‘Tis the season for parties, get-togethers and family functions! Which usually means there is plenty of drinking. Sure, drinking always seems like a good idea at the time. But after the fact, too much celebrating can bring on pounding heads, upset stomachs and a sluggish feeling. So maybe we should say: "‘tis the season for hangovers!" Don’t fear...there are some ways to lessen or prevent the effects of one too many.
Mother (Nature’s) little helpers:
Milk Thistle has been used for centuries to fix all sorts of liver ailments. It works as an antioxidant by protecting the liver against pollutants, while also helping to remove those already there. A hangover is your body trying to rid itself of toxins. Since your liver is primarily responsible for removing the alcohol from your body, why not give it some help? To prevent alcohol damage, take two capsules of Milk Thistle before or while drinking.
When the alcohol is broken down in your system, an enzyme turns it into acetaldehyde. Eventually a second enzyme breaks down the acetaldehyde into a harmless substance. However, if the first enzyme is working harder than the second, there is a build up of the toxin enforcing your hangover. Bifidus is a healthy and helpful bacteria often found in yogurt. This bacterium lives in your small intestine and is affective in absorbing acetaldehyde in your system. Adding a teaspoon to a glass of after drinking should help you feel better in the morning.
After a night of drinking, your blood sugar level is at an all time low. Not to mention the fact that alcohol completely dehydrates your body. Drink a lot of water with a little sugar and limejuice the next morning after a bender. The water will help clean the remaining alcohol from your blood stream, while the sugar will give you some added nutrients. Eating a good meal (if you can keep anything down) will also do wonders for your starving body.
Just say no to drugs:
Despite popular opinion, taking aspirin or other pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to cure hangover woes will do more harm than good. Aspirin and pain relievers exacerbate your already acidic stomach to the point where they can foster bleeding. Moreover, the American Medical Association has found that taking pain relievers extends the time alcohol is in your system by 26%, which will just prolong your hangover.
The most important part of curing a hangover is making sure that you get home safely. This holiday season, please be sure to drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive. Because a hangover is nothing compared to a DWI or killing yourself or others. 
