Is honey effective for preventing or curing hangovers. How does honey compare to other hangover remedies. What are the key nutrients in honey that may help with hangover symptoms. Can honey accelerate alcohol metabolism.

The Buzz About Honey: Nature’s Sweet Remedy for Hangovers?

For centuries, honey has been revered for its potential health benefits and healing properties. But can this golden elixir really help alleviate the misery of a hangover? Let’s dive into the science behind honey and explore its potential as a natural hangover remedy.

Understanding Hangovers: Why Do We Feel So Terrible?

Before we examine honey’s potential benefits, it’s crucial to understand what causes a hangover in the first place. Hangovers result from a complex interplay of factors that occur when we consume alcohol in excess:

• Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, causing increased urination and fluid loss.
• Inflammation: Alcohol metabolism produces toxic byproducts that can trigger inflammatory responses in the body.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Excessive drinking can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance.
• Sleep disruption: While alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it often leads to poor quality sleep.
• Blood sugar fluctuations: Alcohol can cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels.

The Sweet Science: Nutritional Profile of Honey

To understand how honey might help with hangovers, we need to examine its nutritional composition. A tablespoon of honey typically contains:

• 64 calories
• 17 grams of sugar (including fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose)
• Trace amounts of vitamins and minerals
• Antioxidants, particularly polyphenols

It’s important to note that the exact nutritional profile can vary depending on the type of honey, its origin, and processing methods. Darker honey varieties generally contain higher levels of antioxidants.

Fructose and Alcohol Metabolism: A Potential Hangover Helper?

One of the most intriguing aspects of honey in relation to hangovers is its high fructose content. Some studies have suggested that fructose might accelerate alcohol metabolism, potentially reducing the duration and severity of hangovers. But how exactly might this work?

When we consume alcohol, our liver works overtime to break it down into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound responsible for many hangover symptoms. The liver then further metabolizes acetaldehyde into acetate, which is less harmful. The theory is that fructose might help speed up this process, reducing the time our bodies are exposed to acetaldehyde.

However, it’s crucial to approach these findings with caution. The studies supporting this theory are limited in scope and relatively outdated. More recent research is needed to confirm whether fructose truly has a significant impact on alcohol metabolism in real-world scenarios.

Fructose: A Double-Edged Sword?

While fructose might offer some benefits in terms of alcohol metabolism, it’s essential to consider its potential drawbacks. Consuming large amounts of fructose, especially when combined with alcohol, can put additional strain on the liver. This could potentially exacerbate certain hangover symptoms or lead to other health issues if consumed in excess over time.

Antioxidants in Honey: Combating Hangover-Induced Oxidative Stress

Another potential benefit of honey for hangovers lies in its antioxidant content, particularly polyphenols. Alcohol consumption can lead to increased oxidative stress in the body, which contributes to inflammation and cellular damage. The antioxidants in honey may help counteract some of this oxidative stress, potentially alleviating certain hangover symptoms.

Dark honey varieties, such as Manuka or buckwheat honey, are particularly rich in antioxidants. However, it’s important to remember that while these compounds may offer some benefits, they’re unlikely to completely neutralize the effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Honey vs. Other Antioxidant Sources

While honey does contain antioxidants, it’s not necessarily the most potent or efficient source. Other foods, such as berries, dark leafy greens, and certain spices, often provide a higher concentration of antioxidants with fewer calories and sugars. When considering honey as a hangover remedy, it’s worth weighing its antioxidant content against other dietary sources.

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Can Honey Help?

Dehydration is a major contributor to hangover symptoms, and addressing this issue is crucial for recovery. While honey itself doesn’t provide significant hydration, it can be used as part of a rehydration strategy. Some people advocate mixing honey with water and a pinch of salt to create a simple electrolyte drink.

The sugar in honey can help stimulate the absorption of water in the intestines, potentially aiding rehydration. Additionally, the trace minerals in honey might contribute to restoring electrolyte balance, although the amounts are generally quite small.

