Alcohol has a diuretic effect, which means it removes fluids from the body. It causes you to wee more often which leads to dehydration, causing symptoms such as headache, fatigue and dry mouth the day after.
So what can you do to help relieve the throbbing after a night out on the town?
First step: rehydrate
The first way to get over a hangover is to start drinking lots of water. This will help rehydrate the body and therefore reduce symptoms. Drinking lots of water, especially before you go to sleep after a night out will help your recovery. And you could try rehydration sachets, such as Dioralyte which will help replace lost minerals and salt, especially if you have been sick.
Then: Grab a painkiller
Over the counter painkillers are useful to help with headaches, muscle aches and pains. But choose your painkiller carefully: aspirin or ibuprofen may cause irritation of the stomach, increasing the risk of sickness, so it is better to take paracetamol. Soluble paracetamol is a good choice as it will start to work more quickly.
Consider a herbal remedy
There are many herbal remedies marketed for the treatment of hangover, but there is no compelling evidence to show that they are effective.
Herbal remedies containing milk thistle are commonly recommended. Milk thistle is said to help detoxify the liver by improving the regeneration of liver cells. Since alcohol is metabolised by the liver it is thought that taking milk thistle before and after night out will help your recover from a hangover. Try A.Vogels milk thistle complex.
Boost the vitamins
Taking an effervescent vitamin supplement such as Berocca containing vitamin B and C as well as calcium and magnesium may help the body recover from ingested toxins such as alcohol. Vitamin B and C are water soluble and levels of these may be lower after drinking too much, taking Berocca helps to replenish levels of these vitamins.
Can you prevent hangovers in the first place?
Unfortunately some people are more prone to hangover than others, but there are 5 steps you can take to try and prevent them if you know you’re going to be having a heavy night:
1. Time is a healer
Give your body time to metabolise the alcohol. Try to limit yourself to one drink per hour; the liver can break down alcohol approximately one unit of alcohol per hour.
Also, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks to limit the amount of alcohol consumed. This will also help to reduce the dehydrating effect of alcohol
2. Down a pint of H2O
Drink lots of water drink at least a pint of water before you go to sleep.