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A hangover
occurs as a result of consuming too much alcohol - your body becomes dehydrated.
What to look for
headache,
nausea, dizziness, irritability, thirst, and fatigue - usually on awakening.
in some cases, tension,
paleness, tremor, vomiting, heartburn, unsteady gait, and loss of appetite.
Causes
A hangover is usually
caused by dehydration of the body tissue. As alcohol is a powerful diuretic, it causes the
body to lose fluid and certain vitamins and minerals at a fast rate. This, together with
the effect of irritants in the fermented drinks such as red wine, beer and other drinks
creates nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness and headache.
Traditional Treatment
Time is the only cure for
the occasional hangover. In almost all cases, however, you can ease hangover symptoms.
Beware if you suffer frequent hangovers - you may have an
alcohol
abuse or dependency problem. If this is the case you should seek professional help.
Most doctors recommend
taking a general pain killer, for the headache; drinking plenty of filtered water to help
your body cope with the dehydration; and eating light foods.
Alternative/Natural
Treatment
Herbal Therapies -
White
willow (Salix alba) bark, which contains a natural form of salicylate, the active
ingredient in aspirin, may help relieve a headache.
Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita) tea may aid nausea. White
willow (Salix alba) bark, which contains a natural form of salicylate, the active
ingredient in aspirin, may help relieve a headache.
Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita) tea may aid nausea.
Personal Care -
Drink
several glasses of water to rehydrate your body. Cold compresses on your head or the back
of your neck may also bring relief. Drink
several glasses of water to rehydrate your body. Cold compresses on your head or the back
of your neck may also bring relief.
Homeopathy -
Some
homoeopathic medicines come in kits that include remedies for the occasional hangover. For
nausea, try
Nux vomica. Some
homoeopathic medicines come in kits that include remedies for the occasional hangover. For
nausea, try
Nux vomica.
Dietary Considerations
Vitamin C, taken before and after drinking, is
thought to help your body clear the alcohol from your system.
PREVENTION
Moderation is the key to
preventing a hangover. Never drink on an empty stomach and drink alcohol slowly with
glasses of water in between. By drinking slowly, you give your body time to get rid of the
alcohol before it enters the blood and your brain. The less you weigh, the less alcohol
you should consume.
When to seek further
professional advice
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