The Importance of Water

It’s crucial to emphasize that while honey-water mixtures might offer some benefits, plain water should be the primary focus for rehydration. No amount of honey can replace the importance of drinking plenty of water both during and after alcohol consumption to mitigate hangover symptoms.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Honey’s Potential Role

Alcohol consumption can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, contributing to hangover symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and mood changes. Some proponents of honey as a hangover remedy suggest that its natural sugars might help stabilize blood glucose levels.

While honey does provide a quick source of energy, its high sugar content means it should be consumed in moderation. Rapid spikes in blood sugar can lead to subsequent crashes, potentially worsening certain hangover symptoms. A more balanced approach to blood sugar regulation might involve pairing honey with protein or complex carbohydrates.

Individual Variations in Blood Sugar Response

It’s important to note that individuals may respond differently to honey consumption, especially in the context of a hangover. Factors such as overall health, metabolism, and the severity of the hangover can all influence how effectively honey might help regulate blood sugar levels.

Practical Applications: How to Use Honey for Hangovers

If you’re interested in exploring honey as a potential hangover remedy, there are several ways you might incorporate it into your recovery routine:

1. Pre-drinking preparation: Some people swear by consuming a spoonful of honey before drinking alcohol, believing it might help prepare the body for alcohol metabolism.
2. Morning-after tonic: Mix a tablespoon of honey into warm water or herbal tea as a soothing morning beverage.
3. Honey-based electrolyte drink: Combine honey, water, and a pinch of salt for a simple rehydration solution.
4. Food pairings: Spread honey on whole-grain toast or add it to yogurt for a more balanced approach to blood sugar regulation.
5. Honey stick: Keep a honey stick on hand for a quick energy boost during hangover recovery.

Remember, while these applications might offer some relief, they’re not a cure-all for hangovers. The most effective hangover prevention remains moderate alcohol consumption and staying well-hydrated.

Safety Considerations and Potential Risks

While honey is generally considered safe for most people, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Calorie content: Honey is high in calories and sugars, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially those managing their weight or blood sugar levels.
• Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to specific components in honey, particularly if they have pollen allergies.
• Infant botulism risk: Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of botulism.
• Interaction with medications: The sugars in honey might interact with certain medications, so it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

It’s also crucial to remember that while honey might offer some potential benefits for hangover symptoms, it should never be used as an excuse to drink excessively. The best way to prevent hangovers remains responsible alcohol consumption.

Moderation is Key

If you choose to explore honey as a hangover remedy, remember that moderation is crucial. Consuming large amounts of honey, especially when combined with alcohol, can lead to negative health effects and potentially worsen certain hangover symptoms.

Beyond Honey: Comprehensive Hangover Management

While honey might offer some potential benefits for hangover relief, it’s important to approach hangover management holistically. Here are some additional strategies to consider:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after alcohol consumption.
• Balanced nutrition: Consume a meal containing protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats before drinking.
• Sleep: Prioritize getting quality sleep after drinking, even if it means sleeping in later than usual.
• Exercise: Light exercise can help boost circulation and mood, but be cautious not to overexert yourself.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with headaches, but be careful with medications that may interact with alcohol.
• Time: Sometimes, the best remedy for a hangover is simply allowing your body time to recover.

Remember, the most effective hangover prevention strategy is to drink responsibly and know your limits. No remedy, including honey, can fully negate the effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

The Verdict: Is Honey a Miracle Cure for Hangovers?

After examining the potential benefits of honey for hangovers, it’s clear that while this natural sweetener may offer some advantages, it’s far from a miracle cure. The fructose content might potentially aid in alcohol metabolism, and the antioxidants could help combat oxidative stress. However, the evidence supporting these benefits is limited and often outdated.

Honey can be a part of a broader hangover management strategy, particularly when used in moderation as part of rehydration efforts or to provide a quick energy boost. However, it’s crucial to approach its use with realistic expectations and to prioritize overall healthy habits.

