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Tips And Myths About The Hangover

Posted on: Wednesday, 31 December 2008, 14:15 CST

As the New Year approaches, people all over the world will be celebrating with drink in hand, and many will be suffering for it the next morning.

But according to Dr. Marie Savard, there are some myths and tips on how to prevent that New Year's Day hangover.

Many people in the past believed that drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages will sober you up and keep a hangover headache away, however, Savard says it just isn’t true.

“Caffeine only acts as a stimulant and interferes with your sleep. It may also make you urinate more and add to dehydration. Only time and a healthy liver to metabolize the alcohol will sober you up.”

But what about taking pain relievers like aspirin after drinking to prevent a hangover?

“Not only doesn't this work, it can be dangerous”, she said. “Even a dose or two of aspirin can erode the stomach, causing gastritis, which would only be compounded by the stomach irritant effects of alcohol. Mixing acetaminophen and alcohol can lead to acute liver inflammation.”

However, she says taking pain relievers the next morning can help, although it won't prevent your hangover.

“Taking them in the morning with a full breakfast to avoid stomach irritation will treat your hangover headache. Since pain relievers only last four to six hours, it's silly to take them before going to bed because they will be out of your system by morning when your headache occurs.”

What about the belief that eating a big meal before going to sleep lessens the effects of a hangover?

Once again, not true.  A big meal, especially a fat-filled one, such as eggs and bacon, will stay in your stomach and interfere with sleep and possibly cause reflux. So, you'll wake up feeling even worse.

“Well, what about eating a big meal before drinking?  Can that help prevent a hangover?”

Savard says ‘Yes’. Eating a hearty, fat-filled meal before drinking will fill you up and decrease your alcohol absorption.

Is beer the best beverage to drink in order to avoid a hangover?

‘Yes!’  Drinking beer fills you up, so in many cases you'll drink less alcohol. New Year's Eve is the time for breaking open a bottle of bubbly, but champagne and wine are full of other additives and chemicals more likely to cause headaches and hangovers.

Many expert drinkers believe dinking a little more alcohol will help you sleep off a hangover, but Savard says that is also false.

“The only way to get over a hangover is a good night's sleep. Some people think they can sleep through a hangover by taking another shot just before they go to sleep, but that won't do it. Alcohol may be an acute sedative, but it interferes with REM sleep and you will wake up frequently and not get a restorative sleep.”

Will drinking fluids (like juice) help you feel better?

Yes, drink lots of juices with potassium and vitamins. It's been shown antioxidants and sugar help minimize symptoms of a hangover. You're dehydrated and your blood sugar is down, so you need sugar and fluids.

However, Savard says the most successful way to avoid a hangover is to not overindulge in the first place. One alcoholic drink -- a 12-ounce beer, glass of wine or mixed drink -- takes about an hour to metabolize.

Also remember to never drink and drive and, if necessary, secure yourself a designated driver for the evening.

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On the Net:

• Dr. Marie Savard

Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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