Fun Facts About Alcohol

Things You Didn't Know About Alcohol

Courtesy of: Milkwhale

Originally posted on https://www.hangoverremedies.net

Milk Thistle for Hangovers

Does Milk Thistle Help Relieve Hangovers? Here is What We Found...

Dry mouth, pounding headache, belly churning and the spinning room! You know the feeling all too well, the HANGOVER! No matter how many times you tell yourself that you would never drink that much again, you somehow find yourself in this horrible place once again.

If there was ever a time when things didn’t go as planned, it’s the morning after a night out having just a couple drinks. You fall asleep alone and wake up with a crazy hangover. This can’t be the result of those couple drinks you had or was it more like six? Who are you kidding? You lost count after the fourth one. Now, it hurts your head to even think about counting. Why are hangovers so awful? What makes them linger around so long? Why isn’t there just a pill to take to cure them?

The Cause of Hangovers

There is no question as to what causes a hangover, it’s clearly the result of excessive drinking. Aside from the obvious, what makes you feel so crappy when you have one or have drank too much? For that, we have an answer.

Alcohol is a diuretic, and it dehydrates you before water absorption is allowed. Therefore, dehydration is one of the biggest contributing factors to that hangover you’re experiencing. Many drinkers think they can trick Mr. Hangover by sipping water along with their alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately, this rarely prevents the hangover from showing up to the party later. Alcohol also irritates the stomach, which is what primarily leads to the feeling of an upset stomach the morning after drinking. It depletes the body of necessary minerals and vitamins. This creates an imbalance that makes it difficult to rest properly. Even worse for women, you have fewer enzymes to help metabolize the beverages containing alcohol. Which means, you’re more likely to get a hangover before your guy friend who has thrown back a couple more shots than you have at this point.

As if the information above isn’t enough to explain the cause, here’s another thought to ponder. As you get older, you become more susceptible to hangovers. This probably explains why it becomes more difficult for most people to drink as much when they’re older.

The Cure?

You were probably anxious to get to this section, I’m sure. For years, people have searched to find the ultimate hangover cure. Scientists and researchers have made a few strides in finding relief, but no cure is in sight just yet. However, we do have a few ideas to help provide some much-needed relief from that killer headache or hangover.

Milk Thistle Hangover Relief

Milk Thistle, say it real fast. Now, try saying it while you’re hungover. You may not be able to say it, but you’ll likely want to take it to alleviate your symptoms. This is an herb that is most known for protecting the liver. When used for hangover relief, take it prior to and following a night of drinking. You may have also heard of Thisilyn Milk Thistle, which is often used to provide hangover relief. It works great for nauseated stomach, which is a solid symptom of many hangovers. The results will vary among users, but it can be helpful to use a supplement for liver protection when indulging in large amounts of alcohol. Milk thistle consists of various phytochemicals that promote healthy living. This herb originated in European countries but can be found around the U.S. and Australia. Here is a breakdown of the contributions of the supplement.

Milk Thistle extract is a traditional herb that has more than 2,000 years of existence. In it, you will find silymarin, which is a contributor to liver health and shields it from harm caused by toxins. It is also used for detoxification, hepatic cirrhosis, anti-aging, chronic hepatitis, diabetes and other conditions. The recommended dosage is typically up to 800mg daily, acquired in single or double dosages. Because people metabolize alcohol at different rates based on circumstances such as weight, frequency, and type of alcohol intake and age, it can be challenging to determine just how effective the herb is for combatting hangovers.

The herb does seem to be much more effective for people who are chronic alcohol drinkers. There is a different level of enzymes involved and the herb has a history of interrupting these types of enzymes. This prompts the belief that it does have somewhat of an effect on some hangovers.

Hangovers are dreadful and can linger for long periods at a time. The only known prevention is to abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages. But if you have a night of fun and a few drinks planned, you may want to try Milk Thistle before and after you drink to find a little relief.

What are your thoughts on milk thistle for hangovers? Have you tried it and have felt relief?

This article was originally posted on HangoverRemedies.net

Photo Copyright: vencavolrab78 / 123RF Stock Photo

Originally posted on https://www.hangoverremedies.net

5 Tips for Holiday Hangover Relief

Holiday Hangovers

The holidays are upon us and cheer is in the air. Your calendar is filled with important dates and festivities to attend. Excitement, eagerness and pure joy are just a few of the emotions you feel this time of year. Family gatherings, office parties, travel, out-of-town guests, holiday dinners, gift exchanges and many more festivities to look forward to during the season.

