Cures for holiday hangovers

Remedies for imbibers
Obviously, the best advice is to not overimbibe on the holidays. But if you do, Julie Zepp, a naturopath who operates out of the Regina Rehab and Family Medical Clinic, has this advice.

Drink fresh. "The fresher the drinks, the lesser the intensity of the hangover," says Zepp. "Be sure to drink from a freshly opened bottle of wine. If the bottle has been open for a few days, it will be subject to oxidation, which can increase your hangover."

Choose clear drinks. Steer clear of darker drinks such as rye, rum and whisky in favour of vodka, brandy and gin. Dark drinks are high in cogeners, chemicals produced during the distillation and fermentation process. Cogeners are made up of methanol and butanol and contribute to hangover side-effects when consumed. Clear alcohol is unfiltered and does not contain cogeners.

Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks. Carbonation causes the alcohol to be absorbed faster. And the combination of alcohol and sugar can cause blood glucose to fluctuate, either going too high or too low.

Drink water. Drink water throughout the evening to counter the dehydrating effects of increased urine output. Take a vitamin supplement. When you drink alcohol, you lose vitamins and minerals due to increased urine output. Take a high potency B- and C-vitamin complex before a night of drinking to replace lost vitamins. If you supplement after a hangover, take liquid or powdered vitamins instead of a pill since they are easier for your body to absorb. Liquid vitamins are available at most health food stores and some pharmacies.

Consider a cleansing. Zepp advises people to do two cleanses a year. The primary goal of an internal cleanse is to improve the liver's function and restore good gastrointestinal health. "The cleaner your liver is, the better your overall state of health," says Zepp, who adds that a healthy diet, nutrients and natural detoxification supplements (herbs such as dandelion or milk thistle, for instance) can help stimulate internal cleansing. Stress on your liver is cumulative. The more toxins you introduce to your system, the more stress you put on your liver. The key signs of a stagnant liver, says Zepp, are pain in the right side, constipation or diarrhea, headache, dry or red eyes, low energy and fatigue.

It's advisable to consult your doctor or health-care provider before undertaking a cleanse, especially if you have other health concerns.