Future Research Directions

As interest in natural remedies continues to grow, there’s a need for more comprehensive, up-to-date research on honey’s potential role in hangover relief. Future studies could explore:

• The specific mechanisms by which honey might influence alcohol metabolism
• Comparisons between different types of honey and their effects on hangover symptoms
• The optimal timing and dosage of honey consumption for potential hangover relief
• Interactions between honey and other common hangover remedies

Until more conclusive evidence is available, it’s best to view honey as a potential complementary approach to hangover management rather than a standalone solution.

Embracing a Balanced Approach to Alcohol Consumption

While exploring potential hangover remedies like honey can be interesting, it’s crucial to remember that the best way to avoid hangovers is to drink responsibly. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol:

• Know your limits and stick to them
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages
• Eat a nutritious meal before drinking
• Choose quality over quantity when it comes to alcoholic beverages
• Be mindful of the alcohol content in different types of drinks
• Plan ahead for safe transportation if you choose to drink
• Listen to your body and respect its signals

By adopting a balanced approach to alcohol consumption, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe hangovers and minimize the need for remedies in the first place.

The Importance of Individualized Approaches

It’s worth noting that hangover experiences and effective remedies can vary significantly from person to person. What works for one individual may not be as effective for another. This variability underscores the importance of paying attention to your own body’s responses and finding personalized strategies for managing alcohol consumption and its after-effects.

Honey in Context: Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

While the jury is still out on honey’s effectiveness as a hangover cure, it’s important to consider its place within a broader context of healthy living. Honey, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet and may offer various health benefits beyond its potential effects on hangovers.

Some potential health benefits associated with honey include:

• Wound healing properties
• Potential antimicrobial effects
• Soothing sore throats and coughs
• Providing a natural source of energy

However, it’s crucial to remember that honey should be consumed as part of a varied, balanced diet and not relied upon as a cure-all or substitute for medical treatment when needed.

Integrating Honey into Your Wellness Routine

If you’re interested in incorporating honey into your overall wellness routine, consider these approaches:

• Use honey as a natural sweetener in place of refined sugars
• Add a small amount of honey to herbal teas for flavor and potential health benefits
• Explore different varieties of honey to experience a range of flavors and potential benefits
• Consider using honey in homemade skincare products or face masks
• Incorporate honey into pre- or post-workout snacks for a natural energy boost

Remember to consume honey in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. If you have any health conditions or concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or wellness routine.

Is Honey Good For Hangovers?
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Table of Contents

1. Health benefits of honey
2. Causes of a hangover
3. Is honey good for hangovers?
4. Anything else to consider?
5. Conclusion

Is honey a good hangover cure? It’s surprisingly a common question and doesn’t have a simple answer.

When it comes to hangover cures, you’ve probably heard of all types of weird and wonderful options to alleviate your symptoms. However, most things you’ve tried probably didn’t work that well.

Nowadays, honey is hailed as a “superfood” because of its perceived health benefits, most of which are unproven.

So, can honey be the answer to your hangover woes?

In this article, we’re going to examine honey as a food and look at what it contains in terms of micronutrients and macronutrients. We’ll then look into whether the nutrients in honey have any benefits for a hangover.

Health benefits of honey

Bees use the nectar from plants to produce honey.

Nutritionally, 1 tablespoon of honey contains:

• 64 calories
• 17 grams of sugar: including fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose. In fact, fresh honey contains more sugar than water.
• Trace amounts of several vitamins and minerals. (Trace amounts mean less than 1% of your daily requirements. )
• Polyphenols. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties.(1)

The amount of nutrients in honey varies greatly depending on which pollen source the bees are using, whether it’s naturally produced and the geographical location of the honey.

Darker colored natural honey has higher levels of polyphenols. Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants. 

The important thing to appreciate is that honey is very high in sugar and calories so the perceived health benefits have to be balanced against this. 

