How To Cure A Hangover
It’s 2016! New Year’s Eve has always been one of my favorite nights of the year. It’s a time to look back over your accomplishments, give thanks—and drink more champagne than you probably did all year.
I don’t know how you are feeling this morning but it’s likely you might not be feeling your best. It’s nothing to feel guilty over. January 1st is practically National “Too Much Champagne” Day so you are in good company.
Okay, let’s cut to the chase. Hangovers (especially as you age) are the absolute worst. The splitting headaches and fatigue never seem worth the antics from the night before. We all know water is helpful but sometimes you need another saving grace. Luckily, there are things to help ease the pain just a bit. And likely, they are in your very own kitchen.
If you just woke up (or getting there) here are some ideas on how to get back to yourself again:
- Fresh Ginger (Not Fake Ginger!): Alcohol is a huge irritant to the stomach. Instead of reaching for the ginger ale with added sugar (which probably got you the hangover in the first place!), make some fresh ginger tea. Grate some fresh ginger and steep for ten minutes. Drink it like a tea or chew on the extra fresh roots.
- Activated Charcoal: I’ve mentioned this before but activated charcoal is a serious lifesaver. As one of the oldest detoxifying methods, it’s basically an ingredient that counteracts toxins in your body. It absorbs and flushes toxins out faster than they naturally would. You have options: sip the charcoal in powder form and mix with a glass of water, take a supplement, or drink it in juice form with some lemon. I love keeping Dirty Lemon Raw Detox waters on hand for this reason.
- Take A Detox Bath: Baths are relaxing to begin with, but especially when you aren’t feeling your best. Fill your tub with a couple cups of sulfate-packed Epsom salt, which helps flush out toxins. Yes, champagne is a toxin! I’m also a huge fan of Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath. No, it doesn’t smell like mustard! The mix of rosemary, wintergreen, eucalyptus, and thyme eliminates impurities and smells AH-mazing.
- Raise Your Antioxidant Levels: Gluthaione, a powerful antioxidant, which helps detoxify the liver can be depleted after a couple drinks. So, it’s important to refuel yourself with this feel-good nutrient. Raw fruits and veggies are jam-packed with this antioxidant. The same goes for Vitamin C. So, the greasy food myth that we’ve all heard about nursing a hangover? It can’t be any further than the truth. The better you eat and refuel your body—the better you will feel!
- Sweat It Out: Working out is probably the last thing you feel like doing right now but I’m telling you—it’s like my secret weapon. Working up a sweat helps rid those toxins faster but WARNING: make sure you aren’t totally dehydrated before trying this. You’ll just end up worse off! Stay fully hydrated with water and coconut water (my favorite!) before hitting the gym
Need more feel better tips? Here are some of my favorite links to nurse you back to health:
Greatist | The Best And Worst Foods To Cure A Hangover // Mind Body Green | 9 Holistic Ways To Beat A Hangover // Everyday Roots | How To Make Your Own Electrolyte Energy Drink // Wholistic Beginnings | Anti Nausea Pops