Invaluable Tips for Hangover Prevention & Cures

Continued from our Retreat & Renew Daily Tip.

Melissa Wiliams, Freelance Writer | Co-Owner, Yoga Junction

Late night? Too much to drink? Before you go out there are a few steps you can take to try to ward off feeling terrible the next day. And if you forgot those tips- it isn’t too late to make yourself feel a bit better!

Spa Treat your hangover to a spa day! Vigorous, extensive circulatory massage can exacerbate hangover symptoms, so opt for gentle and relaxing massage strokes, cranial-sacral therapy,
foot reflexology with an emphasis on liver and stomach regions and shiatsu focusing on liver, pericardium and stomach meridians are all good options.

Yoga Twist out the toxins with a round of asanas that gets the body moving, breathing, and sweating evoking a release of poisons created by the alcohol.

Eat. Be sure to eat while you’re drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach causes the alcohol to flood the blood stream (and your brain) at a faster pace.

Try Prickly Pear. Look for the whole fruit or prickly pear extract.
Studies have shown the extract can help diminish hangover symptoms.

Go colorless. Adding color to your drinks whether from juice, or more colored type alcohols (brandy, tequila, red wine) can increase hangover symptoms from their greater quantity of congeners a byproduct of fermentation. And while fermentation is generally good for you, the byproducts aren’t and can make headaches more substantial. And the best colorless liquid? Water!

Coconut Water. This hydrating beverage is one of the best options for the day after as it helps rebalance your body. Be sure to look for coconut water that contains electrolytes and little to no sugar.

Eggs. The hangover staple a greasy breakfast-actually has some nutritive properties. Skip the grease, however and go for eggs. Eggs help replenish the vitamin B in your body, which gets depleted with alcohol consumption.

Wasabi! Draw a hot bath and infuse the water with the hot wasabi until the two are thoroughly mixed. Then soak while inhaling deeply. The wasabi should permeate the skin, thus introducing nutrients that aid in metabolizing the alcohol in your system. Be sure to add a few drops of nutmeg or ginger essential oil for a bit of aromatherapy + to ease your nausea.

Warm Compress – One simple suggestion for the dreaded hangover headache is to apply something soothing and warm to the head. Moist warm towels, tiger balm, or even a microwaved bag of rice could improve the “morning after.” Try this trick while resting in bed or another comfortable spot.