A hangover is a feeling characterized by a group of unpleasant symptoms that can develop as a result of consuming too much alcohol. These feelings of repercussion from excessive drinking date back to ancient Egypt and Greece and perhaps even to prehistoric times.

The likelihood of developing a hangover correlates to how much alcohol one consumes. Simply put, the more alcohol you drink, the more likely it is that you will have a hangover the next day. In some people a single alcoholic drink is enough to trigger a hangover while in others, hangovers are non-existent even after drinking heavily.

In most cases, hangovers go away on their own within eight to 24 hours.

Signs and symptoms of a hangover typically begin within several hours after the last drink.

Depending on the alcohol and the amount consumed typical symptoms include:

• Fatigue
  
  
• Thirst
  
  
• Headaches and muscle aches
  
  
• Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
  
  
• Poor or decreased sleep
  
  
• Sensitivity to light and sound
  
  
• Dizziness or a sense of the room spinning
  
  
• Rapid heartbeat
  
  
• Shakiness
  
  
• Sweating
  
  
• Decreased ability to concentrate
  
  
• Mood disturbances such as depression, anxiety and irritation
  
  

Hangovers are caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Roughly two thirds of people who drink to intoxication will develop a hangover several hours after drinking. Various factors may contribute to each symptom. For example:

Alcohol stimulates the body to produce more urine. As a result, urinating excessively can lead to dehydration which is often characterized by thirst, dizziness and lightheadedness.

Alcohol irritates the lining of the stomach, increases the production of stomach acid and delays stomach emptying which can result in abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.

Alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar which can result in fatigue, weakness, shakiness and mood disturbances.

Alcohol causes an expansion in the blood vessels, which can lead to headaches.

Alcohol can cause drowsiness. However, in most cases, the quality of sleep is poor which may leave you feeling groggy and fatigued.

Congeners - These are the ingredients which give many types of alcohol their flavor. Primarily found in larger amounts in dark liquors, such as brandy and whiskey, than in clear liquors, such as vodka and gin— can also contribute to hangovers.

Following the regimen outlined below can prevent & treat a hangover safely & naturally:

Avoid drinking to excess.

Try to gauge your tolerance for alcohol as a step to keep drinking under control.

Do not drink on an empty stomach and drink plenty of water during and after drinking alcoholic beverages.

Colored alcohol, like red wine, bourbon, tequila and rum, which contain toxic substances and congeners that are created in the fermentation process are more likely to result in a hangover. Alcohol which is clear such as vodka, gin and white wine, are less likely to result in a hangover.

If a hangover occurs, do not drink orange or grapefruit juice for a few days; eat light meals; sleep; drink plenty of water and avoid driving.

The supplements below can also help:

Bifidus (Mix one teaspoon in water before bedtime) - Detoxifies acetaldehyde, which is a digestive by-product of alcohol.

Vitamin C (3,000 - 6,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Reduces the effects of alcohol toxicity in the body. Do not drink orange juice to supplement vitamin C intake because it can cause stomach upset.

Magnesium (1,500 mg daily) - Can help stop shaking, nervousness and tension caused by hangover.

Evening Primrose Oil (take as directed on label) - Helps ease hangover symptoms.

B Vitamins (take as directed on label prior to drinking) - Help calm and strengthen the nervous system; reduces the toxic effects of alcohol and reduces the craving for more.

Milk Thistle (two 70mg capsules with a meal prior to drinking) - Protects the liver cells from alcohol.

Ginger and Peppermint - Help soothe an upset stomach.

Aromatherapy - Coriander oil, Frankincense oil and orange essential oils are excellent to alleviate symptoms after drinking.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.