Causes of a hangover

Before we get into whether honey is good for a hangover or not, we first need to go over how alcohol causes hangovers:

Inflammation

One of the main causes of a hangover is inflammation. When alcohol is metabolized (broken down) in your liver, toxic by-products such as acetaldehyde are formed which react with your cells. In normal circumstances, acetaldehyde is quickly broken down into acetic acid which is harmless. However, during periods of overindulgence, your liver is overrun with the excess acetaldehyde load which wreaks havoc on your insides.

Dehydration

Dehydration is another major cause of a hangover. Alcohol is a diuretic which means it makes your kidneys flush out excess fluid. In fact, for every glass of wine you drink, you lose an extra 120mls of water. Therefore, if you’ve had a few glasses of wine over the course of an evening, it can leave you dehydrated.

Sleep disturbance

An overlooked cause of a hangover is poor sleep quality. Alcohol blocks your brain from reaching the REM stage of sleep. The REM stage is where dreams happen and is essential for making you feel fully rested. So, sleeping 8 hours after a few glasses of wine is not at all the same as sleeping 8 hours without any alcohol.

In summary, hangovers are caused by drinking more than your body can handle. Dehydration, poor sleep quality, congeners, and inflammation are just some of the ways excessive alcohol can negatively affect your body. Next up, we’ll take a closer look at whether honey is actually good for hangovers or not.  

Is honey good for hangovers?

So, now on to the all-important question, is honey good for hangovers?

It’s important to highlight that no ingredient is ever going to counteract all the negative effects of alcohol mentioned above. 

With that said, there are some nutrients in honey that are perceived to have hangover-related benefits.

Fructose

Honey contains high amounts of fructose which is a type of sugar. There are some studies that have shown fructose can potentially increase alcohol metabolism.(2)(3) That said, these studies are very small and over 20 years old. 

In addition, binge drinking can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Alcohol does this by blocking the release of glucose stored in your liver. Therefore, if you’ve had way too many drinks at happy hour, a sugar hit from honey may be exactly what you need.(4)

Antioxidants

We mentioned earlier that the process of alcohol metabolism produces a build-up of toxic by-products. These are normally neutralized by antioxidants. The polyphenols in honey could support your body’s antioxidant levels.(5) However, it’s important to mention that this hasn’t been proven in research studies. 

In summary, honey is unlikely to have any real benefit for a hangover. Aside from the fact it’ll give you a good sugar boost in the morning. 

What about Korean honey water for a hangover?

Korean honey water is a popular drink in Asia and is essentially honey dissolved in water. It’s marketed to have the same benefits as regular honey and is sometimes recommended as a hangover remedy.

However, it’s unlikely to have any greater anti-hangover properties than regular honey.

Is honey a hangover cure?

In reality, a true hangover cure doesn’t exist. The only reliable way to cure a hangover is not to drink in the first place.

When it comes to hangovers, prevention is always key. Drinking within your limits, keeping well hydrated and having a meal before going out are all important.

Anything else to consider?

Hangovers are a good sign from your body that you’ve been drinking more than your liver can handle. Trying to “cure” your hangover with honey is not the best approach. When it comes to hangovers, prevention is always better than cure.

Sticking to the basics by drinking plenty of water, eating before going out, and most importantly, reducing your alcohol intake is all that’s required to prevent the worst hangovers.

You could also try avoiding darker-colored drinks like red wine and bourbon. These drinks contain very high concentrations of congeners which have been shown in studies to make hangovers a lot worse. You can read more about this in our article on congeners.

Honey for hangovers – The verdict

That brings us to the end of our look into whether honey is good for hangovers or not. 

It’s high in sugar and there is some evidence that natural and darker colored honey may have a higher concentration of antioxidants. Whether this has any benefits for a hangover has not been tested or proven.

Some people like to mix honey with apple cider vinegar to use as a hangover drink. Others add it to their tea or have it with their breakfast.

The health benefits of honey should be taken with a pinch of salt. In addition, any potential benefit should be balanced against its high sugar content.

If you’re interested in natural hangover remedies, check out our article on the best teas for a hangover.

