Eating barbecue and having a cold beer can be a great enjoyment during the hot summer. However, some friends tend to drink excessively and often experience hangovers the next day. So, what should we do when we have a hangover?
What is a Hangover?
A hangover refers to the symptoms of headache and stomach discomfort that occur the next morning after excessive drinking. This is because the liver cells are unable to process all the harmful substance, acetaldehyde, due to excessive alcohol consumption, resulting in acute poisoning symptoms.
Take a Shower
Taking a hot shower after drinking can promote blood circulation, help metabolism, and eliminate alcohol through sweating.
Note: People with high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases should be cautious when taking a shower after drinking to avoid the risk of stroke. It is advisable to take a short rest beforehand.
Stay Hydrated
Alcohol causes dehydration in the body. Before going to bed, drink a large amount of water and replenish it again after waking up to relieve the discomfort caused by dehydration.
Method: Drink more fruit juice or honey lemonade to replenish water. Fruit juice contains fructose, which can accelerate alcohol metabolism and alleviate nausea symptoms.
Eat Desserts and Fruits
Desserts and fruits are rich in sugar, as well as vitamin C and vitamin B group. These nutrients can act as lubricants during alcohol metabolism, protecting the liver. Watermelon and citrus fruits, in particular, are helpful in relieving hangovers.
Drink Fruit Juice or Honey Water
Fruit juice and honey are both rich in fructose, which can accelerate alcohol metabolism. Drinking a large glass of orange juice or honey water can help remove residual alcohol from the body. In addition, the abundant water content can replenish the lost water due to frequent urination.
Eat Shellfish
Shellfish usually contain rich vitamin B12, taurine, and glycogen. Vitamin B12 and glycogen play important roles in promoting liver function, while taurine in amino acids can activate the detoxification function of the liver when combined with bile acids.
Sports Drink
When waking up the morning after excessive drinking, the throat often feels dry and thirsty. At this time, it is necessary to find a way to eliminate the remaining alcohol and harmful substance, acetaldehyde, from the body as soon as possible. Drinks containing inorganic salts and sugars not only provide hydration but also help eliminate alcohol in the body. Sports drinks are particularly effective because their composition is similar to human body fluids, making them easily absorbed by the body. They are not only effective in relieving hangovers but can also prevent excessive intoxication when consumed together with alcohol.
Drink Meat Soup
Just like vitamins and minerals, alcohol consumption also leads to protein loss in the body. Drinking some meat soup can replenish protein to compensate for the damage caused by hangovers. In addition, eating a small amount of carbohydrates can help the ingested protein enter the bloodstream. Drinking meat soup can also replenish lost salt and potassium and sodium lost due to alcohol's diuretic effect.
Eat Persimmons
Persimmons are fruits rich in fructose and vitamin C. They have been used in ancient times as effective foods to prevent and relieve drunkenness. The astringent substances in persimmons can break down alcohol, and the potassium they contain has a diuretic effect. Persimmon leaves also contain vitamin C that is tens of times higher than that in citrus fruits. The tender buds of persimmon leaves can be fried and eaten or dried to make persimmon leaf tea.
Cabbage
Wash the cabbage leaves, cut them into thin strips, add some vinegar and sugar, mix well, marinate for 10 minutes, and then consume. It is refreshing, sour, and sweet, and can relieve hangovers.
Celery Juice
Take an appropriate amount of celery, wash it, and crush it. Wrap it in gauze and squeeze out the juice for drinking (this method can relieve headaches, dizziness, and facial flushing after hangovers).
Legume Soup
Take 50 grams of green beans, red beans, and black beans each, and add 15 grams of licorice. Boil them until they are soft, and consume both the beans and the soup. This can refresh the mind, relieve hangovers, and alleviate symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
Eat Grapes
Grapes contain a rich amount of tartaric acid, which can interact with ethanol in alcohol to form esters, achieving the goal of relieving hangovers. If consumed before drinking, it can also effectively prevent drunkenness.
Eat Bananas
Eating 1-3 bananas after drinking can increase blood sugar levels, reduce the proportion of alcohol in the blood, and relieve palpitations and chest discomfort.
Precautions for Drinking Alcohol
1. After drinking the first glass, wait for thirty minutes before drinking the second glass. If you want to drink a third glass, make sure to wait for an hour. However, for the sake of your health, it is better not to reach for a fourth glass.
2. Remember to add ice cubes when drinking spirits.
3. It is recommended to avoid drinking on an empty stomach, when tired, or while taking a shower.
4. Absolutely avoid drinking alcohol after taking medication, especially after taking sleeping pills, sedatives, or cold medicine.