Plenty of food, laughs, memories and of course, drinks. Yes, there is likely to be a little holiday cheer at each festivity. After all, what’s the holiday season without a little-spiked eggnog or another favorite drink? Most people don’t realize how much they’ve drank until the night has turned to morning, and they are greeted by Mr. Scrooge, otherwise known as the holiday hangover. Pounding headaches, dizziness, nausea, low tolerance to noise, movement, light and anything else that resembles a sign of life. Yes! It is often referred to as the hangover from hell. This time it’s worse because there is so much to be done and very little time to get it done. You’re questioning how did it happen, as you think to yourself, “it was just a few drinks”, and perhaps you’re right. The most important thing on your mind at this point is to find something to bring you immediate hangover relief.

Following are a few tips to help you get through the holidays without encountering the hangover Scrooge.

1. Prepare for the Party

Chances are you know about the party before you arrive. Regardless of how many times you tell yourself you’re not going to drink, always prepare to do so. Preparation is one of the leading hangover relief tools in existence. If you have a festivity or event to attend. Fuel your day with water! Hydration is important and plays a major role in the impact the alcohol consumption has on your body. If you take hangover pills, make sure to have them before you need them. Keep them in your medicine cabinet for quick access. Some people find that taking an ibuprofen before they drink helps to offset the hangover. If this is your experience, take one a couple hours before the party.

2. Hangover Pills

There are several hangover pills on the market. Research and try them out for yourself. If you have found one that works efficiently in the past, use it during the holidays. Chances are, you will want and need quick hangover relief. The pills typically work quicker than anything else and will allow you to resume your daily list of things to do.

3. Don’t Mix Liquors

Try not to drink a wide variety of liquors. If you’re drinking clear, stick to it and don’t mix it with dark liquors. Doing so often causes a lingering hangover. It’s holiday time and you don’t want the hangover Scrooge lingering around any longer than necessary. It may be best to avoid dark liquors if you plan to chug a few and remember to always pace yourself when drinking any alcoholic beverage such as beer, liquor, wine or mixed drinks. 

4. Walk Home

If weather permits and you don’t live too far away, walk from the party with a friend. It will help to absorb the fresh air and while you may not feel hungover immediately, it will come. Grab a group of friends and walk together after leaving the party. If you don’t walk home, upon waking the next morning, go out for a brisk walk. This is one of the greatest ways to encourage hangover relief. You may feel like you’ve been run over by a semi, but push yourself out the door and take in a bit of fresh air. The hangover Scrooge hates fresh air and walking or jogging if you wish will prompt him to leave sooner. Always exercise precaution when walking alone or in a group.

5. Skip the Bar

Saving the best and least likely choice for last. However, during the holidays there are usually several festivities that will have an alcohol bar. You absolutely do not have to drink alcohol at each party you attend. Give the body a break and a chance to bounce back from the last hangover. Skipping the bar gives you the best opportunity to wake up the following morning without the regret of having one.

This post was originally posted on www.hangoverremedies.net

Originally posted on https://www.hangoverremedies.net

4 Hangover Recipes that Make the A-List of Celeb Cures

The thrill of drinking is often accompanied by the kill shot, the dreadful hangover. There are many ways to reference it, and while many people have sworn that they’ll never drink that much again, somehow, they always forget just how bad they felt. There are many remedies and suggestions on how to get rid of a hangover, but have you considered eating your hangover away?

There are some pretty cool recipes out there that could bring a sigh of relief to that dreadful hangover. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “why would I want to eat after a hangover?”, but why not? Chances are, you already feel horrible, you definitely need to eat to help absorb the hangover. There is also the option of eating some of these foods before you drink and the effects are equally as great. Go ahead, give it a try. You may just find your new favorite dish.

Following are a few hangover recipes that top the list of celebrity status hangover meals. Try a couple to decide if it can become your new go-to food for hangovers.

1. Eggs Topped with Salsa and Fresh Tomato

Pair an egg with hearty vegetables and say “buby” to that annoying hangover. It’s definitely a tasty meal to wake-up to and a healthy option. Add fresh tomato and salsa to the dish to give it a kick and voila, you’ll feel better in no time. Use these ingredients to prepare it just the way you like it.