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Could Honey Cure My Hangover?
– Necta & Hive

With the festive party season in full swing, hands up who’s getting in the spirit of things?! Keep those hands up if you’ve been in the party spirit (quite literally) a little too much…? Overindulging is almost acceptable in December, and why not? With politics, doom and gloom dominating the headlines this year especially, we’re all allowed to let our hair down a little at the end of a busy year.   

If you have a hangover right now, you’ll probably have your own go-to cure. Do you treat it with gallons of water and a paracetamol? Or do you indulge a little further with a carb loaded breakfast and fizzy drinks?  

Either way, nothing truly gets rid of last night like a day in bed. But however you attempt to treat your fuzzy head, you’ll probably want it gone quickly, especially if you’re expected to be at work.  

So did you know that honey could be the answer to your wine fuelled prayers? 

Honey as a Hangover Cure 

The science is a little complex, so bear with us if your head is already hurting.  

When we drink alcohol, just like when we eat or drink anything, the body starts to break it down through the process of digestion. In the case of alcohol, our liver breaks it down into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is actually toxic to the human body, more so than alcohol, and according to Dr John Emsley of the Royal Society, the body needs to get rid of it as soon as possible by breaking this by product down.   

(Incidentally, drinking alcohol sensibly means the body can deal with this toxic substance, albeit by giving us a hangover. Sustained, long term drinking means that acetaldehyde can build up and cause damage to the liver.)  

Whilst this acetaldehyde is hanging around, we’re suffering the effects of a hangover. So if you’re feeling a bit toxic after last night’s party, then at least you know why – you’re actually full of (thankfully short term) toxins!  

But the human body is a clever thing. It uses fructose to turn toxic acetaldehyde into acetic acid, a harmless substance which is then metabolised into carbon dioxide which we then breath out. When this process is completed, we start to feel better – but it takes time.  

And this is where honey comes in! Honey is naturally sweet, just like sugar. But unlike sugar, which gets its sweetness from glucose, honey gets the majority of its sweetness from fructose. As we learnt above, fructose is what enables the body to break down acetaldehyde into acetic acid.   

So although the greatest healer for a hangover is time, eating honey can help to minimise the effects whilst our body does the rest. Luckily, Necta & Hive Marri wild Honeycomb and Jarrah honeys taste delicious as well as helping to speed up the duration of your hangover. Add a heaped teaspoon to a warm herbal tea (not hot, as this will kill all the natural healing properties of these active honeys) and enjoy. You’ll also be helping to rehydrate yourself at the same time, another important step in curing a hangover. We hope you heal quickly… Until next time!  

Back to Honey Blog

Hangover relief – tips from BAR-STREET

We will try to describe in as much detail as possible how to treat a hangover . Firstly, do not listen to stupid everyday advice like knocking out a wedge with a wedge, but rather make a decoction based on herbs.

The recipe is simple: one tablespoon of St. John’s wort, two tablespoons of motherwort flowers, four tablespoons of rose hips and three tbsp. spoons of honey. All this must be poured with boiling water and left for a while so that the broth is infused. Relief of a hangover i can be organized simply by having breakfast, but not a big one. For example, from scrambled eggs or soft-boiled eggs, buckwheat porridge, vegetables and fruits. It also happens that after a solid share of alcohol you drink, you feel that the situation is getting out of your control. To return it to you and get rid of the hangover, you should use the following medicine :

1. one glass of cold clean (preferably non-carbonated mineral) water with 12 drops of mint leaf extract (tincture). Mix it all well and drink in one gulp.

2. one glass of cold clean (preferably non-carbonated mineral) water with two drops of ammonia. In case of severe intoxication, add 4 more drops. All this must be thoroughly dissolved and drunk in one gulp.

An intensive ear massage also helps to bring you to your senses quickly. Just massage the ears of the “patient” and the blood flow to the head will allow him to cheer up! When a person asked the question “what helps with a hangover”, you can advise him one more small recipe:

– rinse a standard glass with vegetable oil so that the oil remains on its walls. Then put 1 egg yolk, two teaspoons of tomato sauce, black and red pepper, a few drops of vodka (do not overdo it :)) and a few drops of lemon juice. All this you need to drink in 1 sip.

