Veisalgia. It comes from a Norwegian word that means “uneasiness following debauchery”, (veis) and also the Greek word for “pain” (algia). It occurs when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) starts to fall after drinking and peaks when your BAC hits zero, notoriously known as a hangover. Many people run for a bottle of Tylenol or McDonald’s to bandage up the physical pains they are experiencing. If one can understand what the root of the pain in a hangover really translates to, perhaps a sustainable and truly beneficial and healthy remedy can be diagnosed.
The breakdown of what really happens during a hangover is the following; Vassopressin, also known as the antidiuretic hormone and created in the pituitary gland, is what makes your kidneys absorb water. So when you drink alcohol in excess, any H2O bypasses your kidneys and goes straight to the bladder. When you urinate excessively, your body releases potassium and sodium which makes you nauseous and gives you a headache. Not to mention excessive alcohol in your system creates an inflammatory response in your immune system which makes it hard for you to concentrate and remember things.
Now that you are aware of a few basic results within the body after a night of heavy drinking, the following are ways to get you feeling fantastic in a flash;
1)Hydrate with coconut water – Dubbed “Mother Nature’s Sport Drink” due to its high content of electrolytes, coconut water is also super beneficial for hangovers because it contains 4 times the amount of potassium than bananas, which help re-establish hydration and mineralization.
2)Take a freshly pressed shot of ginger juice – Have you ever used the quote “I have a gut feeling?”, that is due to the fact that your digestive system generates 90% of serotonin, making it like a second brain. Ginger aids the digestive tract by toning the muscles in the intestine, this activity promotes motility in the gastrointestinal tract and assists in elimination. It resets the healthy bacteria in the gut and eliminates inflammation in the body. A healthy gut equals a healthy mind, a shot of ginger juice will eliminate mental fog and will save your immune system when hung over.
3) Eat a tablespoon of raw (unpasteurized) honey – You do need to eat something during a hangover (even if your appetite tells you otherwise), In fact, the Royal Society of Chemistry believes eating a breakfast of honey-on-toast is one of the best ways to beat a hangover. This potassium and antioxidant rich pantry staple boasts numerous hangover-helping qualities. Ingest it by itself or, better yet, spread it over a piece of sprouted grain toast or a gluten-free cracker.
Next time you catch yourself in the following equation use these 3 cures to help your body back in balance when experiencing veisalgia!
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