2 eggs scrambled

¼ tomato diced

3 tsp. Salsa (fresh or jar)

Seasoned to taste

2. Quesadillas

A cheesy tasty treat that will fill you up and likely, put you to sleep in no time. You need comfort food that will help you to remain calm and encourage you to nap. You will feel better upon waking because your stomach is full and the alcohol is somewhat absorbed. Use these ingredients to prepare it just the way you like it.

2 medium roasted or grilled jalapenos, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced crosswise

2-2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese

1 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves

4 (6-inch) flour tortillas

Salsa, for serving

3. Fried Chicken

Come on! You know you can use a little greasy food in your life. Why not make it finger-licking good fried chicken? It’s another filling dish and can be paired with carb-filled mashed potatoes to make it the perfect option for hangover relief. Use these ingredients to prepare it just the way you like it.

2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided

2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

8 pieces chicken (I used drumsticks)

1 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

oil for frying

4. Salmon and Egg Bagel Benedict

It will taste as fancy as it sounds, and help to deliver relief in a hurry. This hangover recipe is a great idea for the morning, noon or night hangover. Let’s admit it, a hangover can happen anytime of the day. It’s a light dish with a delightful flavor. The ingredients are perfect and filled with healthy fats, omega3, and power-packing proteins. Enjoy this dish just before enjoying a brisk walk. Use these ingredients to prepare it just the way you like it.

2 bagels, split

½ pound king salmon cut into 2-ounce portions

4 eggs

hollandaise sauce

1 tomato, diced or sliced

1 avocado, sliced

paprika (for garnish) optional

Food is a great source for hangover cures and should not be avoided simply because you feel nauseous. Eat sensibly, but if you choose to indulge, it’s okay. High carb foods are a great way to absorb the alcohol and protein dishes deliver the extra push you need to get up and get moving. The above hangover recipes can be altered to your preference or enjoyed as they appear. These are amazing options that not only work to fight headaches and dizziness but also help to fight that hungry feeling that comes once the hangover has left the building. Drink, eat and be hangover-free in no time with these recipes.

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Hangover Symptoms You May Not Know About

Did You Know About These Hangover Symptoms?

If you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a great holiday party, a night out with friends, a milestone celebration or other similar festivities, chances are you’ve also enjoyed a few drinks. It wouldn’t be so bad if the drinks weren’t followed by a terrible hangover, but for many, it’s a sure sign that the night before was nothing short of epic. If you could do it all again, you’d probably say no to that last drink or two – on second thought, you probably wouldn’t have.

How is it that each time you experience a hangover, there seems to be a new symptom?  It has a lot to do with the type of alcohol consumed, eating behaviors before you drank and other factors. However, there are several symptoms associated with the common hangover that you may have never experienced. Of course, there is no desire to feel any more symptoms than you have in the past, but it’s good to know what symptoms may occur if you’ve had a night of drinking and fun.

Everyone is familiar with the common hangover symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and more. Here are a few symptoms that most people aren’t familiar with or aware of when a hangover occurs.

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Cognitive impairment
• Anxiety
• Irritability

Various studies have reflected that there are nearly 50 reported symptoms of hangovers. The most prevalent symptoms were drowsiness and reduced cognitive function.

Fatigue is a hangover symptom that can actually linger after other symptoms have subsided. The body has to recondition itself in order to return to a normal state. The alcohol takes a toll on the body, which can make you feel drained, sleepy or a considerable lack of energy. A person may feel fatigued for a couple days after the onset of the hangover.

Depression is often overlooked but likely occurs with a hangover. There is a mixture of mental and physical emotions that are caused by out of whack hormones due to drinking. Many times, people will bounce back from the depressed state, but in more severe cases people often turn to more alcohol to drown their woes. This can lead to serious issues including increased sadness, withdrawal from friends and family and alcoholism. If you feel that the only way to boost your spirits or feel better throughout the day is to have another drink, it may be time to stop drinking or talk to a professional.

Cognitive impairment – you would be surprised to learn how many people are unaware of their cognitive impairment when drinking. It is likely that you feel every action and word is justified until the next morning arrives and you realize you’ve made some really bad decisions. Normal activities seem to be a challenge and rational thinking is somewhat foreign during a hangover. Alcohol can temporarily have a negative effect on cognitive and motor functions. While they usually return to their normal state once the hangover is gone and you have sobered up completely.