In case of a severe hangover, another time-tested and people-tested recipe:

– one teaspoon of cognac, 1 egg yolk, two teaspoons of tomato sauce, one teaspoon of vegetable oil, a small pinch of table salt with black and red pepper. Put a teaspoon of spicy horseradish on this mixture. The drug for drinkers is ready – sober up!

Here are some tips on how to provide hangover relief if you or someone close to you decides to “pull a shot”:

– in case of a long feast, it is recommended to drink 50 gr. vodka – this will allow your body to better adjust.

– we also advise you to eat something fatty before you start drinking alcohol (you can drink a raw egg) – animal fats perfectly prevent the absorption of alcohol into the blood.

Don’t interfere! Try to drink only one type of alcohol.

Do not mix alcohol with small degrees (beer, wine) with vodka, cognac, etc.

Try to have a snack after every drink.

To neutralize alcohol, we recommend eating more potatoes, rye bread, and sauerkraut.

In no case do not drink or dilute alcohol with soda – the carbon dioxide contained in it in abundant quantities contributes to the absorption of alcohol into the human blood at times accelerated.

If you feel that you still drank too much – drink 1 glass of cognac, and do not drink after that for 40-50 minutes.

Yes, more. Try to smoke less – the scientifically proven fact that tobacco doubles the effect of alcohol on you has not yet been canceled.

One more opinion….

How to deal with a hangover, where to get a cure for a hangover???

Every person who has ever consumed alcohol, probably has an experience of not feeling well after that. Perhaps many have found for themselves some optimal method of dealing with this, let’s call it an ailment. Great! But, with a high probability it can be argued that there is a chance that one day this method may fail. This can happen in the case of drinking a new alcoholic drink for the body, or simply from any changes that have occurred in it. It is possible that the ingredient required for the recipe is not at hand and you will need to look for some alternative! Here, everyone will certainly benefit from the knowledge gained in this section!

So, in the most general sense, the fight against alcohol consequences can be carried out in two ways.

– prevent a hangover;

– neutralization of unpleasant symptoms after drinking alcohol.

Recipes are presented here without any excessive systematization. We do not recommend trying them at the same time – it can happen badly. Try, choosing any method, all the time to observe how it affects you. Most likely, not all of the listed recipes will be compatible for your body, but the task of this section is to let you choose your best option!

Prevent hangovers

After the holiday (better before going to bed) drink a glass of milk. It is desirable that it be as fat as possible.

This is the favorite way of many! At night you drink a liter – in the morning like a cucumber.

When eating, try to eat more fatty and sour, but in no case overeat;)

Drink any one kind of alcohol.

If, nevertheless, you could not resist the use of different types, then use them only in increasing degrees.

Drank – go get moving! Go outside, balcony, dance, do something active. All this will provide an additional flow of air into your body.

Your tummy should be ready to drink alcohol – do not drink on an empty stomach!

Neutralization of unpleasant symptoms already after drinking alcohol

a) Many doctors advise after a stormy feast to take a cup of honey in the morning. Its useful components will help to remove alcohol from the body.

b) Another way to fight a hangover is to go to the sauna.

c) If you can crawl to the bath, take a couple of regular aspirins along the way and drink them with 2 glasses of water. Then you can drink a very strong cup of coffee and eat some lemon and a thin slice of toast. After that, it’s time to soak in the shower.

d) Many people also advise drinking a Bloody Mary cocktail in the morning. It is done very simply: you need to mix vodka with tomato juice and add more spicy spices, well, from those that remained on the New Year’s table.

