Hangover Prevention and Remedies

We all know the symptoms of a hangover - headache, nausea, weak, Dizzy.

What causes hangovers? The primary cause is dehydration of the body: Alcohol is a diuretic (a drug that increases urination and flushes fluids from the body).

An ounce of prevention ...(get it? an ounce haha)
The only thing that can absolutely prevent a hangover is not drinking too much. That being said, here are some things to do ahead of time to minimize hangover symptoms....

• Eat before you drink. Drinking on an empty stomach can greatly increase the effects of alcohol on your body. Fruits (high in B and C vitamins), pastas and breads are great choices.
• Take a multi-vitamin early in the day before you start drinking. Alcohol robs your body of many vitamins - particularly C and B12, so stock up on them.
• Take a stomach acid reducer like Zantac a couple of hours BEFORE you start drinking.
• Avoid shots! Try and pace yourself a little and give your body time to process the alcohol.
• Pick one type of drink (alcohol) and stick with it. Different drinks can cause different symptoms, so sticking to one variety is your best bet.
• Drink water! Have at least two glasses of water AFTER you are done for the evening.
• Take two Tylenol before you go to bed. Don't take aspirin or ibuprofen as these can upset your stomach. NOTE: If you drink regularly or have a weak liver, this is not advised.
• Eat a little something before you go to bed. Pretzels, chips, pasta, cracker - something to soak up the alcohol and give your body a head start on the next morning.

The morning after
Didn't listen to our advice last night, eh? Here are a few things to minimize your suffering.

• Sleep it off. The very best cure is serious shut-eye.
• Drink some of the pink stuff for the nausea.
• Drink water! Lots and lots of water, or a sports drink like Gatorade. Your body needs to re-hydrate.
• Eat! Some of those stomach pains could be hunger-pangs. Try something high in sugar - a sweet roll or pancakes with syrup are a good start. Once you get something on that stomach, try some Tylenol for that headache.
• Be active. After you've slept all that you can, get up and around to get your blood flowing. A little exercise can really speed up the body's healing process.