Anxiety is one of the least recognized symptoms of a hangover, especially in people that are generally anxious anyway. However, consumption of too much alcohol can cause you to become somewhat anxious. The anxiety reflects on everything that is going on around you and is sometimes mistaken as paranoia. You may want to consider riding out your hangover in the comfort of your own home when possible, as it can be overwhelming to be in a crowd or with other people.

Irritability is a symptom that easily finds its way to the scene of almost every hangover. After all, you’re dealing with a banging headache, an upset stomach, dizziness and much more. It is only normal that you become easily agitated at the sound of the slightest move. This is another reason that it is recommended to find an isolated area to relax in until the hangover wears off. Keep in mind that while a hangover is horrid, it won’t help to get irritated with others who had nothing to do with your current state. Find a nice spot and sleep it off or better yet, get out and take in some fresh air while taking a brisk walk, you’ll be glad you did.

While you may have a hangover that displays one or more of the above symptoms, there is always the possibility that you could experience symptoms not mentioned here with a hangover. The best way to eliminate any of these symptoms is to prepare before you drink.

This article was first published on https://hangoverremedies.net

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What to Eat When Hungover

Do You Know What to Eat When You Have a Hangover?

You’ve looked forward to a night out with friends for a while. It seems to have been forever since you’ve had time to let loose and enjoy yourself. You remember all the fun you had in the past, but somehow you seem to have forgotten how you felt the next morning. The morning after you’ve had what seemed to be one too many drinks. It’s the dreaded hangover and for some reason, it’s much worse than you remember.

There are many proclaimed cures for hangovers, but it helps to know what foods can help get you through the banging headaches and dizzy spells. While food may be the last thing on your mind, it helps to put the right things on your stomach to decrease or eliminate the symptoms felt with hangover. Below are a few foods to eat when hungover to get you through those miserable mornings.

Got Milk?

When planning for a night out, milk is likely the last drink you can’t wait to guzzle down. While it may seem a bit far-fetched, a glass of milk could help to prevent that hangover before it happens. The protein and fat content help to line the stomach, which weans off the absorption of alcohol.

Go Nutty for Nuts

Walnuts and almonds top the list of nuts that help to fight against intoxication and reduce the probability of a hangover. The protein and healthy fats work to slow the absorption of alcohol to fight off the hangover symptoms the next morning. Grab a few before you head out for the night and if you don’t have any on hand, munch on those at the bar. Bar nuts usually have added oil, but the added salt will help to fight against the hangover also.

Bring on the Burger

Before you place your first drink order, indulge in a nice big juicy burger. The mixture of protein and fat from the beef ensures that the alcohol doesn’t affect you as much. If calories are a concern, order a salad instead of fries as your side dish. Considering the calories added on by the alcohol, it helps to cut back on any food calories consumed during the night if you’re watching your caloric intake.

Holy Guacamole

Guacamole contains cilantro, which contributes to the distinct flavor, but is also made up of a combination of unique oils. The oils are a major contributor to keeping the stomach calm or preventing upset stomach. If you’ve ever had a hangover, you know that hangovers are generally accompanied by a fussy stomach. Toss down a few chips with guacamole before you drink, and your stomach will thank you later.

The Wonders of Watermelon

Watermelon is a water-rich fruit that helps to keep you hydrated, which is important when consuming alcohol. Aside from its hydrating efforts, it is also a great source of potassium, magnesium, and L-citrulline, a booster to blood circulation, which works to process toxins, detox liver and rejuvenate tired muscles. All these are important during the bounce-back from a hangover.

Greek Yogurt for Breakfast

Alcohol makes it challenging for the body to maintain a quality balance of blood sugar, which leads to those dreadful hangover symptoms that everyone hates. Greek yogurt paired with a banana is a great food to eat for a hangover. These are rich in potassium, protein and healthy carbs. The potassium can diminish the bloat, while carbs and proteins work to balance blood sugar and fight against hunger and nausea that often come with heavy drinking.

The Goodness of Guava

Your body works overtime during a hangover as your organs work to flush the alcohol, without depleting the fluid levels. The immune system needs extra help and what better place to get it than the fruit with the highest Vitamin C concentration, Guava. Eating only 1 cup of it supplies about a week’s recommended intake of Vitamin C. There are other places you can get the Vitamin C, but in lower amounts such as pineapple, strawberries, and papaya.

