally published 2022-04-05. This article preserves the original historical text. For current treatment information, book a consultation.
Hangovers…They totally suck and can be difficult to get through, but I have some tricks and tips to help you out after a rough night out.
First- what actually happens when we drink alcohol?
When you consume alcohol, it causes massive dehydration. How? Alcohol hinders the pituitary gland from secreting Vasopressin, a hormone that’s responsible for water retention. Once this occurs, the kidneys reabsorb less water and then excretes it out instead, making you urinate at a greater frequency, dehydrating your body. Once you’ve lost that water, this creates an electrolyte imbalance which causes symptoms such as irregular or fast heartbeat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or even seizures or convulsions.
The combination of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance is responsible for headaches, dizziness, the shakes, muscle spasms and all the other contributing symptoms of the notorious hangover.
In order to combat this often painful and uncomfortable condition, I have some tips that’ll prove to help alleviate your symptoms and take away that horrible hangover.
The most important thing to do is hydrate, replenish minerals and restore alkalinity to your body. Keep reading to see what to do!
Green Juice and Aloe Water
I drink green juices with little to no sugar when I have a hangover as sugar tends to make the hangover symptoms worse. Typically, my green juices have cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger and they’re usually 24-32 oz. depending on how hungover I am feeling. Then I add just an ounce or two of aloe water for extra hydration and to offer added support for the lining of my stomach. Alcohol consumption has been known to cause inflammation in that particular area, so I always go with aloe water afterwards. The aloe water brand I always choose is called George’s Aloe Water. It’s my favorite and I absolutely adore it!
Pedialyte
Pedialyte is fantastic! Not only will this restore your electrolytes with the proper minerals necessary for replenishing your tissues and fluids, but it is amazing for excreting waste, increasing your pH levels as well as dealing with and preventing the dreaded hangover headache. It’s best to consume this immediately after arriving home from the festivities before you head to bed and in the morning as well. I always opt for the low sugar or sugar-free version.
Natural Supplements
Your liver takes a hit whenever you consume alcohol. The reason for this is that acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol, is produced along with free radicals which cause damage to liver cells. I take Dandelion extract or Milk Thistle to support my liver before and after a night of drinking.
Eat a Lemon
Eating a few thick slices of raw lemon have been known to be alkalizing, hydrating and full of Vitamin C. It may not be appetizing to eat the actual fruit, but I promise, it’ll help much more rather than merely squeezing it into your water.
Water Water Water
This is too obvious. For many reasons. Don’t wait! Hydrate people!
Earthing Mat
On a cellular level, our bodies use electrical signals for every process in the body to function. Electromagnetic fields in the environment have been known to interrupt the balance of electricity within our bodies. However, consuming alcohol is like taking in an abundance of toxins and can cause a similar effect.
So, when all else fails and you’re still feeling shaky, sit or stand with your feet planted on an earthing mat for about an hour and you’ll be feeling good in no time. Earthing mats are known to be restorative but also can reduce inflammation, pain and much, much more.
Hope these tips have been helpful.
Remember, always drink responsibly.
Enjoy!