Shared moments with family and friends during the holiday season are often accompanied by a few too many drinks, which can make the next day feel challenging! We all know the "drink but not too much" or "remember to alternate a glass of water with a glass of alcohol" advice, but did you know that there are also some really effective ways to minimize the damage? Robin Mandler and Marie Vassart, dietitian-nutritionist and fitness coach at Aspria, share some useful tips - thankfully these don’t have to be used in moderation!
The mechanism of a hangover
A hangover is that groggy state we find ourselves in the morning after a somewhat alcoholic evening. It comes with feelings of fatigue, headaches, and nausea. These symptoms, all unpleasant, appear when the blood alcohol level approaches zero, approximately 6 to 10 hours after alcohol consumption.
Whether to alleviate guilt or to benefit the body, some believe that putting on sneakers to go for a run or engaging in an intensive workout can solve the problem. But sweating during exercise can exacerbate dehydration, itself the cause of headaches and a dry mouth sensation. Try these tips instead to take care of yourself this holiday season!
Prevention is better than cure
The day before, exercise to help your body produce a more effective antioxidant response to the sugars in alcohol.
On the same day, eat eggs; they contain a nutrient that supports the liver to absorb alcohol a few hours later.
Also on the same day, eat a banana to replenish potassium. Since alcohol is diuretic, you may tend to urinate more easily during the evening, leading to a greater loss of potassium than usual. A lower potassium level can worsen headaches and fatigue.
One hour before the event, drink green tea or matcha tea to get a dose of polyphenols (antioxidants). For the more adventurous, a spoonful of olive oil works too, but might not be quite as enjoyable.
Before going to bed, drink plenty of water and opt for Hepar® or Contrex®, both rich in magnesium, to improve sleep quality and promote the elimination of alcohol residues from the body.
Tips to relieve a hangover
Move, but choose a gentle form of exercise. A walk outdoors is ideal and suitable for everyone. A short yoga session might also help: slow and fluid movements will revitalize the body and relieve the digestive system.
Some postures that are particularly suitable:
- the triangle (stimulates the liver),
- sitting twist (massages the abdominal organs),
- child's pose,
- or cat pose (relaxation).
Add in some breathing exercises for guaranteed detoxification!
It is crucial to rehydrate the body after alcohol consumption, which causes dehydration. Water, herbal teas, or ginger tea are the best options.
Choose light foods like vegetables or porridge, paired with nuts, banana, avocado, pumpkin, or sweet potato, these options will help rebalance the body's potassium and magnesium levels.
To relieve headaches, peppermint essential oil is a loyal ally. A few drops on a towel placed nearby facilitate gentle inhalation.
Of course, catching up on sleep with a nap if can, allows you to rest and recharge your batteries.
Thanks to these easy-to-implement tips and remedies before and after evenings that include a few drinks, a hangover can be more easily overcome.
On behalf of the Aspria teams, have a wonderful holiday!