Boost Your Mood with Oatmeal

It goes without saying that waking up with a hangover is an instant mood killer. Oatmeal is a starchy carb that works to boost your mood after consuming too much alcohol. Simple sugars don’t work as well, and studies have found that carbs are a serotonin booster, which is known as the feel-good hormone.

Eating with a hangover may be challenging but there are a few foods that can be consumed before you drink. Whichever food you choose, make sure to have it on hand before you need it. It’s definitely no fun making a grocery store run with a killer headache.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Realistic Approach to Curing a Hangover

Consuming too much alcohol can quickly lead to a hangover. If only curing a hangover could happen just as quickly, the morning after would be a much better place. The terrible feeling that an evening or night of drinking brings on is one that has existed for many people, for many years. Because of this, there are hundreds of weird, and not so weird ideas to get rid of that pounding headache and that nauseated feeling that lingers afterward.

In a perfect world, there would be one cure. People have different levels of tolerance for alcohol intake. Therefore, what works for your best friend, may not work for you. There are a few common sense or realistic approaches to take when a hangover strikes. Keep in mind, for any approach to work, it will depend largely on how much alcohol was consumed, and the rate at which the body releases the toxins.

Here are a few realistic ideas for curing a hangover:

 

1. Take Multivitamins – Nutrients such as folate and vitamin B12 are depleted when alcohol is consumed. Take a multivitamin to restore those lost vitamins that are lost from drinking.

 

2. Grab a fruit juice – alcohol will cause your blood sugar to drop. Rev it back up with a glass of fruit juice, such as apple juice. Fruit juices work wonders with mild conditions of low blood sugar. However, if your situation is more complex, go for food with an elevated glycemic index.

 

3. Mix with water – when drinking, practice the 1 for 1 ratio. Drink one glass of water for each drink you have. The brain tissue is composed largely of water, and these tissues will shrink when dehydration sets in, which leads to a feeling of pressure in the head. Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration, so turn up on the water as often as you turn up a drink of alcohol.

 

4. Upgrade your drink choice – expensive drinks are typically more distilled, which means they contain fewer congers. Skip the well liquor and upgrade your drink to top-shelf options.

 

5. Breathe a bit of fresh-air – taking in a breath of fresh air will increase the speed at which the toxins break down in the body. It may be hard to move, but going outside could help to get rid of your hangover faster. Consider a brisk walk or jog around the park or block. You’re actually killing two birds with one stone, because the exercise will help to burn calories packed on by those alcoholic beverages that have you feeling this way in the first place.

 

6. Ginger Tea – you’re likely feeling extremely nauseous after a night of heavy drinking. Ginger tea will help to calm your stomach and help to calm your nerves. It’s a good idea to keep ginger tea in your pantry, which will make it readily available the next morning.

 

7. Eat dinner or supper – that full feeling you’re experiencing does not count, it’s all beer. You should not drink on an empty stomach because it will cause the alcohol to absorb quicker. Take in a few healthy carbs prior to drinking alcohol. Research indicates that a full stomach when drinking may actually help in maintaining lower levels of blood alcohol content.

 

8. Bye-bye bubbles – say no to the drinks that fizz. Any drinks such as champagne, that are combined with carbonated beverages may cause the alcohol to be absorbed faster. New Year’s, birthday, anniversary and other celebratory occasions may end better when toasted with a glass of white wine.

 

9. A breakfast for champions – you may feel like you’ve been knocked out by the champ once the hangover kicks in, but try your best to eat breakfast. Eat something that will help to coat your stomach. It does not have to be a heavy or greasy meal, although scrambled eggs seem to be favored by many.

 

10. The potassium party – drinking alcohol leads to dehydration, which not only causes the body to lose water but also to deplete electrolytes. Replenish those lost electrolytes by eating potassium-rich foods such as spinach, bananas, cantaloupe, broccoli, and more.

 

While hangovers are never fun, the night before was probably a blast, but what good is it if you can’t remember it? Be proactive before a night of drinking by preparing for the hangover before it hits. Some people have a really hard time bouncing back from this dreadful morning-after feeling. However, curing a hangover may be easier sometimes than others, but one or more of the above should make the symptoms less harsh.

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