Hangover aid 101

What is Hangover?

Hangover is just your body remining you that you are an idiot.

But hangover is also a situation which causes unpleasant symptoms that occur after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. The symptoms include:

Fatigue
Headache
Thirst
Weakness
Muscle aches
Nausea
Stomachache
Anxiety
Irritability
Sweat
Vomiting
Increased Blood pressure.

How to aid Hangover naturally?

There are pills and medicines available to reduce or cure hangovers but here are some natural tips which you can follow.

Alcohol gets excreted from the body by urination: the more you pee the more you will feel less dizzy.
Drink water and electrolytes: Alcohol dehydrates the body. It is very important to have enough water to maintain your body’s hydration. You can drink lemonade, Fruit juices like watermelon, energy drinks like ORS etc.
Healthy breakfast: It is necessary to have a healthy breakfast during the hangover period, you can have a vegetable sandwich, Eat whatever you crave for but must include protein and fat. Don't go for any junk food, this may lead to nausea.
Clean yourself: Hangovers lead you to drowsiness but don’t sleep immediately after having a meal. Clean yourself with a hot bath and brush your teeth until the smell of alcohol fades away. There’s nothing more disturbing than the smell of alcohol running inside your mouth.
Try to stay busy: Distract yourself with work, studies or watch some movies. Do some activity so you could feel better.
Medications: You can take Aspirin in a glass of water to reduce the symptoms.
Do not try hair of the dog: Hair of the dog means taking a small sip of alcohol that you consumed last night. Don’t try these things. It might work for some people but there’s a chance that this can worsen the existence of a hangover.

Follow the above tips and you will easily feel better.

When to see a doctor?

Hangovers can last up-to 72 hours after drinking. It can be shorter but again it depends on how much you’ve consumed. If you are not feeling any better even after 72 hours please immediately go to the hospital.
Blood during heavy vomiting can cause major problems. If you are or anyone is facing this immediately rush them to the hospital.
During drinking or after drinking if the victim faints.

Dos before consuming alcohol to avoid hangovers

Is there a way to avoid Hangover? Yes, do the below mentioned tips before you drink to avoid the painful Hangover.

Drink a lot of water before the first drink of alcohol. Any water you mix with alcohol will not go towards hydration.
Drinking water along with alcohol prolongs alcohol absorption, meaning your body absorbs it in smaller portions over a longer time. So, you'll get drunk slower, but any effect on hangover is marginal. Also, any time you spend drinking water you are not drinking alcohol, so that's something. [1]
Avoid sugar and drinks rich in sugar and fat before consuming alcohol.
Eat a lot during the day prior to drinking. Also avoid sugar and fat. Everything potato is a go.
Replenish water and electrolytes in the morning. Sports drinks will do the trick, but no need to overspend.
Understand your body’s condition, drink only much that your body can handle
Avoid any shots, games round this will make you consume more alcohol
Learn to say NO if you are not feeling good, not feeling like having a drink. Just because others are doing it, you don't have to do it under any pressure.

Note: Do not close your eyes immediately after drinking, try to stay still. Closing your eyes can lead to heavy vomiting and it is very harmful.

How long does alcohol stay in your body system? [2]

Body System Time in System