Nutritionist touts 4 natural hangover ‘cures’ and ‘perfect cures’

Christmas is a time of joy but some celebrations can cause headaches.

The morning before that party night can be a poor time if you’re suffering from a bad hangover.

1

The negative consequences of drinking too much alcohol are caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, lack of sleep, nausea and intestinal irritation.

It can cause painful headaches, feeling sick, sweating, anxiety and irritability.

However, experts say that certain foods and supplements can help reduce symptoms, allowing you to recover faster.

Shauna Wilkinson, nutritionist at Dr Vegan, told The Sun: Celebrations during the festive season often lead to us drinking a lot of alcohol, which leaves that all too familiar feeling – a hangover.

A hangover is almost guaranteed when you drink too much alcohol, as excessive consumption leaves your body dehydrated, full of toxins and running on low blood sugar.

The more regularly you drink, the more your liver loses its ability to regenerate and the worse you feel.

Instead of ordering takeout to help ease hangover symptoms this Christmas, try incorporating these slightly more unusual ingredients into your diet.

1. The milk thistle

One of the primary causes of hangovers is the build-up of acetaldehyde.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a toxic byproduct of alcohol breakdown contributes to inflammation in the liver and other organs.

However, research shows that certain natural chemicals can help reduce this inflammation, at least combating hangover symptoms.

Silymarin, found in the milk thistle plant, has strong anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce toxic effects.

Milk thistle contains cynarin and silymarin, which help the liver produce bile, which the body needs to transport toxins out of the liver and into the intestines for elimination, Ms Wilkinson said.

Milk thistle also helps reduce symptoms of inflammation and indigestion because it can stimulate the production of digestive body fluids including stomach acid and bile, helping with normal bowel movements to prevent bloating and stomach upset. Helps reduce unwanted inflammation.

You can take milk thistle in tea form or add it to your diet with a supplement.

However, no chemical will counteract all the effects of a hangover, so milk thistle is not a hangover cure by itself.

2. Pickle juice

The key culprit behind the headaches you get after a night in the sauce is dehydration.

Drinking alcohol causes the body to remove water from your blood through the kidneys, causing you to become dehydrated quickly.

This is why you may need to go to the bathroom more often while drinking.

The next day, it can cause a migraine, a fuzzy mouth and a sore throat.

However, some natural remedies can speed up your rehydration process because of the nutrients they contain, according to Ms. Wilkinson.

She said: Pickle juice is full of electrolytes and essential minerals like sodium, calcium and potassium, all of which help with a number of vital body processes.

Importantly, electrolytes promote hydration, making pickle juice the perfect remedy if you’re looking to quench your hangover thirst.

The most important way to ensure rehydration is to drink plenty of water.

3. Lemon peel

Another potential remedy for dealing with toxins can be found in lemons.

Lemon peel is naturally high in antioxidants, including D-limonene and vitamin C.

A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention found that lemon peels contain more antioxidants than grapefruit or tangerine peels.

Separate studies show that D-limonene can increase the production of an enzyme in the body that reduces the effects of oxidative stress.

Ms Wilkinson said: Lemon peels contain a substance called D-limonene, which helps the body detoxify carcinogens and help break down other harmful toxins.

Try adding a whole lemon to a glass of water or eating it in your meals to give your body some love after a night out and boost your hydration levels.

4. Ginger or chili tea

Nausea can be one of the worst effects of a hangover and is caused by a number of factors.

However, a range of herbal teas have been shown to have a beneficial effect on feeling sick, including ginger and peppermint tea.

A study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, showed that just one gram of ginger can reduce nausea.

Ms Wilkinson said: “Hanging can also leave you feeling nauseous.

Studies show that ginger has a calming effect on the digestive tract and can reduce feelings of digestive discomfort, nausea and vomiting.

Peppermint can also be used to ease digestive discomfort and reduce bloating after a night of drinking.

Why not swap your morning coffee for lemon and ginger or peppermint tea?