Hangover -- every year the demon haunts us the day after a boozed up New Year Eve party. This year, slay it before it springs up its ugly head
Hangover -- every year the demon haunts us the day after a boozed up New Year Eve party. This year, slay it before it springs up its ugly head
We asked our readers -- what is that one thing you would love to avoid first thing on January 1, 2011? The answers ranged from men peeing on the road to seeing over-exposed celebs to hearing about a new scam. However, there was one unanimous choice when asked to pick the worst -- a hammering hangover.
When the wine is in, wit is out: British caricaturist George Cruikshank's
(once a heavy drinker himself) depiction ofu00a0 a man suffering from hangover
Around the world, traditional hangover remedies range from drinking sour pickle juice (Poland), tomato juice and eggs (US), shrimps (Mexico), green tea (China) and coffee (Italy). The not-so-conventional ones include drinking Coca-Cola and milk (Ritz-Cartlon Hotel's remedy in 1938), burying the person in moist river sand (Ireland) and putting lemons in armpits (Puerto Rico).
But is there a really effective way to cure a hangover? Or can it be prevented at all? We spoke to experts and compiled some of the best ways to deal with the demon.
What is a Hangover?
Plainly put, a hangover is that horrible effect of heavy alcohol consumption our body undergoes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, lethargy, photophobia (sensitivity to light and phonophobia (sensitivity to noise). It usually lasts a few hours but sometimes can last for days on end and cause depression.
Why does it happen?
Consumption of alcohol in large amounts increases urine production, thus dehydrating the body and causing headache, lethargy and dryness of the mouth. Glucose levels drop, causing weakness, mood swings and it also affects concentration.
How to avoid it
Is there a way to totally avoid it? Yes, experts say there is one but it requires extreme will power. Nope, we aren't asking you to stand on one foot, in a Yoga posture for two hours before you start drinking. It's much simpler -- totally avoid drinking. But since it's nearly next to impossible for many of us, the other solutions which got maximum votes from the experts are:
A glass of milk: Milk coats your stomach with a protective layer which slows down the absorption of alcohol. A teaspoon of olive oil also helps.
Opt for lighter liquids: It's a simple thumbrule. Avoid alcoholic drinks like whisky, rum and brandy which are dark in colour. Drinks like vodka and gin are better options. The reason cited is that darker onesu00a0 have more congeners (chemicals formed during fermentation).
Say no to carbonated mixer: Stay away from soda and cola. Try mixing your drink with water or juice instead. And keep sipping a glass of water after you down a drink.u00a0
Stay faithful to one: Don't mix up your drinks. If you are having vodka, stick to it and don't go for a glass of wine after that.
Don't concentrate: Now we can cite examples of studies which say beer has vitamin B which helps fight heart disease but that is not the reason by we recommend it. Commonly available beers in India have 5 to 8 per cent alcohol content compared to whisky which has 42.8 per cent.
How to cure it?
There is no sure shot remedy for a hangover. Nor have researches produced a medicine to surely cure one. The best ones which help deal it better according to experts, are:
Hair of the dog: It means consuming a little alcohol to deal with the hangover. Mixologists swear by it though medical experts say it only dulls the effect for a while.u00a0
Drink water: It rehydrates and is a cure all agree on.
Juice it up: Fruit juices help in getting rid of the toxins.
Hearty breakfast: Have a balanced breakfast which contains carbohydrates and proteins. Poha, a vegetable sandwich, upma, eggs and oats are the best bets.u00a0
Sleep it away: Sleep well. Take a warm bath and snug into a warmer bed. Sleeping away your troubles
wasn't after all simply a song.
Experts: dr Manvir Bhatia (Senior Consultant Department of Neurology,Sir Ganga Ram Hospital), Bhaichand Patel, (Sommelier and Author), Dr Honey Khanna (head of Department, Dietetics, Max Hospital), Jason Zaheer (Bar Consultant and Mixologist, L'Academy School of Hospitality), Executive Chef Sachin Sehgal (Tivoli Group of Hotels)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
