4th of July Hangover Prevention & Cure

This is the weekend where we celebrate freedom. Which lets face it, most likely just translates to your alchohol intake and the fact that you don't have to go to work on Monday.

So on that note...heres the formula I've come up with (on top of the basics we all already know- ibuprofen, water etc) ways to prevent and cure hangovers. 

1) EAT before you drink. We've all heard it before. But it really is true. And this doesn't mean McDonalds. So what exactly should you eat? Think healthy slow-carbs and fats. This delays digestion over time, blocking the valve into the small intestines allowing alcohol to be absorbed at a slower pace. For example: a whole wheat bun and turkey burger with sweet potato fries.

2) Replenish your vitamin (B) levels. Opt for a sublingual vitamin B complex to carry around in your bag or pocket. Just put a few drops under your tongue before you head out- and then again before you go to bed. Drinking alcohol dehydrates you and subsequently sucks up all your vitamins. If you choose to do nothing else in this list- choose to replenish your b vitamins. It works WONDERS.  

3) Go for the clear substances- vodka, white wine, gin. Darker booze contains more chemicals called congeners which inflame the body and intensify hangovers.

4) Avoid Diet Drinks. Diet sodas empty out your stomach more quickly which makes you woozy at an unexpected pace. Be smart about your mixers.

5) Drink electrolytes in your H20. Alcohol reduces the liquid around blood cells making your brain shrivel which is what causes the most commons symptoms of headaches and nausea. Opt for some H20 + electrolytes. SmartWater is a smart choice. Jennifer had a point here.

6) Eat eggs for breakfast. Ever wonder why you just crave them in the morning? Your body is intelligent. Eggs contain a substance called cysteine which breaks down acetaldehyde- a hangover causing toxin in alchohol.

7) Sweat and twist. Studies show that people report feeling better due to the feel good chemicals that are released during exercise. Yoga is great for detoxifying the body and moving around the stagnant energy to get your blood flowing (all of which needs to happen after drinking). Good blood flow = happy hangover. Specifically, try twisting poses and back bends to reverse the blood flow and wring out the toxic build up in your spine!

So make moderation your mantra, get plenty of sleep and enjoy the bliss of a well planned happy hangover. Ahhhhh (Thats a deep breath).