Tis the season to be merry!  Well for some of us it is the season of hangovers too!  Very little is known about what causes a hangover, but research does suggest that impurities in alcohol can make you feel nauseous.  Also the sweeter the drink, the higher the level of impurities. Malt liquors and red wine are especially toxic.

So that horrible thumping headache that comes with the hangover may come from dehydration as alcohol is a diuretic. Here are some simple and natural ways to avoid the pain, tackle the headache and sickness.

Drink water. It is so important to stay hydrated while you are drinking alcohol. This means drinking plenty of water between your tipple. Drink water before you go to bed after a night out, and again in the morning when you get up. Also if you hangover is really bad you can drink electrolyte rich fluids, like sports drinks or coconut water.

Grease up before you go out. A longstanding remedy is to take a spoonful of olive oil before you start drinking.  This is also good for your heart.

Fill up the morning after. Electrolytes in food help replenish the body and restore calories. However do not over do it. Whilst you may feel a greasy breakfast helps,  a hangover needs foods that are easy to digest, like toast or cereal.

Eat ginger. For centuries people have taken ginger to reduce the feeling of sickness and vomiting. Try nibbling crystalised ginger.

Go back to bed. A hangover isnt caused by lack of sleep but that can make it worse. Take a long nap the day after. After all it is the body’s way of healing itself.  This is my favrouite cure!

Hopefully you wont have a hangover over the Xmas period. and prevention is better than cure!  If all else fails, hopefully some of these remedies may help xx

Bev