Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/3149/-1/133/
|
ASK YOUR DOCTOR: Hangovers by Dr. Brett Hodge
|
During the holiday period many individuals suffer from the effects of excessive alcohol use and one of the most common is a hangover. Several remedies have been suggested for the treatment of hangovers but often there is little scientific evidence that they are effective. The best way to prevent a hangover is to avoid getting one in the first place.
Hangovers
|
|
Dr. Brett Hodge
|
There is no doubt that alcohol is a dangerous drug and if taken in excessive amounts can have devastating effects on the body. The effects of driving while under the influence of alcohol are well-known and documented. In fact a large proportion of motor vehicle accidents are associated with excessive alcohol use. Individuals who drink should not drive. If you are at a party and partake of alcohol you should arrange for someone who is not using alcohol to drive or you should call a taxi to take you home.
A hangover can cause severe pain and suffering. The days off from work due to a hangover can have a serious negative impact on the economy of a country.
What are the symptoms of a hangover?
The symptoms of a hangover may vary from one individual to another. The symptoms may be mild or very severe. They usually occur several hours after a person stops drinking - when the blood alcohol level is falling. Symptoms of a hangover may persist for up to 24 hours.
They include the following:
• Headache mild to very severe
• Upset stomach
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shakiness
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Extreme sensitivity to light and noise
• Dehydration
How can you prevent hangovers?
You can help to prevent a hangover by drinking in moderation and drinking slowly and on a full stomach. It is recommended that women should have no more than one drink per day and men no more than two drinks per day. One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer; a 4-ounce glass of wine; or a 1 1/2 ounce shot of liquor.
It is advisable to drink a glass of water in between drinks containing alcohol. This will help to decrease your chances of becoming dehydrated which can be very dangerous.
What to do if you have a hangover?
If you have a hangover you may gain some relief from your symptoms by doing a number of things.
Consuming foods and drinks that contain fructose helps your body to get rid of alcohol faster. Such foods include fruit juice and honey. You should drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration. Replacing lost salt and potassium is vital if you want to avoid further complications of excessive alcohol. Rest is strongly recommended but this might be difficult if you have many parties to attend and are also making preparations for the holiday season.
If your symptoms are severe you should seek medical attention.
You may hear about several other remedies for a hangover but often there is no scientific evidence that they are effective. Contrary to popular belief strong coffee, increased physical activity, “greasy foods” or a cold shower do nothing to speed up the metabolism of alcohol in the body and therefore do nothing to help a hangover.
Conclusion
Hangovers are common at this time of the year when many individuals tend to use more than moderate amounts of alcohol. While there are many more serious side effects of excessive alcohol use, hangovers tend to be more widespread and can cause much pain and suffering to many individuals from teenagers to the elderly. You can prevent a hangover completely if you avoid alcohol completely. If you have to use alcohol do so in moderation. Some simple preventative steps can help decrease your chances of having a hangover this holiday season.