Traditional Russian Hangover Relief

1. Get a good night’s sleep.

2. Cleanse the stomach. We are missing the cleansing method here, just help your stomach.

3. Drink more liquid, water, juice or tea.

4. The most famous and favorite method among our people, called “corrector”, that is, drink a little of the drink that they drank the day before. Don’t overdo it! 🙂

5. A bottle of beer. See warning above.

6. Pickle! (Only without vinegar)

7. If you can already think about food, then hot broth or borsch is just right for you.

8. Kefirchik! Invigorates body and spirit

Still, the most important thing when you have a hangover is not to worry! Turn on the TV quietly or listen to pleasant and quiet music. You can just lie down and read some book or newspaper with a large print. Walk slowly. We recommend lifting the barbell and running a marathon only the next day. After that, your hangover will be forgotten until the next holiday! Good luck in this difficult task!

How to feel better after a hangover: nine tips from doctors

January 1 coincides with the first hangover of the year for many. How to deal with it as soon as possible so that the remaining holidays can be spent in good health, Paragraph learned from a narcologist and nutritionist.

At the request of Paragraph, psychiatrist, narcologist, head of the center for psychotherapeutic assistance to the population Yuri Vyalba and Ph.D., nutritionist, nutritionist, anti-aging medicine specialist Inna Kononenko listed a few simple tips that will help improve well-being the next after stormy alcoholic feast day.

In case of a hangover, a person needs to drink plenty of water – at least 2.5 liters of water, in addition to tea, soup / broth. Moreover, it is better if the water is alkaline, Vyalba drew attention:

“With alcohol intoxication, the body is “acidified”. Saturated alkaline water, which contains a lot of minerals, salts of natural origin, will help restore the acid-base balance.

For a couple of days, a person who has experienced alcohol poisoning is advised by a narcologist to follow a diet that will help “unload” the liver. A dairy-vegetable diet copes well with this task, for example, various cereals (buckwheat, rice), dairy and sour-milk products (milk, kefir, cottage cheese). It is better to abstain from the consumption of meat products during this period, Vyalba believes.

For those who have no contraindications (for example, intolerance, allergic reactions, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal diseases), to get out of a drunken state, the speaker of the “Paragraph” recommends trying the so-called honey load method – about four tablespoons of honey four times a day within two or three days.

“Honey has an excellent diuretic effect to relieve swelling (primarily of the brain). In addition, thanks to the consumption of honey, we get an energy effect, due to which liver detoxification is enhanced, ” – Vyalba explained.

Photo: Pexels

Especially for vitamins A, E, C, selenium. According to Kononenko, among the effects of vitamin E is the ability to prevent the process of depletion of one of our body’s main antioxidants – glutathione. As the nutritionist emphasized, in tandem with selenium, this effect is enhanced:

“This is especially true for people who are diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease. They usually have low levels of selenium in the body. And without selenium, the antioxidant system will not be able to function properly.”

Vitamin C is involved in restoring the level of glutathione in the liver after a person has consumed alcohol. Also, “ascorbic acid” prevents oxidative stress in the liver.

According to Kononenko, one of the dangers of consuming strong alcoholic beverages is their effect on the permeability of the intestinal wall. When it rises, bacterial toxins are more likely to enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the liver and other tissues.

“With the help of probiotics, the increased intestinal permeability will decrease, the production of the gastric mucosa will increase, the liver cells will be protected from damage to some extent,” , the doctor drew attention.

It would seem that it could be easier than to drink a little “for relief” in the morning after an evening full of alcohol. However, Vyalba does not support this idea, since in this way the body receives an additional portion of intoxication, in addition, the symptoms of alcohol dependence increase:

“A hangover, when a person’s health allegedly improves after drinking alcohol, is already an indicator that alcohol addiction is taking place.”

Photo: Sergey Lantyukhov / Paragraph

According to the narcologist, a glass of brine will not hurt if you are hungover. This drink contains potassium, magnesium and sodium salts in a balanced proportion. In addition, dill is a powerful antioxidant. As a result of taking brine, the body gets the opportunity to compensate for the loss of salts and electrolytes.

“In turn, salts and electrolytes restore the normal osmotic pressure of the blood plasma, reducing tissue swelling,” explained Vyalba.

Alcohol is known to have a strong effect on the nervous system. Quality sleep is one of the best ways to restore normal functioning as soon as possible.